Extracts from

THE IRONBRIDGE WEEKLY JOURNAL

1869

relating to Broseley and District

Broseley Local History Society

2008

17th July 1869

BROSELEY

SUNDY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY.—On Sunday last two sermons were preached in the Congregational Chapel, by the Rev. C Croft, minister of the Congregational Chapel, Abbey Foregate, Salop, in behalf of the Sunday Schools in connection with the former place of worship. After each sermon a collection was made, realising £7 4s.  the choir sang hymns and pieces. One of the scholars also recited a piece. On the following day a tea-party was held in the Schoolroom adjoining the chapel, after which a public meeting was held. Addresses were delivered by Mr S. Evans, the pastor and Messrs. Dunnill and Harvey. On each occasion also the choir attended and executed several pieces. On Tuesday the children of the schools were treated to cake and tea at Benthall Edge, after which they enjoyed a variety of innocent sports and a very pleasant afternoon was spent.

A tea-party was given on Monday last, in a field at Benthall, near Broseley, by the Rev. T Degan, the Catholic Priest at Madeley, to about 70 children belonging to his congregation at Broseley. The children were taken to the place of amusement by the governess and it was a real pleasure to see how they enjoyed themselves, and what justice was done to the tea and sweets, of which there was an abundance.

APLEY

GRAND PICNIC.—On Tuesday afternoon last the members of the Literary and Scientific Institution, Bridgnorth, who annually have a sort of re-union or social gathering, were this year, thought he kindness of W O Foster Esq., enabled to meet in Apley Park. No better place could possibly have been chosen; indeed there is no place in the county more suitable, or indeed more beautiful, and the public showed their appreciation of the choice made by attending in unequalled numbers. River, road, and rail had their respective freights, and unexampled demand was made for tea and for admission to the grounds, the latter being a small sum. At Coalport upwards of 250 railway tickets were issued on the arrival of the 4.16 train to Linley, where a barge was in readiness to put visitors over; and according to the number who passed out of the courtyard after teas 2,600 at least must have partaken of the refreshing repast.  Quite 400 more we imagine had either taken tickets or in some way found admission to the park making about 3,000 persons. The kindness of Mr Foster in allowing the use of his exquisitely-beautiful domain for the celebration of such an event is beyond all praise, and must, we feel sure, to walk, as all were privileged to do, through the ornamental grounds, the garden terraces overlooking the Severn, the lawn in front of the house, and the conservatory, the latter itself was worth the visit, from the excellence and variety of the plants and flowers and rare exotics it contains, many of which were deservedly admired. Among the more noticeable were several varieties of Aleareasias, and some Caladiums (whie and coloured), and some very splendid creepers, including a very pretty variety or two of passé de flora. The park we need not attempt to describe to anyone who has ever visited it. Rich and full in summer foliage as the tall elms and wide spreading chestnuts and sycamores are just now, the scene from the front of the Hall, and still more from the point on the terrace fittingly known as the Belle Vue, was exquisitely charming. Soon after tea the band of the 4th Shropshire Rifle Volunteers, under the leadership of Mr S lee Cover, took up a position beneath the trees, and dancing commenced. The following was the programme:- Country dance, “Medley”; quadrille, “Vernon,” W Cover; Polka, “Apley Terrace,” W. Cover; lancers, “Original”; schottische, “Morning Star,” W Cover; quadrille, “Ramsgate Sands,” Burckhardt; gallop, “Velocipede,” W Cover; lancers, “Champagne Charlie,” Marriott; varsoviana, “Rose Bud,” W Cover; schottische, “Evening Star,” A Bevington; quadrille; “Immensikof,” Marriott; polka, “Sunshine,” W Cover; National Anthem. No formal vote of thanks was passed to the noble owner of Apley for the privilege of the day, as that gentleman was not there to receive it; but such thanks will no doubt be conveyed by the committee through the president, John Pritchard, Esq., who were glad to see present on the occasion, together with Mrs Pritchard and other ladies and gentlemen taking an interest in the proceedings. The following bill of fare will convey something like as idea of the consumption at tea:- Plum cake 1,000lbs; bread, 600 lbs; butter, 80lbs; sugar, 150lbs; tea 25lbs.; milk 25 gallons; besides which a large reserve was kept in hand in case of emergency.

24th July 1869

BROSELEY.

DRAMATIC COMPANY.—On Sunday evening, and amateur dramatic company recently formed here gave their first performance, in the Town hall, aided by one or two professionals. The whole was very creditable given, and repetition would inspire a confidence which would give a greater effect to the piece. The act-drops were the work of Mr Lucas, late of Coalport China Works, and the scenery by Mr W Powell and assistants.

On Sunday evening the Rev Mr Marshall preached a sermon in behalf of the Curates’ Augmentation Fund, when the sum of £6 13s 6d was collected.

SCHOOL TREAT.—This pleasing event took place on Monday, when the children and teachers of the Birch Meadow Sunday-school met to partake of the bounties supplied for the occasion—currant cake and tea. The arrangements were very good, and judiciously carried out. After tea they adjourned to a field near to the chapel (kindly lent by Mr John Burnet), where they soon formed themselves into groups according to their age, and amused themselves in innocent pastimes until nearly eight o’clock. Three cheers were given for Mr Bathurst, who had kindly given permission to cross his ground to reach the field.

31st July 1869

IRONBRIDGE

CLAIM AGAINST THE SEVENR VALLY RAILWAY COMPANY FOR DAMAGES.

A case under the Lands Consolidation Act came on for hearing at the Tontine Hotel, Ironbridge, on Tuesday last, before the Assessor, Mr Bloxham, of Shrewsbury, who appeared on behalf of the Sherriff. The claim was brought under the above Act passed in 1845, section 68. Mr Gray, Q.C., and Mr Griffiths for the company, and Mr Mottram, instructed by Mr Burd, and Mr Potts for the plaintiff. The following gentlemen were sworn to serve on the jury:-Colonel T HJ Lovett (foreman), Messrs J C Boulton, J E Briscoe, E A Davis, J C Tranter. P Hunter, R gardener, T Woodward, J Newill, HJ F Wood, Thomas Maddox, and E Baker.

The jury then proceeded in carriages to view the premises. Mr Groves, mayor of Shrewsbury, being chosen, on behalf of Mr Harris, to show the property, and a gentleman, whose name we did not hear, was appointed on behalf of the company. A good deal of cross-firing took place between the representatives of claimants and defendants in pointing out the chief features of buildings and the land adjoining, as they seemed to tell for or against one party or the other. A more complete wreck or utter ruin can scarcely be conceived then both presented. Great gaps and broad rents let in the daylight, strong buttresses were wrenched aside, gables nodded out of the perpendicular, and chimneys tottered as thought ready to fall upon the spectator; backs of houses were crushed up in the direction of their fronts, and floors rose up into anticlinal lines like their roofs. One or two houses were broken backed; there was a total absence of anything like a straight line or correct angle in all, and the interiors, with their dilapidated walls, grinned through disruptions in their fronts, their gables, or other sides. One person fetched a clod of earth, dig up in the cellar, as plastic as potters clay. “See what the house were built upon,” said one, “See what your bad drainage and your turning in of the water upon the foundation has done,” said another. The embankment at the back of the houses was visited. There was scarcely a trace of its original slope. It was swollen, fissured, and undulating, in Hogarth’s line of beauty; and the question arose, was it a “slip,” a “creep,” anything, or nothing; and did it act as a great sponge, sucking up all the water and letting it out again upon the earth beneath, which was reduced to the state of potter’s clay.

Upon the jury reassembling at the Tontine, Mr Motteram said they had all the power of a superior court; that they were not however, to enter upon the question as to whether the plaintiff was entitled to recover from the defendants, that was not their business; it was a question for another tribunal. All they had to do was to asses the amount of damage done to the property, and say what sum would be required to put it insubstantial repair. If this had not been so, if they had to enquire into the right or not of plaintiff to compensation, he should have directed their attention to the fact that defendants had already paid the sum of £500 to tenants who were lessees of plaintiff, before their lease lapsed; and how could they deny their liability he could not conceive.  They might say, and say truly, that they paid £1,400 to plaintiff for damage done by their embankment, which was now the question of dispute. The Railway Company employed MR Potts to settle the question; and on the 6th of March 1686, Mr Potts wrote to the company on behalf of Mr Harris, stating the injuries done by the embankment of defendants to plaintiff’s property, and the company suggested that Mr Bourne be chosen to look over and settle it. Finally, Mr Wyley, whom the company had previously employed, and in whom they had confidence, was chosen to value it. “as between man and man,” as Mr Potts said; and he put down the damage sustained at £1,100, the account was sent in, and no notice was taken of it for twelve months, or until Mr Porter wrote to Mr Potts, denying the liability of the company, and referring him to Mr Bourne.  The company were asked to take Mr Wyley’s valuations. He believed the fixed by Mr Wyley’s was a reasonable one, and he confidently asked them to award that amount to the plaintiff, upon evidence the should be able to lay before them from practiced man and others.

Mr Gray, Q.C. said his friend had not read the whole of the section bearing on the question, but only so much as suited his purpose. He would read the remainder, and the learned counsel done so, proceeded to say that the company denied their liability; but as that was a question of law, to be decided by a higher court, they had no other course, in consequence of the proceedings taken under the Act, than to summon a jury, which they did under protest that they were not liable to pay any part of the £1,100. that was a question, however, not to be decided before the learned assessor presiding for the sheriff, who had no jurisdiction.  The learned counsel then proceeded to show, that having paid damages for severance, they had paid once for all; they paid for prospective injuries which might or might not arise; and if they did not, so much the better for the individual receiving the compensation. They purchased from nine to ten acres of land from the plaintiff for £1,4000, which included severance and prospective damages, and they were not now called upon to be constantly giving for damages which may arise from time to time, and from vibration or other causes incidental to a railway, which an Act of Parliament gave them power and authority to make. He said the company had already compensated the plaintiff. Still, the company were willing that the jury should give a decision for a nominal sm, subject to the ruling of a higher court on a point of law. They said they admitted their embankment had injured your property, and they offer you the sum of 800 guineas. He was pleased to say that offer had been accepted by Mr Motteram, that the case ended there, and the jury would have the pleasure of returning home sooner than they expected.

The Assessor, Mr Bloxham, said a few words, and the case terminated.

WILLEY HALL.

FIRE—On Monday a large rick of new hay, containing between fifty and sixty tones, ignited from over heating. The Bridgnorth fire-engine was sent for, and on its arrival was soon got into play, there being a plentiful supply of water near at hand. All efforts were useless; the efforts of the engine were therefore directed to preserve the adjacent ricks; this was effectually done. The smouldering embers continued to burn until the following morning. The hay was the property of Lord Forester, and had been formed into a rick about a fortnight.

7th August 1869

COUNTY COURT

H Fenton v E Southorn.- Claim for 5s. of Ironmongery.—Mr Walker appeared for the defendant, and Mr Smallwood for plaintiff. It appeared from the evidence that this case arose from Mr Fenton, who had been doing some work for Mr Southorn, charging for 100 feet more of tin spouting than he had really put up; that Mr Southorn had bought three moulding boxes from plaintiff, and had not paid for them for some time, thinking they had been entered in his bill; when he found out his mistake he sent 5s for them, not knowing the price, as he had not received a bill for them. Mr Fenton, however, considered them worth 10s.; but Mr Edge, chain manufacturer, who was called, said they were worth no more than 3s. His honour gave judgment for defendant.

21st August 1869

JACKFIELD.

JACKFIELD CHURCH.—The sixth anniversary of the Consecration will be celebrated on Sunday next, when sermons will be preached by Rev. Dr Rowley, the Rev G. S. Little, M.A., and Rev George Edmonds, M.A.

BROSELEY.

SCHOOL TREAT.—The children in connection with the National and Sunday Schools had their annual treat, on Friday, the 13th inst. The day was slightly unpropitious at its commencement, but as it advanced it became evident that the event would be enjoyable. The children assembled at the schools at three o'clock, and, headed by the Benthall brass band, proceeded along the principal streets of the town, carrying flags and banners, which had a very gay appearance as the is mounted the in High Street. The band halted before the residence of John Pritchard, Esq., where Mrs Pritchard and her visitors received the children in their usual happy way. After the little walk round the town, the band led the way for Broseley Hall, where tea cake in abundance were supplied to the children, The band playing at intervals- contributed greatly to the pleasure of the evening. Racing for the boys was conducted with great spirit and completion, Mr. Pritchard giving away the prizes gained, which consisted of packets of sweets, of pen balls, &c. Dancing, jumping, and various other games, all met with patrons, according to the tastes of the company. Fireworks and balloons concluded the day's pleasures; and after thoroughly enjoying the treat, the children dispersed for their homes. Mr. and Mrs. Cobbold were indefatigable in their exertions throughout the day for the company's and children's enjoyment. The number of children was 553, and of visitors about as many more.

A meeting of the owners of property was convened in the Town Hall, on Thursday evening, the 12th inst, to adopt, or otherwise, the recant Act of Parliament in relation to rating the owners of dwelling-house property under the annual value of ten pounds, in fact to re-adopt the compound small tenancy Act. The chair was occupied by the rector, the Rev. R. H. Cobbold. The chairman adverted to the severe hardships which in numerous cases had come under his own observation caused by the rating clauses of the Reform Act. It was well known that that Act imposed upon every occupier the duty of paying poor-rates, even where the landlord had under the Compound Householders' Act paid those poor-rates. The recent Act had abolished that system. He then called upon G. Potts, Esq., who read those sections of the Act that, under certain conditions, restored the power of adopting the compounding mode in relation to small tenants, and commented thereon as he proceeded. In referring to that section which provides that the owners of property may compound for the same, Mr R. Smitheman interposed " I'll not agree to that; let every one pay his own rates." Mr. Potts remarked that as Mr. Smitheman was not every one his opposition was of little moment, and proceeded to say that in certain cases a deduction of 15 per cent. of the rate should be allowed for compounding, and in other cases a still larger percentage. The meeting, by a large majority, sanctioned the adoption of the system of compounding for the poor-rate in the parish of Broseley, under the provisions of the Act. It may be added, that a large number of persons had assembled in front of the hall, who although interested, in the object of the meeting did not go in the halt. Now it may be as well to remind these previsions that the Reform Act, the People's Reform Act, has placed the franchise in their hands, that their vote at the poll-book is equal to that of the man who pays £50 or £100 a year rent. They should bestir themselves acquire a knowledge of their legal standing, and act as becomes members of a great and important community.

28th August 1869

JACKFIELD.

The sixth anniversary of the Consecration of the Pritchard Memorial Church in Jackfield was celebrated on Sunday last. There was a full attendance of friends from Broseley at the morning service, which the Rev. Dr Rowley concluded by preaching a very touching sermon, taking his text from the 3rd Epistle of St John 11th verse, “Beloved follow not that which is evil, but that which is good.” In the afternoon the prayers were read by the Incumbent of Jackfield, the second lesson being read by the Rector of Broseley, and the sermon preached by the Rev. G Little of Buildwas from the words of the Psalmist, “How amiable are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts.” After the evening prayers the Rev G Edmunds addressed a full church fro  Matthew xviii, v. 19 and spoke of the several objects for which we assemble and meet together for public worship. The musical department was kindly undertaken by Mr Jones in the morning and evening, and by Mr Watkis in the afternoon, the choir chanting the Psalms for the day and singing the appointed hymns to many of which a ready echo was found in every part of the beautiful church. The collections amounted to £15, falling short, we believe, of the average of former years.

BROSELEY.

A MAN WORRIED BY A DOG.—On Thursday Mr Stephen Davis living at the Lodge, between Broseley and Willey, in passing through the garden belonging to the keeper, Brew, was set upon by a cur, and in defending himself from the animal he managed somehow or other to get within reach of a large ferocious dog, which got him down and mastered him. Some women, seeing the imminent danger the man was in ran to his assistance. One struck the dog on the head with a broom, which was broken by the blow. The savage beast upon this loosed his hold on the man and seized the broom, and whilst his attention was distracted they managed to drag the man away. He was almost completely scalped, besides other injuries he had received. It occupied Mr Bartlam upwards to two hours to sew on the scalp, it was so torn.

The anniversary sermons of the Broseley Wood Primitive Methodist Chapel were preached on Saturday last, by the Rev J Preston (of Madeley), Mrs Davies, and the Rev N W Stafford of Dawley. This place of worship, a short time ago, was painted, cleaned, and otherwise improved, and being in a part of Broseley where there seems to be much need for a place of the kind, merits the attendance and support of the public.

IRONBRIDGE

PETTY SESSIONS.—Tuesday

Before W. L. Lowndes, (Mayor), C J Feriday, T Instone, W Nicholas, and R T Davies, Esqrs.

Charge of Stealing a Sovereign at Jackfield.—Lloyd v Oliver.-Edward Lloyd, collier of Jackfield, deposed that on the 15th inst. He had £1 in his possession. He put it in a drawer under a mirror in the parlour. He did not perceive that it had been removed until the morning of Friday last.—P. C. Blower stated that in consequence of information he received he went to look for the juvenile prisoner coming out of school. He was in company with Mr Lloyd, sen. When the girl Lloyd (Oliver?) had come out of school she saw Lloyd and the officer together, upon which she turned back and went home by another way. He watched her, and when going up to her she was on her hands and knees under a hedge, looking terrified, and seemed to be looking for the whereabouts of the officer. Upon seeing the policeman she cried. He asked her what she was crying for; to which she replied she thought that he was going to take her to the lock-up. Upon further questioning her, he elicited that she cried because she had stolen a farthing, and people made out it was a “sov.” He then took her to his own house. Her father was called immediately after and asked him if his daughter was there. He replied that she was. He then said if Mr Lloyd had gone to him he would have returned the sovereign without any police bother, adding that when the child took it home she stated that she had found it. The child said, in answer to the charge, that she took it off Mr Lloyd’s table whilst Mrs Lloyd was gone with meals to the pit.—The father was ordered to refund the £1, and to pay coats 14s.

Charge of Neglecting a Wife and family.—George Taylor, a drover, was charged with allowing his wife and family to become chargeable to the parish. The wife stated that in consequence of her husband having deserted her, she and her children (seven in number, three of whom earned 8d. per day) were under the necessity of entering the House of Industry at Madeley Wood. The prisoner stated as an excuse that he had got no work; but the bench ordered him to serve a term of one month’s hard labour in the County Gaol.

4th September 1869

BROSELEY

SUNSTROKE—Whilst Frank Taylor was following his employment, as a labourer, on the farm known as the Kidden, held by Mr S Davies of this place, on Saturday last, at three o’clock, he was seized with sunstroke. There was a another man in the same field, but who, either from demon-like indifference or brutal ignorance, allowed him to remain lying upon the ditch bank until six o’clock, when he called the attention of a fellow-labourer to his condition. This man, evidently possessing either more Christian feeling or brighter intellect, got the use of the Rev R H Cobbold’s pony carriage, drove him home, and obtained medical aid.

9th October 1869

BROSELEY.

SERIOUS COLLISSION.—On Monday evening about half-past eight p.m., as Mr Rushton’s porter, Ratcliff, was returning to Broseley in his master’s trap, when near the Holly Bush on the new road, he encountered the waggonette of Mr Longmore, of Linley, who was driving. The wheels of the vehicles were shattered, and the force of the collision threw both parties out. Mr Longmore was not so severely injured as was Ratcliff, who was much cut about the face and head, and had to be conveyed home.

16th October 1869

BROSELEY.

Inquest.—On Monday an inquest was held at the “Prince of Wales” by E G Bartlam, Esq., on the body of Mr James Walker. The deceased on the previous Friday was engaged in getting some damsons from a tree in his father’s garden. While so employed he fell out of the tree, dislocating the spine. He lingered until the morning of Sunday, when he died. A verdict of “Accidental Death” was returned. The deceased has left a widow enceinte and four children to lament their loss. He was a member of the Benthall Works band. The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon and was attended by the members of the band, who on the way to the last narrow home, played the “Dead March in Saul”; at the grave they played “Vital Spark.” The deceased was much esteemed.

SALOPIAN THEATRICALS.—The Broseley Amateur Dramatic Society have just closed a very successful summer season. The valuable assistance of several professionals—viz., Mrs Julia Collins, of the Amphitheatre, Liverpool; Mr R. Barnes, and Mr and Mrs B. Foster—have contributed to the success of the drama. The costumes in the burlesques have been first-rate, and the sceneries by Messrs. Lucas and Pownall were very effective. We believe that it is the intention of the members of this society to appear frequently in public during the ensuing winter, at the Pheasant Assembly Rooms.

6th November 1869

BROSELEY.

HORSE KILLED.—During the night of Sunday last a horse, the property of Mr George Cartwright, butcher, fell down a pit, the runner over which had been drawn, near to Ladywood. The animal was killed by the fall.

13th November 1869

BROSELEY.

On Wednesday last a most instructive lecture was delivered in the Town Hall, by F. Plain, Esq., on “The labours of the Home Missionaries among the perishing heathen of London.” The lecturer followed out strictly the syllabus laid down in the bills, and dwelt on the origin of the society—its Catholic spirit, which had been found essential to its welfare—its increasing success the income now amounting to £40,000 a year. He then proceeded to mention its field of operations in the London Hospital, Strangers’ Home, Sailors’ Home, Greenwich and Chelsea Hospitals, Workhouses and the Thames Embankment. He gave some vivid descriptions of the thieves and their haunts, illustrating this with the account of two remarkable conversations from amongst this class. He gave an appealing account of the increase of ungodly sensational literature which in various forms poisoned the minds of the youth of both sexes. In connection with this he named the important labours of the British and Foreign Bible Society and the Religious Tract Societies, and of the valuable assistance they rendered to the missionaries. One remarkable instance of conversation was that of a young thief who, on leaving his prison, abstracted twenty pocket handkerchiefs before he reached his lodging, and so provided himself and a comrade a breakfast! This man was now a most earnest worker for Christ. To show the interest Shropshire people have in London. He said that 7,000 people born in Shropshire were now living in London. The Rev. R H. Cobbold presided, and made some appropriate remarks at the close. The collection after the meeting amounted to £3 11s. 1½d.

4th December 1869

JACKFIELD.

ENTERTAINMENT.—On Tuesday evening last Mr W. Pownall gave his musical, magical, and mystical entertainment in the National School. The room was crowded, and the performance was a great success, causing much amusement to the juvenile aristocracy of Jackfield. A vote of thanks being given to the Rev. H. Lee, followed by three cheers finished a good evening performance.

BROSELEY.

On Saturday evening last a working-men’s meeting was held in the Wesleyan Schoolroom, in this town, the chair being taken by the Rev T. Brothwood, who expressed the great pleasure he felt in seeing so many present. He hoped that the meetings Mr Cooper intended to hold would be made a lasting benefit to the working men and women of the town. This gentleman was well received, and gave some very good advice to the persons present, showing that if they wanted to get on in life they must give up the drinks that muddle the brain and empty the pockets of the working classes. He gave several cases that had come under his own observation both in Australia and in this country. Concluding a very practical address, he urged his hearers to sign the pledge. After singing a temperance hymn, twelve persons came forward and signed the pledge.—The second meeting will be held in the same place this evening, commencing at half-past seven o’clock.

PETTY SESSIONS.—TUSEDAY.

The flowing tradesmen were charged with having defective weights, measures, or scales, by Mr E Evans, inspector:-

George Ball, Ash Tree, Jackfield, two pint mugs half a gill short. Fined.

Elizabeth Colley was charged by P.C> Blower with stealing a quantity of coal, the property of the Madeley Wood Company, on the 13th ult. The constable stated that he went down the river on the Jackfield side in plain clothes to watch the defendant who he had seen go down to the coal wharf on the Coalport side. The river only intervening, he watched her take a lump of coal from a stock and the met he coming over the boat. Upon charging her with the offence she said James Davies, a coal merchant and barge owner, had given it to her. He had revived a note from the superintendant of  police at Bridgnorth, who had inquired of Davies to the effect that he did give her one lump, but not more.. Defendant had three lumps. Defendant pleaded not guilty, and having made it known that she would rather the she were settled then, she was condemned to 21 days’ imprisonment with hard labour.

John Lewis (aged 73) and Richard Oliver were charged with stealing coal from stacks upon Coalport wharf, the property of Charles Pugh Esq., The Mayor, having left the bench, recommended them to mercy. Discharged upon payment of 16s. expenses.

11th December 1869

JACKFIELD.

READING ROOM AND WORKINGMEN’S CLUB.—We are glad to find that a reading room, which is very much wanted in Jackfield, is about to be opened. The initiative was taken by Mr H. Powell Dunnill, who called a meeting on Thursday evening, the 2nd December, at which particulars are gone into, a committee formed, and a decision come to that the opening should be celebrated by a public tea party, in the National Schoolroom, on the 15th instant. A member of the committees, Mr Baggalley, has kindly placed a good room in Calcutt’s House at the service of the institution. The brickmasters and others to whom the room will be a great convenience, have agreed to become honorary members, at a subscription of 5s. per annum. The subscription for working men members will be 1s per annum only, and for youths of sixteen to eighteen 6d. per annum. For this they will have a room open, on week-days, all the year round, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., well-lighted, warm, and comfortable, with newspapers, magazines, books, draughts, and chess, and it is proposed to form a lending library. Several members of the committee have promised newspapers, magazines and books. The institution is to strictly self-supporting; its working expenses will all be met by the members, and except contributions of books from friends, no help will be asked outside Jackfield. For the first furnishing expenses of the room, for maps, and for books, the aid of the owners of property in Jackfield  has been respectfully invited, and with such names as those of Lord Forester, F. Harries, Esq., W. O.  Foster, Esq., and W. R. Anstice, Esq., there can be no doubt of a liberal and hearty response. Jackfield has long been a neglected and supposed behind place; we are glad to recognise evidence of public spirit. The originator must have well matured his plan before broaching it in public, for within thirteen days of the first meeting the room will opened and its opening celebrated by a tea meeting.

BROSELEY.

The Right Hon. Lord Forester has given leave to his tenants to shoot the rabbits on their respective farms and many of the farmers are this week busy doing so. During the past few weeks his Lordship has distributed several thousands of hares and pheasants amongst all on both sides of the Severn, without regard to class or political sentiment.

13th December 1869

JACKFIELD

OPENING OF THE WORKING MENS CLUB.

Probably the largest meeting ever held in Jackfield took place on Wednesday evening last to celebrate the opening of the reading room. Tea was provided in the National Schoolroom, and 213 sat down. After tea, and whilst the tables were being cleared and seats arranged for the after meeting, many visited the reading room in Calcutts House, close by. The room has a neat, clean, pleasant appearance is well lighted, warm, and comfortable. The table was fully supplied with newspapers and magazines and there can be no doubt the reading room will be greatly appreciated by the Jackfield people. The schoolroom after tea was crowded. The chair was occupied by the Rev. H. Lee. John Pritchard, Esq., of Broseley (late M.P. for Bridgnorth), expressed his sympathy with the object, and called upon Mr H. P. Dunnill, the originator, to explain how it was to be sustained and carried on. Mr Dunnill did so, and expressed his conviction that the number of members would exceed that estimated and the working expenses, by careful management of the committee, could be kept within the income. A fortnight ago the reading room was an idea, it had now passed into the region of fact. He wished the privilege of becoming the first member, and of giving the first few books to the future library, and then presented “The life of Josiah Wedgwood,” the most illustrious English worker in clay—a man who had immensely benefited the country, and, by his worth and genius, had become and honour to the race. The record of the life of such a man was a fitting commencement for a library in Jackfield. From W. R. Anstice, Esq., he read a letter enclosing a cheque for three guineas towards fitting up the room, and wishing all success to the good work. The Madeley Wood Company had but a slight interest as proprietors in Jackfield; but after appealing to those more largely interested there was still need, which he did not think probable, the Madeley Wood Company would perhaps render further aid. From Lord Forester, Mr Harries, and Mr W. O. Foster an answer had yet been received; but he (Mr Dunnill) would not allow himself to doubt that that nobleman and those gentlemen would regard it as one of the privileges of proprietorship to contribute to the object. He had to announce a generous gift from Mr Pritchard, who since he came into the room had passed a cheque for £5: it was a graceful gift, and came unasked; indeed he had taken pains to make it understood that they wished contributions for fitting up the room from the owners of property in Jackfield only; yet they could accept it with hearty thanks as a graceful and generous gift from the head of the Pritchard family, who had manifested their strong interest in Jackfield by building the Pritchard Memorial Church. Mr. Cooper, late mayor of Creswick Victoria, delivered an excellent speech, in telling manner, and full of sound advice to working men and their wives. Glees were admirably sung at intervals by the Broseley Glee Class, and the inauguration of the reading room must be said to have been a great success.

BROSELEY.

A meeting of the committee of the Licensed Victuallers’ and Beerhouse-Keepers’ Association was held at the “Old Crown,” on Tuesday evening. The minutes of the last meeting having been read by the secretary, the number of the members was increased by addition of both honorary and ordinary members. The association now numbers seventy-nine, a number that ere long will be greatly increased. There is a good balance in the Shropshire Bank, standing to the credit of the association. The president, Mr James Page, while congratulating the members upon them in energetic terms, the duty which they owed to themselves, the community, and the law—a strict observance of the requirements of the latter. While it would be the duty of the association to protect its members when, if such should happen to be the case, any of them were, in the judgement of the association, unlawfully assailed, it was no less the duty of all members of the association to observe a strict compliance with the law, as it related to them. Magistrates had an important duty to fulfil, the inspector of weights and measures had also duties of an onerous kind to discharge, and the police also had duties to perform. Let it therefore be said, emphatically be the pride and duty of members, as far as lay in their power, to prevent a violation of law, and by so doing their association would justly command the approbation of the public. Copies of the Act, which places the granting of license to beerhouse-keepers in the hands of the magistracy were ordered so that the association might more fully know what the law requires to be observed.

25th December 1869

JACKFIELD.

READAING ROOM AND OWRKING MEN’S CLUB.—Mr Charles Lamport, of Norwood, who takes a great interest in the artisan movement, who takes a great interest in the artisan club movement, now being urged in by Lord Lytteton and Mr Solly has written to Mr. H. Powell Dunnill—“Although I notice your desire to be independent of foreign help I trust you will not reject the aid of well wisher, heartily offered, in the shape of two guineas for the library.” On Monday evening Mr. Dunnill read aloud to the members in the room “Rab and his Friends.” It is proposed that a short reading, about half an hour, should take place on one or two evenings in the week. Several gentlemen have undertaken the part of reader occasionally, with a view to make the room interesting and attractive to the workmen members. If a chess club would be formed it would be another step in advance.

BROSELEY.

INQUEST.—On Monday last an inquest was held at the Dog Inn, before E. G. Bartlam, Esq., and a respectable jury, touching to death of Jasper Edwards. It would appear from the evidence that the deceased had been at the Victoria Inn, on the night of the 14th inst.; that he left the house about twelve o’clock. About five o’clock next morning Mr Onslow, of the Victoria In , was awoke by a sharp rapping of the door, and upon his opening it found Edwards in a frightful condition, being much swollen about the face and belly. He took him to his lodgings, with assistance, upon a wheelbarrow, Mr. Onslow said that Edwards had since told him that he had met with an accident, that he had fallen out of his hay-loft into the stables. He had often slept in the hay-loft of the stables the summer before last. F. H. Hartshorne, Esq., M.D., gave evidence of his having attended him, and gave it as his belief that he had died from fractured ribs, one of which appeared to have entered his lung. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, adding that there was no evidence to show by what means the injury had been sustained.

LECTURE.—On Thursday evening, the 16th inst., Mr J. Randall F.G.S, gave a lecture in connection with the reading room established here, on some of the geological features of the neighbourhood, H P Dunnill, Esq., in the chair. Mr Randall said that geology was the natural history of the earth, but it was only of late years that it had been studied. It nevertheless brought before them more than any study he knew of the nature and operations of agencies which served in a  most striking manner to effectuate the purposes of an infinite, eternal, and all-presiding mind, and gave a deeper insight into the records which in most legible characters set forth the wise foresight of that Being who by His own finger had written them deep down in the deepest mine, and high up on the loftiest hill. There were, however, two classes of rocks, one stratified, as represented by the coal measure [pointing to illustrations of sections on the wall], and the other the unstratified and containing no organic remains, like those shown as distributed and broken up. These same coal measures, at the Wrekin, Lilleshall Hill, and elsewhere, were the result of those up-thrusts of volcanic agencies which still exited and made themselves felt more or less all over the world. It seemed indeed as if the earth itself was originally in a melted state, glowing and cooling and becoming encrusted over like slag from one of the blast furnaces of the district; and that subsequently-formed accumulations on its surface were, as Lyell had said, but materials which had passed through an almost endless circle of changes. Where the yellow corn now waves the sea had rested and shells and shingle were evidences of its former presence everywhere around us, in fact there was no hill or valley, no bit of ground soft or hard to which a man could point and say that is as creation first made it or as the building up processes of the earth left it. On the contrary the atmosphere was busy at work on the highest hill, reducing the hardest rock, and the thousand trickling rivulets and streams which on a rainy day came down from the mountain laden with their little burthens riverwards showed how matter was removed from one place to another—thousands of tons being thus poured into the Severn, which carried it onward into the British Channel. The great workshop of nature, with its saws and planes represented by streams and waves, supplied numerous illustrations of this. The valley of the Mississippi, which had been formed by these means, was large enough to receive sufficient rain in one year to drown out  the British Islands, while the Granges had in course of ages piled up a delta as large as the Principality of Wales, but water was still at work even when it looked pure, as in the case of those streams issuing from the rock as at Coalport and elsewhere, where it deposited lime in the shape of petrification. Such processes enabled them to understand how masses of lime-stone strata like those of Benthall Edge and Lincoln Hill had been formed and how those myriads of shell-fish, whose remains lay buried thick as autumn leaves were supplied with materials with which to construct their habitation. Having dwelt upon the extent and mode of formation of what are termed the Silurian formation, as illustrated by rocks of the neighbourhood, the lecturer proceeded to sketch the more characteristic features of the coal measure formations, and specially to point out the circumstances attendant upon the deposition of the brick and tile clays, which were the source of so much industrial activity in the neighbourhood, and which he contended were due to certain sediment held in solution by the waters of the periods, and on the bed of which they ultimately became deposited. The lecture was illustrated by drawings, sections, and specimens, and at the close the Chairman proposed and the Rev S. Evans seconded a vote of thanks to the lecturer, which was acknowledged, and the proceedings terminated.

IRONBRIDGE.

SPECIAL PETTY SESSIONS—TUESDAY.

Before W Nicholas and G Maw, Esqrs.

Samuel Seabury, a young man, was charged with stealing a truss of hay from a stable, at Benthall, the property of Mr Benjamin Cox; and G. Williams with receiving the same, knowing it to have been stolen.  Mr Cox stated that on the evening of Saturday, the 18th he missed a truss of hay from his stables and from information received by him he suspected it to be in the possession of the prisoner Williams, and he consequently gave information to P.C. Davies. Witness recognised the hay as his property.—John Buckley said that he saw the prisoner Seabury on the evening of the 18th, about seven o’clock; he was carrying a truss of hay on his back. He came from the direction of Mr Cos’s stables and dropped it from his back over the garden wall into Williams’s garden, saying that he had got it from the Pitts Yard, and that he (Williams) must settle foe it on Monday.—P.C. Davies gave evidence of finding a truss of hay on the landing of the upstairs story of Williams’s house. He took both prisoners into custody. He found hay littered about between the stables and the houses where he found them. Both pleaded guilty and were sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment with hard labour.