The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1887-09-24 00:00:00

EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE.

As regards the damage caused by the riot at Lillie-
bridge on Monday, the wreck of the wooden struc-
tures used as stands was most complete, and traces of
the violence of the rioters was on Tuesday apparent
in every part of the grounds. The pavilion at the
back of the grand stand, used pertly as a refreshment
room and partly for purposes connected with the
management, has been burnt to the ground. In front
of this portions of the asphalte pavement have been
torn up, the pieces having been used as missiles with
which to pelt the police, and these were lying
scattered about, together with broken bottles and
fragments of palings. A stand running alongside the
road to the right of the entrance has been turned into
a heap of broken benches and boards, and in several
parts of the ground are charred remains of piles of the
wooden fences which were ignited. During Tuesday a
large number of people visited the spot, but only
those having business were allowed to go upon the
premises. The grounds belong to Colonel Gunter,
M.P., and Major Rasch, M.P. It is understood that
Colonel Gunter and his solicitor came from York-
shire to town during the day, and that an inspection
of the place was made by the manager. It is im-
possible to estimate the -extent of the damage done,
though probably it will not reach a very large
amount. It appears that about eight policemen were
injured while engaged in endeavouring to quell the
disturbance, but fortunately their injuries, which con-
sist mostly of cuts and bruises are not of a serious
character. One mounted constable who rode on to
the ground received an ugly cut on the head, and was
knocked off his horse. Owing to the smallness of the
force present, and to the overwhelming strength of the
mcb, the police were only able to make three arre44,
two of the prisoners being broughtup on Tuesday at the
Hammersmith Police-court and remanded in custody.
With reference to the future of the grounds, and the
prospects of any proceedings being instituted against
those responsible for the riot, it is stated that at
present no decision has been arrived at. It is,
however, probable that some action will be
taken, as it is said to be known who was mainly
responsible for the commencement of the disturbance.
Whatever is done, it is thought likely that the grounds
will not be used again for the purposes of sport. The
causes astiigned for the race not being run are some-
what conflicting, but it is alleged that a bookmaker
and his friends were instrumental in preventing the
running. Tne statement is that a bookmaker who
had taken heavy odds against one of the competitors,
thinking that if the race were run he would lose,
employed a number of men to intimidate the com-
petitors. These men, it is said, went to the dresaing-
room soon after the arrival of Hutchens and Gent,
and, producing knives and other weapons, threatened
them with violence, and in consequence of this they
were compelled to leave the building.

An interesting ceremony has taken place at the
Church of St. Francis of Paola at Naples. The King
and Queen stood godfather and godmother at the
christening of two fine Abyssinian boys who were
brought to Italy by Major Piano, one of the prisoners
of Ras Alain. The Queen has promised to present them
with the first uniform of lieutenant when they leave
the military school of L'Annunziazione, where they are
being educated at the King's expense.
A telegram from Kurrachee reports the rapid progress
at Manors of the defence works. The new battery will
be masked from an enemy approaching from the sea.
The guns will be mounted on the Monerieff system, by
which, with the aid of hydraulic power, they are
elevrted at the time of firing, the recoil carrying the
gtm back tinder shelter for reloading. The new battery
will be finished and ready to receive the guns now on
the way horn England before the elose of the year.