biglam/hmd_newspapers huggingface dataset:
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-10-10

THE ROYAL VISIT TO BIRMINGHAM.

Lord Aylesford had an interview on Monday with
the Mayor of Birmingham and Alderman Hawker.,
Chairman of the General Purposes Committee of the
Town Council, in order to make arrangements for the
approaching visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales
to Birmingham. It was arranged, subject to the ap-
proval of their Royal Highnesses, that the Royal
party should leave Pakington, the seat of the Earl of
Aylesford, at noon on Tuesday., the 3rd of November,
and drive into Birmingham, a distance of eight miles.
The Royal party will proceed through some of the
principal streets to the town hall, where the Prince
and Princess will be received by the mayor and cor-
poration and leading citizens, and probably an address
will be presented. The mayor will afterwards enter-
tain the Prince and Princess at luncheon. Some of
the principal manufactories of the town will be visited,
and their -Royal Highnesses will then return by road
to Packington, where the Prince will be the guest of
Lord Aylesford for a few days, and will shoot over
his preserves. Neither the Prince nor the Princess
has ever before visited Birmhighava.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-10-10

THE NEW LICENSING ACT.

On Saturday the 10th inst., the new law on the
closing of publichouses under the Licensing Act,
passed in the late Session, will take effect. All
premises in which intoxicatfrig liquors are sold, by
retail, are to be closed on and after that day, if situ-
ated in the metropolitan district, on Saturday night
from midnight until 1 o'clock in the afternoon of the
following Sunday ; on Sunday night from eleven until
5 on the following morning, and all other days from
half an hour after midnight until 5 o'clock on the same
morning. If situated beyond the metropolitan district
and in the metropolitan police district or in a town or
in a populous place as defined by the Act, on Saturday
night from 11 o'clock until half-an-hour after noon on
the following Sunday; on Sunday night from 10 until
6 o'clock the following morning, and on the nights of
all other days from 11 until 6 o'clock the following morn-
ing If situated elsewhere than in the metropolitan dis-
trict or the metropolitan police district, or such towns or
populous place as stated, on Saturday night from 10
o'clock until half-an-hour after noon on the following
Sunday; on Sunday night from 10 o'clock until 6
o'clock on the following morning, and on the nights of
all other days from 10 o'clock until 6 o'clock on the
following morning. Such premises, wherever situated,
save as mentioned, are to be closed on Sunday after-
noon, from 3 or half-pad 2, according to the hour of
opening, to be 1 o'clock in the afternoon or half an
hour after noon, until 6 o'clock. The premises, what-
ever situated, are to be closed on Christmas day and
Good Friday, and on the days preceeding Christmas
Day and Good Friday, as if Christmas day and Good
Friday were respectively Sunday and the preceding
day Saturday, but the provision is not to alter the
hours during which the premises are to be closed on
Sunday when Christmas day immediately precedes or
succeeds Sunday. The exemption as to publichouses
near theatres in the principal Act is repealed. "The
grant .4 an order of exemption under the said 26th
section as amended as aforesaid may be made to any
person licensed to sell beer or cider by retail to be con-
sumed upon the premises, as well as to any licensed
victualler or licensed keeper of a refreshment house.
The grant t 4 a licence under the 29th section of the
principal Act may be made to any person licensed to
sell her or cider by retail, to be consumed upon the
premises, as well as to any licensed victualler or keeper
of a refreshment house in which intoxicating liquors
are sold." Beyond the metropolitan district the
Licensing Justices may vary the hours of dosing on
Sunday afternoon, and the same to be advertised for a
month before its operation. There are provisions as to
early closing licences, which came into force on the
passing of the Act. Oa the 10th inst. the 24th section
of the former Act will be repealed as to the hours of
closing.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-05-30

LABOURING CLAStiRS.

The Trustees have to report that last rear the land has
been under let t 6623 Tenants, at a profit of .£BB O. 2,1.,
which with 15a. interest from the Savings' liguk.and 13s.
1,1. Incidentals, makes a total of .tB9 Ss. ad:

The Expecees have been 05 9s. 5d., chewing a profit
on the year of £3 18s. 10d. This stun added to the our.
plus of £3l lie. 00. as reported in 1872.Iuiakes *surplus
ter 1473, if all arrears were paid, of £3B 9s. 1014. There
is however £9 is. Md. to be diducted for voids and bsd
debts, reducing the amount to £29 Is. Md.. _ _

Since the accuunt eats made up the sum of £8 2d. 91.11-
haa been received, reduced the actual arrears to £23 is.
The increase in the item "Anneal Meeting "is on ac-
count of the cmt of the Dinner Tickets raised from 2.6
tot -, and that under Stationery "is due to the new tsar
of Iteetiving Cards" occurring every other year.
The abondonment of the Womb...urine Allotments, which
was foreseen last year. has now taken place. It will not
embarams the Association in any way, and the number
of tenants benefited by it is still large; but the lose, whieh
is the first material loss of the kind which the Association
has sustained during the many years of ita existence, is
to be lamented.

_
It is siugelar that with this exception the operations
of the'Association have nittiutaineil the same level for Cu
loug a time ; cud It is much to be wished that some of the
land-owners in this extensive area might be 'Relined to
place souse laud at our disposal.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-05-30

MR. BRIGHT ON CIVIL SERVICE

REFORM
The Nem York Timra ef May di publishes a letter
from Mr. John Bright, addreseed to the chairman of
the American Civil Service Commission. Mr. Bright
says:
The working of our Civil service Morin has met with
general approval, and after the experience of some years it
would be now impossible to go back to the old system The
present plan is felt to be more just to all classes, and it is
calculated to supply more capable men for the various
departments of the public service. Appointments with us
are to a large extent of a permanent eh:wader. No changes
In persona employed in Government shires, lit Custonis,
Excise, Post Office, and Telegraph departments take place
on a change of Government, and thus we avoid a vast source
of disturbance and corruption whioh would be open if the
contrary plan were adopted. lit these days, whets so much
Is done by the Governments, and when no many persons are
employed by them, it seems absolutely necessary to take
precautions againbt the aidedion of incompetent men and
against the corruption whielyunder the purest Administra-
tion is always a menacing evil Your proposed reform is a
great undertaking. l hope the good sense of your people
will enable you to meet it. All the friends of your country
in other nations will congratulate you on your success.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-05-30

" WOMAN'S WRONGS."
(From Peel,.)

THERE'S preaching from platforms and fighting of fights
By our sistma who shriek for "Woman's Rights,"
But ofPooch's sympathy more belongs
To his sisters who buffer from W011M11.9 Wrongs."

Her wrongs who must daily and nightly cower,
In the away of a brute with a tyrant's power,
Who ill sickening fear oilier life must go
From the killfng kick and the blinding blow.

Who, with all her sex's burdens. must weep
' Neath the weight of all man's strength can heap
On backs that their load at his will must take,
And hearts that, it they can't bear, may break

Knot well the nine tails, strand on strand,
For the brute ou a woman that lifts his hand.
And sharpen the claws of the eat to tear
Iji'jack with the pain he has made her bear.

And more power to CotoNEl.EaToti LEM
And more speed to the day Po aen hopes to see,
When, woman's wrongs done away to begin.
Her "rights" are all that is leit to a in.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-05-30

FOR PICTURE FRAMES,

G 0 to the Practical Maker, where every des.
cription of IIT I: RE FHA M ES, WINDOW
CORNICES, Brc., are manufactured ou the Premises,
Wholesale and Retail, by
D. LAMBERT,
House Decorator,
Gilder and
Picture Frame,
Manufacturer,
OLDSIVINFORD, Near STOUNBRIDO.4.

OLD PICTURE FRAMES, CORNICES,

AND MOULDINGS,

Of every description,
CLEANED, REPAIRED, or RE-GILT.
OLD PICTURES, Carefully Cleaned, Lined, andl

Restored.

L. having had 20 years' practical
• experience in all the above different Branches,
begs to inform the Gentry and Public generally that ha
bus now evary facility for executing any order that may
be entrusted to his care, which will meet with bar perso-
nal and prompt attention.
Orders by Letter will meet with strict attention.
Estimates given and Men of each Branch rent to any
part of the country.
Oentlemen may have their Ptcture Frames re-gilt on
their own Premises, if desired.

lir, R. JAMES BOSTON HEYS, Professor
./TA_ of Music, High•street, Cradley Heath.
N.B.—All kind. of Musical luatruments Vinci sad
repaired.
New Music at Half-price.
rIAN °FORTES FOR SALE OR HIRE.

TJ MANUFACTURERS AND COLLIERY

PROPRIETORS.

HASELL AND TRUMAN

MERCEIANTS AND IiENERAL

AGENTS.

Agents for Oils, Stripping, &c. Prices and Samples
kiwarded on application to—
London Office: 20, Cullonintreet,
Kiddenniniter: 25 and 2a, Saver-street.
The Use of _ _

THE GLENFIELD ;•TAIICIE
Alwa)s Secures
The Delight of the Laundress,
The Admiration of the Beholder,
Mad the Comfort of the Wearer.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-05-30

A CEMETERY DECIDED UPON.
DECLARATION OF THE POLL.

An amendment to the resolution propos-
ing to have a cemetery for Stourbridge and
Upper Swinford, having been passed at a
meeting held at the National Schools, Old-
swinford, a poll was demanded, and the re-
sult was declared on Wednesday evening.
The Corn Exchange was the place selected
to poll for Stourbridge, and the National
Schools for Oldswinford. Mr. G. Perry was
the returning officer for Stourbridge ; Mr.
Bernard for Oldswinford. The polling com-
menced at eight o'clock a.m., and closed at
four p.m., and from the energy displayed
there could not be a question as to the re-
sult. Conveyances were engaged for the
purpose of bringing up the voters, and con-
siderable excitement was manifested at times.
At Oldswinford, when it became known that
persons were voting for a cemetery, a num;
her of women, boys, and girls commenced a
dismal howl, many of them being under the
impression that those who were voting were
going in for cremation. Aont four o'clock,
a number of persons accompanied the Rev.
H. Sherrard to Upper Swinford, where the
poll was to be declared. On the party ar-
riving at the schools, they were greeted with
discordant yells from a large mob, composed
chiefly of females of the lower order. Mr.
Sherrard said as chairman of the meeting, it
was his duty to declare the state of the poll.
Upper Swinford :—For the original motion,
to have a cemetery, 243 ; for the amendment
that no cemetery was needed, IV6. Stour-
bridge :—For the motion, 968 ; for the am-
endment, 39 ; total number of votes for the
motion, 1,211; for the amendment, 136.
Majority for the motion -I,Q7°.
trfteott rose to move a resolution.
When

The Chairman said he was simply there
to declare the state of the poll, and that
having been done the meeting was at an
end.

The supporters of the resolution moved
in the direction of Stourbridge and were
followed a considerable distance by the mob,
who continued shouting.
The result of the poll has been forwarded
to the Secretary of State, requesting him to
sanction the formation of a Burial Board for
the united parishes.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-05-30

i THE BIRMINGHAM BUILDERS AND

THEIR MEN.

The Ilimputo between the builders of Birmingham
and their labourers, which has lasted seven weeks, was
settled on Monday, by the award of Mr. ltupert
Kettle, who accepted the invitation given by both
parties to arbitrate in the matter. The labourers
asked for an advance from 40. to id. per hour, and
after full discussion and a patient hearing the arbi-
trator made the following award :

" l'pon the distinct understanding that all conflict in the
trade between the employers and the labourers shall cease,
and that on the one hand the men ilow at work lw not inter-
fered with, and that on the other hand the men lately on
strike be taken into emplmment as occasion requires, with-
out regard to conduct during the strike, and that the rules
worked under for the future be the rules settled by me on
May 1, 1872, except that notice for a change-be given on the
lot Novenlh,er instead of on the Ist December in any year,
and that changes come into operation on the lot April instead
of the lot May, the other times as to notice being altered to
suit these dates, 1 award that tit:, wages of the labourers in
the building trade in Birmingham be raised from to-day to
the rate of Sid. per hour."

_
At the close of the proceedings a v,,te of thanks to
Mr. Kettle was unanimously Passed.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-05-30

THE IRON TRADE.

Owing to the Whitsuntide holidays there
is really no business beingdonein connection
with the trade, work having been suspended.
The attendance on 'Change at Wolverham-
ton, Wednesday, was very small, and scarcely
any transictions took place. The prices of
iron quoted by the leading firms still remain
'l4 for common marked bars, and other
St mite firms in the dis..
^ tbrnre as /12 per
-dile in
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-05-30

ASSIST}

-
UNDER THE NEW LAND ORDER REGULATIONS
The Government of South Australia are prepared to
Smut passages to the following persons-
1. Artisans, Agricultural and other Labourers, Miners
and Gardeners under 50 years of age.
2. Single Females Domestic Servants, or Widows
(without Children under 12) not exceeding 35 years
of age.
Subject to the payments as under :
For Males or Females under 12 yenta £3 each
Ditto ditto over 12 and under 40 4 „
Ditto ditto over 40 and under 50 8 „
Persons paying their own Paxsage.xeu!ive a Land War

- rant of the yalu;of £2O.
For further information apply to
Mr. M. PALFREY,
Ce.UlStreet, Stotirbridge,
Selecting kgeat.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-05-30

FATAL EFFECTS of MONDAY'S STORM.

During the raging of the storm on Illonday after-
noon a number of people in the Hackney marshes and
the neighbourhood took refuge at the "White House"
and the "White Hart" at Temple Mills. In the
gardens of the latter house there is an old tree of
gigantic dimensions, which has had fitted up in its
branches seats and tables, upon whieh refreshments
are served, the approach to which is by a ladder.
Under this tree an ohl man and his grandchild were
standing when the first flash of lighting occurred. It
struck the man to the ground dead, and severely in-
jured the child. The extent of the catastrophe was not
known for some time, when the body of the old man
was taken up and conveyed to the Hackney dead-house,
:tad the child, who is six years of age, was removed to
the workhouse. The lightning appears to have struck
the latter on t. le shoulder, and to have passed straight
down his right side to the calf of the leg. The old
man was struck on the hex I, his hat being cut into
ribbons, except the trim which was uninjured. His
hair and whiskers were scorched, alai his clothing was
burnt through, but his features were not in any way
distorted. The little boy was very cheerful, and has
been well cared for at the Hackney workhouse,
where he was placed under the care of Dr. Miller.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-05-30

MARRIAGE BY TELEGRAPH.

"A RARE AND NOBLE LIFE."

NEW ZEALAND.

A SUGGESTION FOR FARMERS.

If the State has undertaken what we may call the
literary education of the children of the poor, who re-
gards the far more important charge of the practical
education—i( their being made fit to make the best of
the fife before them (says the Builder)? Trade educa-
tion, properly so called, was understood by the old
guilds, but is now almo,it, if not altogether extinct.
Tins is a subject which can only -be efficieutlY
taken up by some such method as we propose.
The girls should be taught to sew, to knit, to plait,
to use their fingers in all deft women's work.
They should be taught to cook, to bake, to wash, to
understand the duties of a housewife. These things do
not come by nature. Poverty is bad enough; but
poverty in this country is rendered far more pinching
than it would otherwise be by that sheer waste which
results from the total want of education in domestic
duty. Nor should such teachings be confined to the
girls. Why should the boys not be taught those
things in which man can aid himself or his fellow—
taught them with definite plan, and the wisdom of
practical experience, and not left to pick them up, any-
how, or not to pick them up at all? A lad does not
know by nature how to groom a home; how to tend a
cow; how to frail and manage &mastic animals of
every kind; how to till the corner of the field; or to
make the a
there
a source of profit, of health, and of
delight. Again, ere is the question of sickness—not
the parish doctor alone, but that tendance which our
grandmothers were wont to give to the people around
their gates; the good counsel, or the strengthening
' food, or the timely remedy., that shall rather avert
disease than leave it till it becomes so formidable
that it demands the doctor. In sickness, most emi-
nently, a stitch in time is the saving of nine. This is
another subject for a real agricultural union to take
up. If the employers of agricultural labour will
organise and head unions (call them by what name you
of the great agriculturist class that shall thus
participate the real wants of the labourer, and aid him
in that which he now dimly desires, the raising of his
I position, the wind will be taken entirely out of the sails
I of those whose first and last word is, "Strike for
I higher wages."—Boilder.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-05-30

BANQUET AT CAMBRIDGE

At a banquet held at the Guildhall, Cambridge, on
Tuesday (the Mayor of Cambridge presiding, and the
Lord Lieutenant of the County, and many other lead-
ing agriculturists being present), in connection with the
laying the foundation stone of the New Corn Exchange,
Mr. T. V. Webb, the chairman of the Chamber of
Agriculture for the county, was called on to respond
for Prosperity to Agriculture," when he took occa-
sion to make some remarks with reference to the lock-
out. He reminded them that agriculture had made very
rapid strides during the last twenty-five years, and if
they would successfully maintain the position, it must '
be by industry and perseverance. Agriculturists did
not consist of one class merely, but of three—the
landlord, tenant, and the labouring classes. He
strongly counselled the farmers, if they could with

honour to themselves, to make up the ititlerencs-s with
their labourers by means of a cisupromise. The time
was opportune, and he trusted that the farmers would
not stand out upon a pint of Ii flour, but would con.
!cede to the men what, he maintained, they had •
,right to demand.. He uttered these reins! ks the ,
ot hang her. had ap, opportutiity of express
• opiniens t A„. though he whole ciaon
as wit, the iurers the Ilight and jus
their eombi a on. He'-hoped lie farmers would
see that they must ive way to that right and
justice: ("Hear, hear, 'and "'No.-) He only hoped
that the farmers would accept the proposition now
put before them, and meet the views so ably put to
them by others, by accepting the compromise. now
odered. ("No, n 0..") He could not, of course, ex-
pect that his views would be acceptiable to every-
body; but his feelings was that they should ji
with the labourers in thinking that unions were
necessary M the success of all agricultural opera-
tions. It is only fair to say (adds our correspondent)
that these opinions coming from a landlord and
a gentleman, held in high repute in Cambridge-
shire, did not appear to meet without a willing
response from either landlords or tenant farmers
present Several tenant farmers have in conversation
expressed their willingness to recognise a combinatbm
of labourers, if the labourers, would with the dictation of
the Leaming ton or any other executives, deal diroct with
the farmers, and not go to Leamington or London for
permission to accept or reject a certain amount of
wage. Several of these farmers objected strongly
to the refusal of the Chamber of Agriculture to discus"
the matter, stating that they ci iuld adduce strong
arguments in favour of the fumers' side of the quarrel.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-05-30

(Signed)
LYTTELFON,
H. W. FOLEY, TrusteLs.
R. P. TURNER.

May 4th, 1874.

Lord Lyttelton then awarded the prizes, which
consiste of bibles, testaments, and forks, to the
tenants who had the best cultivated allotments
during the past year. This having concluded the
business part of the proceedings. Lord Lyttelton
then left.

The annual dinner of the members was held in
a spacious marquee on the ground near the hotel.
Mr. W. H. Foley presided, and amongst those
present were the Rev. Dr. Cosens (Dudley), Revds.
U. Halls (Cleat), R. P. Turner (Churchill), H.
Sherrard (of this town), J. Hodgson (Kinver), W.
J. Reale (Wombourno, Mr. C. P. Noel, Mr. B.
Williams, Mr. C. Evers, d.c. After an excellent
meal bad been partaken of

jr. W. H. Fo'ley said it was always the oustom
at those annual meetings to chink a few toasts
Wherever loyal subjects were—and that was
wherever Englishmen were—the first toast was the
Health of Her Majesty the queen."
The Chairman next gave the "Health of the
Bishops and Clergy of the two Dioceses of Lich.
field and Worcester. The district that the club
. . .

extended over included clergymen of both these
dioceses. They had been honoured that day with
the services of a distinguished man, and he would
couple with the toast the name of Dr. Cosens.
Dr. Cosens, in replying, said he was giad to see
ladies there that day, who were members of the
society, although their number was very few. He
was afraid the gentlemen members of the society
were rather ungallant, or they would bring more of
their wives and sweethearts to these annual
dinners. He had to thank them for the kind way
in which the toast had been proposed and received
by them. He believed although he belonged to the
diocese of Worcester, he was nearer to Lichfield
than some of the others. He saw a great many
present who were not in church that morning; but
he supposed it was too far to get. He had only to
thank them for the compliment they had done him,
and to express a wish that that society might con-
tinue to flourish. He thought when they heard
the balance-sheet read they ought to be very grati-
fied at belonging to such a society; and he was rely
glad he had that day been made a vice-president
of it. He was quite sure the clergy would always
be ready to help forward so good and excellent a
cause as that for which they had met together.
He begged to propose a toast which he knew would
be received with very great enthusiasm. It was
that of their chairman, and he would ask them to
give it. with three times three.

- Mr. Foley responded, acd afterwards proposed
the health of Lord Lytteltum which was responded
to in a similar manner to the preceding toast.
The ltev. IL P. Turner propossed the health of
Mr. John Taylor, the secretary of the club, and
testified to the valuable services he had rendered
to the club.

Mr. Taylor briefly responded, and the proceed-
ings then terminated.

The day being remarkably fine, myriads of per-
sons visited the grounds, to enjoy the various
amusements provided for their delectation.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-05-30

KINVER SCHOOL HOARD.

A meeting of tilts Board was held on Tuesday, at be
Girlv' Board School. There were present the Rev. Jobs
Hodgson (chairman), Messrs. Bolton, Bunn, and Jordan.
the Chairman read a letter from the Educati a Deport.
meat approving of the new scale of fee+ to be paid at this
Board school, adopted by the Board at the hut meeting.
The Clerk was instructed to send to every ratepayer
rated in the sum of Xti, or upwards, a copy of the report
of the work accomplished by the first School Board dur-
ing their term of office. _ .

ittr. Jordan moved—" That the visiting officer do forth-
with serve notices upon the parents or guardians at all so.
fonts in the district between the ages of live and seven,
and of all girls between seven and thirteen, not attending
school, requiring them to send such infants and girls to
school, and that he do take such further steps as may be
necessary to enforce their attendance at school." in so
doing, Mr. Jordan said that be considered the time had
arrived for taking this step, as it appeared from the re-
turn prepared by the Clerk, in acourdruce with a resolu-
tion of the Hoard, that there were over 100 such infanta
and girls in the district not attending any school, and as
there was now sufficient accommodation for them, and
the school fees would be reduced after.the 24th Juno nest
he thought there could no longer be good reason for not
sending them to school.

The in.Ltioa wuecon4ed by the C'hairaiau, and carried
unanimoarly.

CORRESPONDENCE.

STOURBRIDGE BURIAL GROUND.
To the Editor of the "Observer.'

Sia,—The rstepavers know now that they have to
thank Mr. Prescott for putting them to the expense and
turmoil of the very futile contests of Wednevdsy ; but it
is some satisfaction to right-thinking people to find that
be is so little supported in his wrong-headed and wrong.
hearted opposition to things which ate for the public
good.

Yours truly,
A RATEPAYER.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-05-30

sorts in prow...
triet at selling at as low
ton. A slight improvement is nota
the demand for sheets. The demand for pig
iron is dllll, atol prices have a downward
tentleney. llot blast ull-mine is selling at
11; to il; ; cinder 12s. 6d. up to tt
per ton. Dorin!4 the some additional
blast fit entices hase been put out at IlesArs.
Groueutt and lessrs. Ward's furnaces.
TheA. prospert ‘.l. :my Aeration to
note taking place until the dispute in the
coal trade terminates.

.endance on 'Change at Birmingham
of iroumaster and merchants was
here were few transactions re-
any inrortance. There was, how-
loderat c nkiitig of small order
edit v delivery, and prices were a
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-05-30

CO IMISSIONERS MEETING.

The ust ,a 1 monthly meeting of this body was
held in th tl Board Room, on Monday, Mr. Me
Ewen i 4 the chair. There were also present
Messrs. E aghes, Perkin, Youug„Billiughtun,
Mills, Sta u. 'ey, Kelley, and Woolley.
'1 he nit ...a tea of the last meeting were read and
contirme4.

he therk read the following letter from the
Endowed Sol tools Commissfoners
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-05-30

TILE MAIDEN'S PRAYER.

Cremate rne, mother darling, cremate me, motherdear,
Mao my twenty-dollar braid, likewise my new back hair ;
Let not the worms feed on this cheek ; au ! save me from
_ that fate,

InciWititeTiLther dading—lnenfrate or cremate.
We do not remember to have seen any epitaph in
which a man's virtues are more concisely stated than that
upon the late Mr. Mink :

The angels to-night, in their mansions of light,
Are a-waltzin"round Anthony Mink ;
He was faithful and kind as any you'll flail,
And gin was his favourite drink."

An American literary gentleman, after the night-
mare, Wants to give his remarks upen ghosts. He says:- -
" A ghost is ahout sft. 71w in height, and weighs from 4 to 6
ounces. They and afraid on nothing, and will hang round a
grave) ard at kareless as a skoolboy will round a norehard in
green-apple time. They are like a meat meaty other things
in this world—often heard ov, but seldom seen. I will give
15 hundred dollars to see a alma, and 250 dollars more to
own one but i want one kaught whole and- not hurt. 11l
friend Phineas T. Barnum will take a whole drove ov them
at the same price per ghost, and not quarrel about the
gender. Therefore bring your ghosts."

AN AMERICAN MANNER OF PUTTING IT.—A lioness
In Forepaugh's Circus scalped a Baltimore boy who ventured
too close to her cage. The gentle youth was endeavouring
to exhibit the accuracy of his saliva at shin t range, when the
leonine maiden mashed him with an angry claw, and licked
the blood 110111 it with the air of all epicure.

A MODEL HUSBAND FROM THE LAND OF Ficrlos.
—" He admired his wife no ranch that he used to light the
candle three times every night to look at her; and he he.
some a vary nelehrato.l hanicropt twel or Ors. timon "

There is a fitness in the facetious Mark Twain
having a funny-looking house. The residence he has Just
built in Hartford, U.S., where he is going to set up as a
family man, is described as a cross between a shot tower and
a deaf and dumb asylum.
Passengers to the Pacific by rail breakfast in the
Sierras with twenty feet of snow around them ; four hours
later they find wheat four inches high, and the next day see
pear and peach trees in blossom.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-05-30

WESLEYAN METHODISM.

soldiers, will give, no doubt, a further impulse to the
military organization of Germany, and will set in the
same direction, through Germany, upon all the larger
States of Europe. Most other evils have at least some
tendency to cure themselves. but here there ii no such
hope, but the prospect only of a continual and un-
limited increase. Europe is striving still to add to the
numbs of her effective soldiers. Her present state is
scarcely less truly our of actual war, though no shot is
fired in anger and no trumpet as yet blown for battle.
Her armies are arrayed against one another, though
none of them has passed beyond the limits of its own
frontiers. ' Modern war has long been a question of
comparative resources, and these are expended during
the continuance of peace as lavishly as they could be
if the very name of peace had been given up. If such
a state of things is permitted to continue, it will he a
' disgrace to European statesmen. It is on their
• shoulder, that the real blame is to be laid. It is
they who have fostered the mutual suspicions
which have thus led unnecessarily to mutual
ill-
feeling. To whatever causes all this is to be ascribed.
whether we are to refer it to the misplaced timidity of
those by whom it has been brought about or to mere
vanity and love of military display, the fact remains
still that the evil work done is almost as great as any
the world has yet suffered from, and is even more
difficult to remedy. Our hope must be that the great
nations of Europe will outgrow their present follff,
and turn their attention to worthier and more pro-
fitable aims, and we wish only that we could discern
any signs that gave near prospect of so important a
revolution.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-05-30

little firmer that on last Thursday. Any
little advance in price that may have taken
place, however, is accounted for by the
number of furnaces that are now out of blast,
and the small quantity of iron that is in
consequence being produced. Merchants
still cling to the hope that soon after the
miners have all resumed work at the reduction
proposed by the masters a material fall in
tile price of finished iron will be announced,
and they are waiting anxiously for the
realisation of their wishes, in orderthat they
may distribute their specifications so long
withheld. Very many of the colliers, how-
ever, remain on strike by direction of the
leaders of the movement, and it is not certain
whether, as was supposed, they will be
instructed to resume work immediately after
the holidays, although there is little doubt
they will sooner or later be obliged to do so
at the reduced terms, judging from the
feeling of a few of the masters on 'Change
yesterday. Belgian iron has slightly fallen
off in demand. In the course of the meet-
ing it was stated that thick coal had that
morning been struck in the trial sinking at
Sandwell Park. and during the evening
specimens were exhibited, which were
confidently looked upon as a fresh proof that
the mining estate at Sandwell will prove a
most valuable one. It was rumoured that
the shares have increased iu value.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-05-30

J. MoEwen, Esq.

B

HALESOWEN.

&now. Saamons.—On Sunday lut three sermon.
were preached in the Congregational Chapel, Halesowee,
and collections made on behalf of the Sunday Schools
connected therewith. The Bev. T. M. Horton, of Wols
verhampton, preached morning and evening ; and Mr. H.
J. Jordan, of Tettenhall Wood, preached in the after.
noon The services were well attended. The school
children sang very nicely, and the collections amounted
to the handsome sum of £4O.

CHILDEINN't3 WHITSON-FESTIVAL —On Tuesday last the
friends of the Independent. Primitive Methodist and New
Connexion Sunday Schools, gave their school children
their usual annual treat of cake, tea, ke. The various
schools met about mid-day, at their respective places,
from which they were led by their ministers, teachers,
and other friends to form in procession, and walked
through the principal parts of the town, thence along
1., rye Lane, &c. It wits intended to have taken the whole
of them to a field, kindly placed at their disposal by T.
Bissell, Esq., of Webb's Green; but the weather being of
rather doubtful character, the Primitive Methodist and
New Connexion Schools departed from the original in-
tention, and each took their scholars to their on places,
and made them as comfortable as possible under the eir.
cumstanceo The Independent schools, however, with
the exception of the very smallest of the children, went
into the field, the weather brightened up, awl the scho-
lars enjoyed themselves with various amusements until
about five o'clock, when they returned to the school, had
their treat, and were sent home highly pleased with their
afternoon's entertainment. On Wednesday the annual
tea meeting was held in the school room of the hide-
pendent Chapel, and a goodly number ef persona sat
down to an excellent tea; after which a public meeting
was held, over which the Her. M. O. Astbury, presided.
Readiuga were given and addresses delivered by several
friends; and the Bow. Johnson, of Penzance, late =is.
aionary from British Guiana, gave • very interesting
sketch of his travelo, • deseiption of the place, climate,
d:c. The meeting was terminated by the usual formates
of votes of thanks. ,kc.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-05-30

CUTTINGS FROM AMERICAN PAPERS.

The cremationists say they can lout your body and
hand you the ashes neatly d,:ue up in a paper bag for
the small sum of two dollars.

A Vermonter advertises "unprecedented, unpa-
ralleled, unapproachable, unadulterated, confectionery."

•
A Red Wing, Minn., justice of peace, lately had
to knock a culprit down with a chair before he could try him.

- •
A Hard-shell Baptist preaehad in Washington
lately, and took for his text—'. God made loan in His own
image." Ile then commenced—, An honest man is the
noblest work of God." lie made a long pause, looked
searchingly about the audience, and exclaimed—" But I
opine there has not been a job in this city for nigh on to
fifteen years."

A Kentucky editor, being challenged by a county
treasurer for calling hint 'the red-headed malignant mule
who di, Bionic, the county money," produoed his manuscript
and showed that he wrote " the big-hearted, valiant soul who
dispenses the county money." The treasurer withdrew the
challenge and substituted an invitation to an oyster supper
Instead.

Memento and relic-hunters in America are as inde-
fatigable an Old World tourists to Egypt or Rome. The
visitors to Mr Sumner's house have become so unsparing
that it has become necessary to close the house to save it
from hwing carried off bodily. One day the person in charge
at the house had all the buttons at train his dress meit by a
party of ladies and gentlemen, who found the toat lying on a
bed, and supposed it to have been Mr. Sumner's

- -
A bachelor one day net the table in his lonely abode
with plates for himself and an imaginary wife and five
children. Ile then sat down to dine, and as often Rs lie
helped himself to food he put the same quantity on each of
the other plates, awl sir veyed the prospect, at the same time
computing the cost. Ile is still a bachelor.

.it.guat:dian of the peace in New York made his first
essay as a "mounted policeman " one day last week, by
grasping the horse's tail, and attempting to dinib up that
way. The surgeon subsequently remarked that no horse
ever had a liner opportunity, .sr took advantage of it with
such perfect knowledge of " kiekngraphy."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-05

THE PRICE OF HORSES.

Colonel Kingscote, M.P. speaking at the dinner
held in connection with the thirteenth annual exhibi-
tion of the Gloucester Farmers' Club, said the price
of horseflesh had very much increased. Population
increased, and more people got money, and those
people required horses and liked to get the best. It
had often puzzled him in former years where on
earth the horses could be bred, and, what was more,
how OR earth they could be bred to any profit for
the price given for them. He (lid not mean the best
class of horses, but such as were used in the cavalry
and artillery. The utmost price given for them at
one time was 4:30. He asked practical men how
they could breed a horse at a profit for kW. Ile
had asked dealers how the farmers managed to do
it, sod they said the fact was they bred four or five,
and if they got a little money out of one of them
they thought they got money out of the lot, but they
lost by all. (Laughter.) However, the time had come
when they could breed a horse to some profit. He
knew more capital was required than to breed oxen
and sheep, but, at the price horseflesh was now, if
they used their judgment carefully, he felt convinced
that they could breed horses at a profit. Referring
to the evidendb he had given in the House of Lords,
the gallant colonel said he thought the money given
in Queen's plates might be usefully and properly given
for the encouragement of people keeping horses in
different districts of the country. He added that such
a price was now given by the Govennuent for cavalry
and artillery horses as to make it worth a farmer's
while to keep a mare or two.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-05

REPORT OF THE IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE.

Bowling Green Lane. —Your Committee re-
port that the paving ordered to be done in this
street, has been carried out.
&werage.—A tender has been received from
Mr. Samuel Harris, to construct a 9-inch sewer
from tho top of West-street to the Foley Arms,
Beauty Bank, for the sum of £54 ss, which your
Comniitt( e advise be accepted. They recom-
mend, however, that gratings should be connec-
ted with the sewer to carry off the surface
drainage. . .

On the motion of Mr. Stanley, seconded by
Mr. Woolley, the report was adopted.
On the motion of Mr. Hughes, seconded by
Mr. Woolley, a rate of 94 in the pound was
signed.
The Clerk said it was estimated on an assess-
ment of £17,785 to produce .t. 626 6s 10d.
In answer to one of the Commissioners,
The Clerk said that the whole of the last rate
was not collected by Mr. Dorricott. as he had
been in a bad state of health.
An animated discussion ensued, in which
several of the commissioners expressed their
opinion that the old rate should be collected be-
fore the new rate. If not it would be a great
hardship upon those who had paid.
Mr. Allsopp said that without exception, Mr.
Dorricott was the best collector they had had
for many years, and he thought although he was
behind with the collection owing to ill health,
they should bear with him a little longer.
Mr. Perkin said if the arrears were not paid
before the next meeting, they should be sum-
monsed.

After some farther discussion,
Mr. Hughes moved that the Clerk be instruc-
ted to write to Mr. Dorricott, telling him that if
he was unqble to collect the monies in and per-
form his duties he must get the assistance of
some one. Otherwise, the Commissioners would
call upon him to resign.
This was seconded by Mr. Allsvp, and car-
ried.

Mr. Perkin moved that the reporters be fur.
Lashed with a list of the attendances of Com-
missioner.. at the meetings of the Board during
the past year. The following is the list : Four-
teen meetings have been held from September
29th to August 31st, 1874—East Ward, Mr.
MeEwen, 13; Mr. Billingham, 12; Mr. All-
church, 11; Mr. Edwards, 8 ; Mr. Turney, 5;
Mr. Griffin, 5; Mr. J. Hughes, 1 ; Mr. Frank-
lin, 0; Mr. Prescott, 0. West Ward Mr.
Kelly, 13; Mr. Perkin, 12; Mr Woolley,
10; Mr. Mills, 10; Mr. Young, 8; Mr. W. H.
Scott, 1; Mr. Watkius, 0; Mr. Thorne,
0; Mr. Peon, 0. SJuth Ward—Mr. H. Hughes,
12; Mr. Stanley, 11 ; Mr. Allsopp, 8; Mr.
Newnan., 3; Mr. Blunsotn, 1; Mr. Emery, 1;
Mr. J. Walker, 1; Mr. Packwood, 0; Me. Blew,
0.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-05

A JAPANESE "DERBY."

On the outskirts of Yeddo there is a race-course,
where, twice a-year, the upper crust and much of the
lower stratum of the city and surrounding country
assemble to witness the " Derby " of the Orient (says
a Japanese correspondent). Hither come jockeys, clad,
many of them, in grotesque imitation of the time-
honoured costume of that ilk; and here are brought
cross-eyed, bristly-named, crooked-legged brutes, whose
first destination should have been the shambles. The
track is ingeniously arranged with an eye to the amuse-
ment of the public. The turns are so sharp that it
requires an extra balance-wheel and a firm confidence
in the integrity of one's centre of gravity to go
around them faster than a walk. As in a
beautiful landscape-garden one views with pleasure
the charms of nature heightened by art, so there the
peaceful serenity which is apt to cloud the rider's mind,
and make him feel as though the order of his internal
machinery had been reversed, is increased as he beholds
with what care and consideration all the natural
roughnesses and declivities that strew his way have
been cherished and perpetuated by the hand of art.
The Japanese public would regard itself as the victim
of gross deceit, should it happen that there were no
troubles at the races. High and lofty vaulting,
broken heads, and fractured limbs, are regarded as
necessary adjuncts of the sport ; and that man would
be bold indeed who dared to ruffle the complacency of
the pleasure-loving populace of Yeddo by straightening
the break-neck turns of the race-track. Some one
has poetically described a good rider and a fine horse
as being of " one mind." At a Japanese race it would
seem as though each rider and pony had forty minds
between them. The rider has a mind to go ahead, and
the pony has a mind to go anywhere and everywhere
else but where his rider wants him to go. The " start "
is always enlivened by playful contests between the
two, which generally end to the p,ny's satisfaction.
And when those who retain their seats are ow.* fairly
under way, stringing along one after the other, sud-
denly some pony in the line will remember a forgotten
engagement, and bolt off sideways, to fulfil it; another
will be filled all at once with a desire to eat some of
the spectators, and will rush pell-mell over the ropes;
while still another will be actuated by an uncon-
trollable wish to stop and scratch his ear with one of
his hind feet. All of the little incidents give variety
to the scene, and add much to the pleasure of the
Japanese spectators.—Pictorial World.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-05

A HINT RESPECTING THE RAILROAD

WHISTLE.

The Pall Mall Gaatte remarks:—" Of cour,e,no one
would wish to prevent engines from whistling when
occasion requires—it is not the use but the abuse
of the whistle which is objectionable. The whistle
may very properly be sounded to prevent a railway
accident, but it is difficult to believe that there can be
any necessity for the continual whistling in which
engines indulge in the very places where, by such
noises, they inflict the greatest amount of annoyance
and danger by destroying and preventing sleep and
frightening testless horses. Moreover, even if it be neces-
sary to make hideous noises for the purpose of conducting
railway traffic, surely it is possible for the ingenuity of
man to devise some less hideous noise than that
of the whistle. This question has lately been taken
up seriously in the United States, where the Corpo-
ration of Boston have made a complaint to the Rail-
road Commissioners of Massachusetts that the citzens
are annoyed by the sharp railroad whistle which in one
crossing is sounded more than 300 times in a day.
The Commissioners find that it is questionable whether
in its effects on invalids and horses such frequent annoy-
ing whistling does not occasion a greater loss of life than
would ensue from its total suppression. They regard it
as "a singular relic of the crude expedients employed in
the past" that the companies should disturb whole
communities in order to attract the attention of their
own servants; and suggest that electric signals and a
bell, with flagmen at level crossings, would answer
every purpose except in the management of freight
trains and as signal of danger. For this last purpose
the value of the whistle, it is remarked, would be
greatly increased by abolishing that frequent use of it
which leads people to pay little attention to it. In this
country, it is intended as a signal of danger, the normal
state of railway engines should be one of whistling;
but in truth the whistle has become not a signal but a
cause of danger, and this probably is the reason why
it is so often and so needlessly sounded."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-09-05

NOTICE.

THE MIDLAND BANKING COMPANY
(LIMITED)

WILL OPEN

A BRANCH AT .STOURBRIDGE
ON THURSDAY, the 10th SEPTEMBER,

155, HIGH STREET,

Cfl ARLES I'NOC KEIL
_ _
General snaps.
_ .

London, 31st August, 1874.

LOWE It GROUNDb ASTON.—
ifIESE EgAUTISUL GROUNDS ARS
OPEN DAILY.
SUMMER DISPLAY OF FLOWERS.
BOATING on the Lake, which hoe been enlarged
made perfectly aide by the water brag on.) 4 het Olathe,
deep all ever.
......

Every Monday, Weduesday, and Saturini, nYNEIta
suit 611.1ILIEn CEI.E.Bi.A LED BAND; vvery
day, '1 huisday, and Friday, 10EN lat Atilt
BAND. Erotu Ihrte till dusk..

ADMISSION-ADU L'lS, 31). h.,0.11.
CHILDREN

6 Id.

ft
I. ,unlyi ickAta

SEASON IICKEIS n.Ay he
is. AtOrksion, iod. CO.

H. (I. 4,..1.11L11.R, Proprietor.
UI.:GEON
I)ENTIS r.

A. 11.

M It.

BROADHURST::
FGS respectfully to announce to the
t,bnl,itaut of Etombri4e ami its Tidally, Out
he may be Coosao.o every FiuTAT, from 10 a.m. to 6
p.m., at Mr. PAGLTIVS. 18. I:l6ll,ll.tbET C'tst
to thy TTlhat Hotel), urn till points app•rta.i.o.g
Deaostry, both io the Surgival MEd Meel.i. A,A: ,••
ment,, mol trusts thst by striet aeLerd.e. to V. •
Charge. seri the cmph*ymeht of to.st
Worbmausbip to men a Air.l'e vf their hind pat Jnags
awl euprort.