Extracts from

The Wellington Journal

and

Shrewsbury News

1903

 

 

relating to Broseley and District

 

 

 

 

 

Broseley Local History Society

2005

 

 

 

 

 


10th January 1903

BROSELEY.

* COALPORT CHINA James Davies has bought the Coalport China Business carried on by the late Mr. Lloyd, The Dean, and will be glad to receive any inquiries.— King Street, Broseley

TENNIS CLUB.— A supper and smoking concert for members of this club were held at the Lion Hotel on Monday, when an enjoyable evening was spent. A good musical programme had been arranged and was successfully carried out.

WESLEY GUILD.— The usual weekly meeting in connection with this Society was held in the Wesleyan Schoolroom on Tuesday evening. Mr. W. Edge, senior, presided over a large attendance. Mrs. E. R. Hartshorne gave a very interesting paper on “Frances Ridley Havergal”, which was highly appreciated.

DISTRICT COUNCIL, Wednesday. — Present: Alderman D. L. Prestage (chairman), Councillors E. G. Exley, P. Jones, T. Doughty, W. E. Southern, E. Oakes, and Messrs. A. Owen (for the town clerk), G. Stevenson (surveyor), H. Herbert (inspector), and J. Dixon (rate collector). — Mr. Dixon said he had collected since the last meeting on the general district rate £190; £400 had been collected, and £280 had yet to be collected.— The Clerk stated there was £651 6s. 2d. in hand. — A cheque for £35 was ordered to be drawn in favour of the surveyor, who was instructed to place 20 more loads of cinders on Ball’s Lane.— The Inspector reported a case of erysipelas at Jackfield, and a case of diphtheria at Broseley. He also reported his first batch of nuisances from Jackfield, and the usual notices were ordered.— Mr. Oakes complained of the dirty condition of some of the lamp-heads. It was evident they had not been cleaned for some time. It did not give them half the benefit of the gas, which was not too strong at any time.— Mr. Southorn called attention to the unsatisfactory way in which Simpson’s Lane was repaired, and the Surveyor said he would see to the matter.— Mr. Oakes spoke in favour of lighting up the Dingle.— The Chairman thought this would open up other matters, and that the lighting scheme would be a big one.- Mr. Exley said he should like to see the roads in a better condition— they were in a shocking state. — Mr. Oakes: Especially near the church. — Mr. Exley thought the Borough of Wenlock and the Bridge Trust would take the prize for bad roads. — The Chairman: I think we will give way to the Bridge Trust.

17th January 1903

JACKFIELD.

SUDDEN DEATH.— An old shoemaker named Job Haynes was the other day found dead in bed. Deceased was evidently worn out, an opinion the coroner held, for he did not think it advisable to hold an inquiry.

MADELEY.

TRADES UNION.— A branch of “The National Amalgamated Union of Enginemen” has recently been opened in this place, and 39 men of that craft have joined it.

ANOTHER TREAT TO THE INMATES.— On Wednesday evening the members of the Iron-Bridge Glee Union game an entertainment to the inmates of the workhouse. Mrs. W. Wilson and Miss Taylor also took part in the programme, which was thoroughly enjoyed. Mr. W. Roberts presided at the piano, and the class was conducted by Mr. J. Ellis.

COUNTY COURT.— WEDNESDAY.

Before Judge Harris Lea.

ADMINISTRATION ORDER— Levi Evans, Broseley, applied for an administration order.— In reply to his Honour, he said the landlord was the largest creditor, viz., for £12, and it had been owing three years. There were four judgments against him. The total debts amounted to £29.— His Honour made an order for 5s. a month.

CLAIM FOR TILES.— Craven, Dunnill, and Co., encaustic tile makers, Jackfield, claimed the sum of £5 14s., the price of tiles, from J. Wright, accountant, Stratford-on-Avon, and Mr. Peirson (Official receiver), Stratford. Mr. F. R. Spender represented plaintiffs, and Mr. Holmes the Official Receiver.- Mr. Spender stated that a Mr. Callaway was engaged to build two houses for Wright. The builder became bankrupt, and the tiles were subsequently sent to Mr. Wright, who had paid the carriage on them, but the official receiver claimed the goods.-His Honour said Wright was willing to pay someone for the tiles, but he did not wish to pay twice over.— James Yorke, cashier for the plaintiffs, stated that the sum of £5 14s. was owing to the firm by the defendant Wright.— Mr. Holmes contended that Mr. Wright took possession of the tiles when Callaway became bankrupt rather than that the bailiffs should have them. He could not see why the Official Receiver was made a party to this claim, and all the letters were to the effect that Mr. Wright was responsible.— His Honour said there was no claim against the Official Receiver.— The defendant Wright stated that Callaway was engaged to build two houses, and to find all material. One day Callaway came to him in great distress, stating that he was going away and wanted some money. He gave Callaway £25, and released him from all further claims. He subsequently had the tiles delivered on his premises, and he was willing to pay for them.— Callaway, who was formerly a builder at Stratford, stated that he wrote to the plaintiffs, asking them to transfer the goods to Mr. Wright. He did so without the latter’s knowledge.— His Honour contended that Mr. Wright was not liable, and therefore there would be judgment for the defendant. He had no doubt but that Mr. Wright would pay the Official Receiver for the goods. Costs would be allowed for the Official Receiver, and also the defendant Wright.

 

17th January 1903

BROSELEY.

SPECIAL SERVICES. — On Sunday the Rev. T. Champness (Rochdale) delivered two characteristic discourses on “Old Methodism” in the Wesleyan Chapel. The musical portion of the services was admirably rendered by the choir, the anthem, “The Lord is my Shepherd”, being executed with great taste and expression in the evening. The solo, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death”, was one of Mrs. E. R. Hartshorne’s finest efforts. There were good congregations at the services, and the collections were taken in aid of the organ and renovation fund.

NATIONAL SCHOOLS:— The report of the Diocesan Inspector of his examination at these schools has been received, and speaks very favourably of the religious instruction given.— “Boys: The repetition work throughout was sound and good, though some of the more minute points were missed in the written papers. There is every evidence of careful and systematic teaching, and the knowledge shown in the school as a whole is good. Girls: The tone and discipline throughout the school are excellent, and the whole standard of teaching high. The method used in the highest division is especially to be commended, and produces excellent results in the written work, which is far above the average, both for accuracy and style. More attention might be given to the explanatory work. General results excellent. Infants: The children are well taught and interested in their work”.

MARRIAGE.— On Wednesday a very pretty wedding was celebrated in Holy Trinity Church, Coalbrookdale, the contracting parties being Miss Mary Ann Rowe, eldest daughter of Mr. John Rowe, confectioner, Broseley, and Mr. Richard Jones, second son of the late Mr. Richard Jones of Horsehay Farm, and Mrs. Jones, Hill Cottage, Coalbrookdale, Both bride and bridegroom are deservedly respected throughout the district. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. C. B. Crowe (vicar). The bride was tastefully attired in a dress of crushed strawberry, trimmed with white silk and lace to match, and hat of biscuit-coloured straw, trimmed with white silk lace and feathers, and was escorted up the aisle by Mr. J. S. Adams of Broseley, who eventually gave her away. The bridesmaids were Miss Sarah Elizabeth Rowe (sister of the bride), who wore a brown dress, trimmed with white silk and lace to match, and hat of biscuit-coloured straw, trimmed with white, silk lace and feathers, and Miss Edith Adams of Broseley, who was attired in a grey dress trimmed with white silk, and hat to match. Mr. Charles Corfield of Iron-Bridge acted as “best man”. After the ceremony the wedding party adjourned to the residence of the bride’s father, where an excellent repast awaited them. The bells rang merrily at Holy Trinity Church, Coalbrookdale, during the afternoon. The following is a list of the presents:— Dinner service, Father of the Bride; set of brass fire irons, Sister of the Bride; toilet set, Mrs. and O. Williams (Birmingham); wine glasses, jug, decanters, and tobacco jar, Mrs. Price (Jackfield); teapot stand, P. Price (Jackfield); cruet, Miss Price (Jackfield) ; table cloth, Miss N. Price (Jackfield); hearth rug, Mrs. Clark and Son (Madeley Wood); cutlery, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis (Oxford); biscuit jar, Mrs. Oldbury (Birmingham); set of ornaments, Alex. Cullis (America); half-dozen hand-painted cups and saucers, Grandmother of Bride; flower vase, Nelly Wilcox; table cloth and salt cellars, Mrs. Jones, Mother of Bridegroom; table spoons, Mr. and Mrs. Downing (Coalbrookdale); handsome clock, Mr. and Mrs. N. Matthews (Dawley): silver sugar scoop, Mr. C. A. Corfield (Iron-Bridge); Coalport china jugs, Mr. J. S. Adams (Broseley); glass water jugs, Mrs. Adams (Broseley); half-dozen tumblers, Miss Adams (Broseley); picture, Rev. C. B. Crowe (Coalbrookdale); waiter, Miss F. Price (Coalbrookdale); Coalport muffin dish, Miss P. Shelton (Coalbrookdale); silver batter dish, J. H. Yoxall (Broseley); copper kettle, G. Taylor (Broseley); pair pictures, Nelly Davies (Broseley); table cloth, A. Evans (Broseley); ink stand, Miss Bennett (Broseley); pair hand–painted Coalport breakfast cups and saucers, Mr. and  Mrs. Hayward (Broseley); water bottle, Mrs. Jones (Posenall); waiter, Mr. O’Connor (Jackfield); sugar basin, Mrs. O’Connor (Jackfield); pair of painted plaques, Nelly O’Connor (Jackfield); handsome clock, Miss O’Connor (America); toilet cover and mats, Miss R. O’Connor (Manchester); wool door mat, Mrs. Gwilt (Bridgnorth); celery glasses, Miss Gwilt (Bridgnorth); glass dishes, Miss J. Gwilt (Bridgnorth); picture, Mr. and Mrs. Ryder (Warrington); d’oyleys, Miss R. Davies (Dawley): pictures, Miss F. Cox (Manchester); ornaments Master Leo. Williams (Birmingham); wrap, Mr. Robertson (Iron-Bridge); pair of fans, Miss L. Smith (Broseley); table cover, Miss Thomas (Wellington); pair of brackets, Miss Reynolds (Wyke); flower stand, Mr. H. Adams (Shrewsbury) plate and basket, Mrs. Clarke(Broseley); salts, Mrs. White (Worfield).

PETTY SESSIONS.—TUESDAY.

Before Councillor T. Cooke (mayor), Colonel Anstice, Alderman A. B. Dyas, Colonel Wayne, Messrs. W. G. Norris and E. W. Shorting.

A DISORDERLY. — Henry Rogers, labourer, Iron-Bridge, was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Iron-Bridge. — Inspector Hamlet, in proving the case, stated that defendant had his coat off, and wanted to fight two other men.— Rogers was fined 5s. and costs.

DRUNK IN CHARGE— Edward Reynolds, waggoner, was charged with being drunk when in charge of a horse and cart.— Inspector Hamlet and Police-constable Fletcher proved the case, and defendant was fined £1, including costs.

THREE BAD BOYS.— Roger Jones, Ernest and Henry Duckett, youths, were charged at the instigation of Sergt. Hopwood with throwing stones at Wenlock.— Alice Jones, in the employ of Councillor Davies of The Marsh, stated that she went for a walk one Sunday with Mr. Davies’s two children, and saw the defendants with a catapult shoot at a dog and make it bleed about the mouth. They also used bad language when she reprimanded them.— Defendants pleaded guilty, and were each fined 2s. 6d. and costs.- The defendants were also charged with placing a gate on the highway near Wenlock.— Mr. Thursby-Pelham and Sergeant Hopwood gave evidence, and defendants, who pleaded guilty, were each fined 2s. 5d, and costs.

31st January 1903

JACKFIELD.

DEATH OF A FORESTER.— Mr. H. Oswell, who was at work on Tuesday, died on the following Friday at the age of 61 years. He had worked all his life at the Coalport China Works, and was buried on Monday in Broseley Cemetery. Deceased was a member of the Iron-Bridge Court “Royal George” of the Ancient Order of Foresters. A number of members attended the obsequies

 

14th February 1903

WENLOCK TOWN COUNCIL.

The quarterly meeting of the Council was held on Wednesday at the Guildhall, Wenlock; present:— The Mayor (Councillor T. Cooke), Lord Forester, Colonel J. A. Anstice, Aldermen A. B. Dyas, J. Bodenham, D. L. Prestage, G. Lloyd, and Councillors E. G. Exley, R. F. Ayre, F. G. Beddoes. W. Evans, T. J. Barnett, R. Lane, E. Oakes, T. Doughty, W. J. Legge, A. G. Lascelles. J. Davies. C. Edwards, A. G. Cartwright, A. Dixon. B. Maddox. Messrs. Godfrey C. Cooper (town clerk), F. H. Potts (borough treasurer). A. H. Thorn-Pudsey (magistrates’ clerk), G. Stevenson (surveyor), H. Herbert (sanitary inspector), J. Jones (attendance officer), and Dr. Gepp (medical officer).

RATES. &c.— The Mayor said £200 13s. were required to be raised by a borough rate.— On the motion of Mr. Dyas, seconded by Mr. Edwards, it was decided to levy a borough rate of 1d. in the pound. It was also resolved to levy a general district rate of 1s. 6d. in the pound for Barrow; and a rate of 3s. 2d. in the pound for Broseley.- Mr. Dyas said he was sorry to see that this time Madeley figured so high in the list of rates, 3s. 3d. in the pound, when it was considered some years ago that 9d. was an extreme sum. He moved a rate of 3s. 3d. be levied for Madeley, remarking that the cost of opposition to the Wolverhampton Water Bill. £1,000, helped the rate on. He contended that having won the day their expenses should have been paid by someone else. —Mr. Beddoes seconded the motion, which was carried. — On the motion of Mr. Bodenham, seconded by Mr. Lloyd, a rate of 3s. in the pound was levied for Wenlock.— The Clerk stated that the registration expenses amounted to £14 16s.1d. and the Parliamentary and municipal expenses were £31 12s. 5d.— On the motion of Mr. Ayre, the accounts were ordered to be paid.

THE ASYLUM  VISITORS.— Colonel Anstice presented a report an the County Asylum. He said there was a slight reduction in the number of patients, and the Visiting Committee recommended that a disinfecting chamber, with apparatus, be added to the building, which was estimated to cost £350, Wenlock’s share being about £18 or £19. They also recommended superannuation of £20 per year to an attendant named Grace, who had held his situation for 17½ years— their share would only be about £1 per year. He moved that the report be adopted.— Mr. Beddoes seconded, and it was carried.

AN IMPORTANT REPORT.-  Colonel Anstice presented the report of the Main Roads and General Purposes Committee. He said they regretted they were not able to get the report printed, but most of the suggestions were under consideration. They had carefully considered the effect of the Education Act so far as the borough was concerned, but they were not able to come to a definite conclusion as to whether to recommend the Council to retain their power or go in with the County Council scheme; so the matter would be held over until the clerk had conferred with the clerk of the County Council. With regard to the question of appointing a surveyor and inspector for Madeley, the committee regretted they were unable to report definitely on the subject, and were waiting for a reply from the Local Government Board. The committee had carefully considered a revision of the town clerk’s salary, and they recommended an increase in his salary of £50 per annum from November last. This was the unanimous report of the committee. He moved the adoption of the report. — Mr. Bodenham seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously. — The Town Clerk thanked the Council for the increase of salary.

THE WATER RATE. — On the motion of Mr. Dyas, the mayor was authorised to seal the water rate for the Broseley, Madeley, and Wenlock Sanitary Divisions, in accordance with the published regulations.

MEDICAL OFFICER’S REPORT. — Dr. Gepp reported that the general death rate of the borough exceeded slightly the average rate for the five previous years. Influenza accounted for 13 deaths, 22 deaths were due to phthisis, 17 to cancer and malignant disease, as compared with 15 in each of the two preceding years. The birth rate was very close to the average rate for the borough in recent years. The zymotic death rate, or deaths from infectious diseases, was below the average for the district, and below the rate for the country generally. It comprised 18 deaths as follow:—Whooping cough 8, scarlet fever 2, diphtheria 3, enteric fever 2, and another epidemic was responsible for 3. The infantile mortality was exactly the average rate for the preceding years, and was considerably lower than the rate for the country generally in 1902.— It was decided to have the annual report printed, and circulated among the members.

THE EDUCATION ACT. — The Town Clerk remarked that Mr. J. Bayley of The College, Wellington, had sent him some circulars convening a meeting to be held on the education question, and invited all the members present.— The Mayor said he could not see what that meeting would have to do with the borough of Wenlock, although he should be pleased to attend for the sake of hearing what was to be said. He was of opinion that they should work the Education Act themselves or join the county. He did not believe in any centres. (Hear, hear.)

THE FORESTER HOSPITAL. — Mr. Bodenham said he had noticed a few remarks made by Lord Forester on the delay of the opening of the Forester Hospital, which he attributed to the Sanitary Authority. He thought that was rather a mistake. The delay, he said, was due to the Court, for the Authority were prepared to do all they could, but rain and other causes had been responsible for the delay. He hoped his lordship would excuse him for bringing the matter forward.— Lord Forester said the speech he made to his tenants was made on the spur of the moment. He accepted Mr. Bodenham’s disclaimer, but his recollection was that about five years ago, when they bought the piece of land to build the hospital they had to satisfy the Court there was water and drainage. He asked Mr. Thursfield when they would be ready for a patient, and he replied they were waiting for the drainer. (Laughter.) He said the drainage was not yet completed, nor likely to be till neat week. He was sorry if he had in any way given offence to the Council or Mr. Bodenham.

RENOVATING THE GUILDHALL.— Mr. Edwards called attention to the condition of the exterior of the Guildhall. He said it had not been painted for many years, and moved that tenders be invited for the work.— Mr. Davies seconded the motion which was carried.

14th February 1903

IRON-BRIDGE.

PETTY SESSIONS.— TUESDAY.

Before Colonel Anstice (chairman). Lord Forester, Messrs. F. R. Smith, W. G. Norris, and J. Bodenham.

LICENSING BUSINESS.— The superintendent’s report was read, from which it appeared that three license holders had been convicted for selling adulterated spirits, and one had been convicted for selling intoxicating liquors during prohibited hours. In all other respects order has been fairly maintained in the several licensed houses. Twenty-five transfers had taken place. For drunkenness, &c, 151 persons had been proceeded against, and 145 convicted.— Colonel Anstice said all the licenses would be renewed, but the case of objection would be presently dealt with. He said the Bench would give them notice that they intended to exercise their power given under the new Act, and that before any of the licenses were renewed in 1904 the Bench would require a plan of the premises of all licensed houses throughout the borough. Ample notice of course would be first given to the license holder for the production of the plans, and any alterations the Bench thought necessary would have to be carried out. Colonel Anstice left the Bench during the hearing of the opposition to Jones’s license, and Mr. Norris occupied the chair.— Mr. F. R. Spender (Bridgnorth) represented Jones.— Superintendent Walters said he objected to the renewal of the license or transfer of the Shakespear Inn, Coalport, because Mr. Edwin Jones was not a fit and proper person to hold such license; and again, the house was of a disorderly character. —Inspector Hamlet stated he had received many complaints as to the disorderly character of the house previous to the conviction; none since. It was a good house.— Mr. Haslewood maintained that Jones had turned over a new leaf since the conviction, and had carried on the house in a proper manner. His character, he contended, would bear the strictest investigation. Hearing referred to the band incident, which was the cause of the conviction, Mr. Haslewood said if they took applicant’s license away Jones would he thrown on the wide world. It was his own property, and it would mean ruin to him.— Richard Roberts, foreman at Griffiths’s timber yard, Coalport, and Clement Fennell, Coalport, went in the box and gave Jones an excellent character, the former remarking that he thought the Shakespeare was too quiet for a public-house.— After some deliberation, Mr. Norris said the license would be renewed, and hoped the house would be kept within the terms required by the notice.

SELLING BREAD WITHOUT WEIGHING- IT.— George Lears, baker, Jackfield, was charged with this offence.- Police-constable Davies stated he saw the defendant delivering bread from a cart at Broseley. He saw a woman purchase a small loaf for 2½d. He asked defendant for his scales, and he said he had forgotten them. Defendant was fined 5s. and costs.

A DISORDERLY PAUPER.- George Simmonds, an inmate of the Madeley Workhouse, was brought up in custody charged with assaulting another inmate named John Dean, a diminutive person, and was sentenced to 21 days’ imprisonment, with hard labour.

21st February 1903

RE-AFFORESTATION.

SUGGESTIONS AFFECTING
SHROPSHIRE.

(By JOHN RANDALL.)

The reproach from which our neighbours of the Black Country have so long suffered appears to be in a fair way of being blotted out, and the unsightly objects which have called forth so many jeers and caustic remarks from writers and travellers will be transformed and beautified. Something in this direction has already been done in Shropshire by landowners and mining proprietors, but much more remains to be done. The old pitmounds which were being raised at Benthall when Cromwell sent his soldiers to drive the men from the pits and prevent the exportation of coal to the towns of Ludlow, Shrewsbury, and others he had garrisoned lower down the Severn, have been levelled and converted into arable and pasture lands.

The ground at Broseley, on which Watt erected the first steam engine made at Soho, and where John Wilkinson forged the plates to build the first iron barge, and cast his guns for the East India Company, is clothed with vegetation. Much of it has been planted with evergreens, auracarias, larch, and spruce, and pine, forming a game preserve, and a magnificent approach to Willey Hall.

Along the old Chase of Shirlet, which had been de-forested, the timber having been cut down to make way for mining operations, re-afforestation has taken place, and also at the Smithies and at Caughley, where Thomas Turner made his famous ware, now so scarce and so highly prized by connoisseurs. Lord George Forester, uncle of the present proprietor of Willey, who did so much to improve the estate, also planted the two great pitmounds at the Stocking, near Broseley, converting an eyesore into pleasing objects in the landscape. The Lilleshall Company, too, at the time Lord Granville was director and Mr. T. E. Horton manager, did much to beautify by planting disused pitmounds in the neighbourhood of the works. At Madeley Court two old pit-mounds were planted a few years ago by the late Mr. W. O. Foster, at the suggestion of his manager, Mr. C. W. Pearce, and they are now clothed with fine specimens of larch, fir, spruce, Spanish chestnut, and the white holed and tasselled birch, “ the ladye of the woods”.

There is not a more depressing sight than that to be seen in travelling through Ketley, Donnington Wood, Wrockwardine Wood, Wombridge, the Old Park, Stirchley, and Dawley, where there are hundreds of these disfiguring elevations which might be turned to practical use, and at the same time made to beautify the neighbour-hood. It may be objected that all these mounds are not suitable for plantation, but that difficulty might be readily overcome by digging holes of about a spades’ graft and inserting just sufficient soil for the plants to take root; the falling leaves of each returning year would do the rest by forming a vegetable mould. A commencement might be made at the Meadow pitmound, at Madeley, which is at a sufficient elevation to allow of the water from the large reservoir supplied by the Harrington pumping station to find its way by gravitation to the towns of Madeley and Broseley. It commands a grand panorama of beautiful scenery; commencing with the Briedden Hills, around which the Severn winds in its course from Montgomery into the Shropshire plain; we have still nearer the Wrekin, Shinewood, West Coppice, Tickwood, Benthall, and Wenlock Edge. More distant again are the Clee Hills, the greatest elevation of which Shropshire can boast, the Abberley Hills, and the more remote Malverns. On the eastern side there is an unbroken and extensive sweep of country melting into the distant horizon; south of this may be detected Wrottesley Park, Badger Woods, Sutton Wood, and Apley Park, and many more, sylvan spots. If this were judiciously planted, with openings left for viewing the scenery, a grand promenade might be made and a most interesting place of resort for lovers of nature the country round. One advantage of such planting would be that the entangled roots would bind the surface together, and prevent those disastrous slips which are constantly taking place, especially during heavy rainfalls.

It is gratifying to observe that the unsightly cinder heaps in the old iron-making districts are likely to ho reduced or to disappear altogether. The value of basic-slag has for some time been recognised for agricultural purposes; it is now held to he the best ballast for railways, and the L. & N.W. Railway Company are taking away a thousand tons a month from Stirchley, and conveying it to their different centres. The old ballast has been found at every passing train to form a dust which penetrated the axletrees, clogged the wheels, and created friction, and untimely wear and waste. The slag does neither, and it also effects a saving in oils and grease.

28th February 1903

MADELEY DISTRICT
COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of this body was held on Wednesday; present:— Alderman A. B. Dyas (chairman), Colonel J. A. Anstice (ex-mayor), Councillors W. J. Legge. W. Y. Owen, F. G. Beddoes, R. Lane, W. F. Bryan, B. Maddox, A. G. Cartwright, and A. Dixon, with Messrs. Godfrey C. Cooper (town clerk), G. Stevenson (surveyor), IT. Herbert (inspector), and T. E. Patten (collector).

WATER. — The Harrington Water Committee reported that all the connections would shortly be completed, and that they had disposed of one clerk of the works.- The Chairman moved, and Mr. Beddoes seconded, the adoption of the report. — Mr. Maddox said he was pleased to hear a report given in by the Water Committee, but he thought other matters might have been mentioned, for instance, that it was the intention of the committee to connect the Harrington water with the Sutton scheme, which was estimated to cost £280. He also mentioned that it was intended to put down fire plugs round the route to Jackfield and Iron-Bridge, and extra conduits.— Mr. Cartwright asked if hose pipes would be supplied.— The Chairman said they had not yet got quite to that.— The report was adopted.

 

28th February 1903

BROSELEY.

THE CHILDREN’S HOME.- On Sunday afternoon a musical service was given in the Wesleyan Chapel, at which Mr. W. Edge, sen., presided. Mr. Percy Briscoe (formerly of the Home) gave an interesting address, urging the needs and claims of the Home. Miss Evershed sang, with excellent taste, “Only tired” and “Vesper Hymn”. Mr. H. Wase gave a good rendering of “In the Cathedral” and “A Waif”; and Mr. J. A. Hartshorne on the organ played selections from Haydn in excellent style. There was a good attendance, and a collection in aid of the Home was taken at the close, which amounted to £1 10s.

PETTY SESSIONS.—TUESDAY.

Before Mr. T. Cooke (mayor), Colonel J. A. Anstice, Alderman A. B. Dyas, Messrs. W. Y. Owen, E. W. Shorting, and F. R. Smith.

DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.— William Gittens, labourer, Broseley, was charged with being drunk end disorderly.— Police-constable Davies proved the case, and defendant was fined 7s. 3d. and costs.

TRAVELLING WITHOUT A TICKET.— William Bedell, farmer, Rushbury, was charged by the Great Western Railway Company with travelling from Wellington to Rushbury without a ticket with intent to avoid payment of the fare. Inspector Silcox conducted the case on behalf of the Company, and Mr. F. R. Spender defended.— William Albert Mace stationmaster at Rushbury, said defendant arrived by the 4-30 train from Wellington. On being asked for his ticket he said he had not got one, and when witness intimated he had travelled from Wellington he said he broke his journey at Wenlock by the 1-3 train. He then charged him the fare from Wenlock, and he paid him 9d. He reported the matter.— William Norry, guard, said he saw the defendant get in the 4-30 train at Wellington and get out at Rushbury.- J. Stretton and J. L. Stretton stated defendant did not get off at Wenlock.— James Watts, booking clerk, Wellington, said only one ticket was issued to Wenlock by the 4-30 train on the day in question.— Defendant said he did not take a ticket at Wellington because he had no time, and he did not get out of the train until he arrival at Rushbury. He told the stationmaster he had no ticket, and tendered either a 2s. piece or 2s. 3d. He had no intention of avoiding payment of the fare.— Cross-examined: He did not tender a shilling to the stationmaster, and nothing was said about Wenlock.—Defendant was fined £1 and 15s. costs.

A CASE FOR THE ASSIZES.— Alfred Jones, tile sorter; Adam Ball, labourer; and Frederick Ellis, printer, all young men of Jackfield, were brought up on remand charged with unlawfully wounding Enoch Davies (57), labourer, Jackfield. Mr. F. R. Spender prosecuted, and Mr. H. R. Phillips (Shifnal) defended. Great interest was taken in this case, and the Court was crowded during the hearing.— Enoch Davies, labourer, who appeared with his head bandaged, said he lived at Jackfield. He knew the three defendants. On the night in question he was at the Duke of Wellington Inn, Jackfield between eight and nine o’clock. The landlord, Mr. Smith, gave him a pint of ale for bringing a cooler over the Severn. He also had two glasses which he paid for. He remembered seeing a man named Alfred Potts come into the house, and about 10-15 he saw the three accused come in and pay for a pint apiece. Having been in some time they began to chaff him about giving evidence against some boys playing football. He told them he did not appear before the magistrates drunk like they did. Witness remained in the house till 11 o’clock, and having wished them good-night he went home. They were all sober. He subsequently went into the garden, when some brick-ends were thrown. He shouted out to them to “hold on” as they were doing damage, and would have to pay for it. As soon as he went in the house he undressed and went upstairs. As soon as he got upstairs a knock came to the door; after this there was another rap. He went to the door, and asked, “Who’s there”? He knew the voice to be the voice of Jones. He said, “Come here, I want you”, and then witness opened the door and saw Jones in front of him. Nothing was said, and in a moment a blow came upon his forehead on the left side. He could not say what he had in his hand. Blood flowed, and as soon as Jones started to run he followed him. When he was running Jones he saw Ball in front. It was a moonlight night, and he had no doubt as to either of them. He also saw Ellis there. Stones were being thrown when he was returning to his house. He attended to his wound when he went in the house. After he had bathed his wound Jones came again and said, “Come here, Enoch, I want you”. He did not open the door again. On the following morning he gave information to Sergeant Bowen, He also saw Dr. Stubbs, and had been under his care ever since.— Dr. Stubbs said he found prosecutor suffering from a wound over the left eye-brow extending upwards over two inches. It was cut to the bone and jagged at the edges, which showed it was done with some hard rough substance, and with some considerable force. He was in a very weak state, and appeared to have suffered from shock and loss of blood. He did not think the wound was dangerous to life.— Other witnesses having been called to connect defendants with the assault, Sergeant Bowen deposed that the following morning prosecutor came to him and made a complaint. He subsequently saw the three accused, who each denied being near or on complainant’s premises, or committing the assault.— Inspector Hamlet stated he visited Davies on the Sunday, who had a very bad wound in his forehead. He also saw spots of blood on the bricks, and also down the road leading to the Boat Inn.— The Bench retired, and on returning the Mayor said Ellis would be discharged, there being not sufficient evidence against him.— Mr. Phillips having addressed the Bench called two or three witnesses for the defence.- Afterwards Ball and Jones were committed for trial at the Assizes. Bail was allowed.

7th March 1903

BROSELEY

BURIAL BOARD. Mr. D. L. Prestage presided at the meeting on Wednesday.— The Clerk (Mr. Godfrey Cooper) reported a balance of £26 11s, 8d. hand.— Miss Wilkes was appointed gate-keeper at  the cemetery at a salary of 26s. a year. The Chairman spoke of the disgraceful state of the cemetery gates and railings, and it was decided to have the same re-painted.

DISTRICT COUNCIL. Wednesday. — Present: Alderman D. L. Prestage (chairman), Councillors E. G. Exley, E. Oakes. P. Jones, Messrs. Godfrey C. Cooper (town clerk), G. Stevenson (surveyor), H. Herbert (inspector) and J. Dixon (collector).—  The Chairman remarked that with reference to the report, which appeared in the papers that they could not make the people pay the rate if their own water was satisfactory, certain requirement would have to be fulfilled before the person could be exempted from the water rate. For instance, the water would first have to be analysed by an inspector, and there would have to be sufficient quantity. He said there were fire plugs in the town, and as everyone would be benefited by them he hoped all would the rate. The Chairman having read a report from the Harrington Water Joint Committee which appeared in the last issue of the “Journal” he said he had gone through the assessment with  the collector and estimated that the water rate would bring in £428, which would cover their share of  the running of the Harrington water pumping station, and would probably leave a little in hand In case of public-houses where they did their brewing, the whole of the water would be supplied to the premises by meter, so that they would have to pay on the actual consumption. With reference to the pipes in the iron bridge, in consequence the repairs, he said it was necessary to alter line of pipes, and when they were shifted he hoped they would not be removed back again. Mr. Stooke had the matter in hand. He said Jackfield would have to pay the water rate as well as Broseley they were going to have the Harrington water laid on. Having laid fire plugs in the town, he though they should purchase a quantity of hose, but they should have some one to look after it.- Mr. Oakes suggested the raising of a fire brigade in the town.- The  Chairman thought the captain of the Iron-Bridge Fire Brigade could work the two; the matter, however, was left in the hands of Chairman and Mr. Oakes.— A letter was from Messrs. Maw and Co., Jackfield, asking the Council’s permission to raise the public lamp and water conduit which were fixed round the corner of their building, as they intended raising the road. —After some conversation the surveyor was instructed to write to the Company to the effect that the Council objected to the footpath being raised.

14th March 1903

MADELEY.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS, Yesterday.— Dr. Stubbs (medical officer), in a letter, asked the Board to allow him 3s. 6d. for re-vaccinating tramps. He said it would cause special visits.— Mr. Clayton thought if they kept the tramps a day it would not necessitate special visits.- The Clerk referred to previous charges for vaccination, which were adopted by the Local Government Board.- The Chairman: Then the matter is out of our hands.— A letter was read from the clerk of the Seisdon Union to the effect that the managers of Quatt School ruled their resolution out of order, and his Board considered the ruling distinctly wrong, and they had referred the matter to the Local Government Board.- The Chairman reported that Messrs. Owen, Clayton, and himself attended the meeting referred to, and in reply to Mr. Maddox, added that the clerk did not consider the motion within the ordinary business. Therefore the chairman ruled it out of order.- Mr. Clayton contended the ruling was wrong.— The following tenders were accepted:— Meat, Mr. Wylde, Madeley; flour and bread, Mr. J. H. Webster, Iron-Bridge; coal, Mr. Geo. Pooler, Madeley; hair-cutting and shaving, Mr. R. Langford, Iron-Bridge.- With reference to coffins, it was resolved to deal with the tenders at the next, meeting. With regard to the present contractor, he attended the Board and admitted he was a bearer short at Broseley. He said it was usual to trot where there were no houses, and that the bearers had dark clothing.- The master stated the driver (the contractor’s son), on one occasion, wore brown boots and brown leggings. He also had a coloured hat.- The Chairman told Mr. Bowen the contract must be carried out properly.- Mr. Bryan suggested they should find four black suits for the inmates to act as bearers, It was decided to discuss the matter at a future meeting.— There were 12 applications for the post of nurse, and the testimonials having been read out, six of the candidates were selected to attend the Board at the next meeting, when the appointment will be made.— A letter was read from Col. Wayne, resigning his seat as a Guardian, and as manager of the Quatt School, in consequence of his leaving the county. He thanked all for the courtesy he had always received. His resignation was accented with sincere regret. The resignation of Mr. Abner Bailey (Dawley), who has left the district, was also received and accepted.— The visitors (Messrs. E. W. Shorting and A. A- Exley) visited the house, and this is their report:

To-day we climbed up Lincoln Hill, which seemed as steep as ever,

To formally inspect the House as we’d arranged together.

We found the inmates orderly, and with their food contented—

Not grumbling at the ills of life that ne’er can he prevented,

But occupied in useful work, a helpful hand all lending

In laundry, washhouse, kitchen, ward, some gard’ning and shoe-mending,:

The aged and deserving poor supplied with elbow chairs—

Our panacea for all those bowed down with; years and cares:

The doctor constant on his rounds, and prompt with pill and plaster;

Whilst over all the watchful eye of matron and of master.

Though “boarding out” has cost us dear, and exercised us greatly

(As evidenced by the debates we’ve listened to so lately),

The “ boarding in” arrangements seem complete in all departments.

And strictly in accordance with the L.G.B. requirements.

 

COUNTY COURT.— WEDNESDAY.

ADMINISTRATION ORDER — Richard Harrison, brickmaker, Broseley, applied for an administration order. His debts amounted to £48 18s. He earned 3s. a day, and offered to pay 10s. in the pound at 15s- a month.— Mr. R. Spender, who represented Mr. Onions, confectioner, the largest creditor, thought debtor should pay 15s. in the pound, as also did Mr. Copeland’s representative.— Debtor said it was entirely sickness that brought him to his present position. His wife, whom he buried three years ago, was ill 15 years and he also had a son whose death he was expecting daily.— Mr. Spender said he had offered to pay Mr. Onions 2s. 6d. a week for bread.— Debtor said he was then getting 30s. a week.- His Honour said it was a bad case, and he did not think debtor could pay more than 10s. in the pound.- An order was made for 10s. monthly instalments.— His Honour told the debtor that he must keep up the payments, for it was a big sacrifice for the creditors.

 

21st March 1903

WENLOCK TOWN COUNCIL.

A special meeting of this Council was held on Wednesday at the Guildhall, when there were present: Councillor T. Cooke (Mayor), Lord Forester, Colonel J. A. Anstice, Aldermen A. B. Dyas, J. Bodenham, T. H. Thursfield, D. L. Prestage, G. Lloyd, and Councillors W. J. Legge, F. G. Beddoes, B. Maddox C. Edwards, A. G. Cartwright, T. J. Barnett, W. Allen, A. G. Lascelles, R. F. Ayre, W. P. Bryan, A. Dixon, S. Davies, R. Lane, P. Jones, R. A. Instone, J. Hart, E. Oakes, E. G. Exley, T. Morris, W. Evans, T. Doughty; with Messrs. Godfrey C. Cooper (town clerk), A. H. Thorn-Pudsey (magistrates’ clerk), P. H. Potts (borough treasurer), G. Stevenson (surveyor), H. Herbert (inspector), T. B. Patten (collector). T. Jones (attendance officer), and Dr. Gepp (medical officer).

RATES.— Rates were levied for the Broseley, Barrow, Madeley and Wenlock districts.

SMALLPOX AT BROSELEY.— Mr. Prestage presented a report on a smallpox hospital for the borough of Wenlock. He said they considered the most economical way would be to take over the present Wenlock Ward Isolated Cottage Hospital in the town, and with an addition of £30 spent on the building it would contain four beds.— Mr. Bodenham said he had called a meeting that morning of the Wenlock District Council, when they unanimously decided not to allow the use of the Cottage Hospital.— Mr. Prestage then said there came the question of a suitable site. He said they had secured a site at the Batches, near Broseley, but the tenant required £5 an acre, and there were 9 acres. He said they could obtain a hospital tent for £200, but the cost altogether would be £403, whilst they could obtain a permanent wooden or iron hospital for £800.—Dr. Gepp said the site was an admirable one, suitable for a temporary or a permanent hospital. Be preferred the latter. He said there was a case of smallpox in the borough (Broseley). It was a mild case and was isolated, but the most disquieting feature was that it was impossible to trace the source. It appeared there was an infection moving about, but this case was well isolated, and he did not think there would be any subsequent cases. He said tent hospitals were a dead loss, and he preferred a wooden one. He thought they would have to deal with the matter themselves— he did not think the County Council would assist them.— Mr. Maddox contended that as the disease was at their doors the time had arrived when they should deal with a permanent structure.- Col. Anstice thought the County Council would help them, and he moved that the matter be left in the hands of Messrs. Prestage, and Lascalles to obtain a structure, and that they be thanked for their services —Mr. Bodenham seconded the motion, which was carried.

28th March 1903

IRON-BRIDGE.

PETTY SESSIONS.-TUESDAY.

Before Mr. T. Cooke (mayor). Colonel J. A. Anstice, Messrs, A. B. Dyas and W. Y. Owen.

SEQUEL TO THE ASSIZES.— Thomas Poole (16), Charles Bowen, (16), Albert Perks (15), Charles Owen (14), Hinsley Evans (15), Arthur Hughes (13), Wallace Evans (16), and John Webbley (13), all residing at Jackfield were charged with a breach of the  borough by-laws.- Mr. J. T. Carrane defended, and objected to the joint charge, contending that the information was bad as against eight people for an act one might have committed.— Alfred Potts, Coalport, stated that he had been at Shrewsbury giving evidence at the Assizes for the prosecution  in the case of an alleged assault at Jackfield. He came back to Iron-Bridge by train, and found the station platform crowded with people, who hooted him all the way down the road as far as Jackfield Church. In consequence of the action of the crowd he called at Sergeant Bowen’s house for protection, and the sergeant’s son escorted him down the road. —Inspector Hamlet deposed that he had seen all the defendants, who, with the exception of Poole, admitted shouting after Potts.— Eric Bowen and Sergeant Bowen also gave evidence. — The case against Poole was dismissed.— Poole then went into the box, and stated that the crowd of 200 people were hurrahing a prisoner who had got off at the Shrewsbury Assizes. He did not think anyone would hurt Potts.— Mr. Carrane said the boys bore excellent characters, and some of them were members of the Jackfield Church choir.— The Bench retired, and on returning the Mayor said the Bench considered the case proved, but owing to the youth of the defendants the case would be dismissed on payment of costs.

STEALING COAL.— Elisha Cartwright, farm labourer, was charged with stealing 94lb. weight of coal, value 10d., the property of Eleanor Wooler, Linley Hall.— Sergeant Bowen proved the case, and defendant was fined £1, including costs.

STEALING PORK. — Elizabeth Jones, widow, Broseley, was charged with stealing 21lb. of pork, value 1s. 6d., belonging to Matthew Davis, butcher,  Broseley.- Prosecutor said he put the pork by in the shop for a customer, but when he wanted it the pork was missing. He gave information to the police, after which defendant came and asked forgiveness.— Evidence having also been given by Edith Davis and Police-constable Davies, prisoner pleaded guilty, and was fined 22s., including costs, or 21 days’ imprisonment.

4th April 1903

BROSELEY.

P.S.A. The weekly meeting in connection with the Broseley Wesleyan P.S.A. was held in the chapel, when Mr. E. R. Hartshorne presided over a large attendance. Mr. A. T. Hartshorne gave an excellent address on “Circumstances”, and Mr. A, J. Preston gave a fine rendering of the solos “Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep” and “Comfort ye” (“Messiah”).

DISTRICT COUNCIL.— Wednesday; present:— Alderman D. L. Prestage (chairman), Councillors E. G. Exley, P. Jones, T. Doughty, E. Oakes, R. A. Instone, Messrs. Godfrey C. Cooper (town clerk), G. Stevenson (surveyor), H. Herbert (inspector), and J. Dixon (collector).— The Clerk reported that there was a balance in hand of over £300, and a cheque for £5 was drawn in favour of the surveyor.— Mr. Herbert said there was no infectious disease in the district, with the exception of the case of smallpox, which was reported at the Wenlock Council meeting. He said they were going on slowly with the alterations at Jackfield.— Plans were submitted for the new Forester Hospital at Broseley and discussed.— The Clerk asked if the water rate would be collected with the general district rate.— The Chairman thought it would be best to do so; and in reply to Mr. Oakes, he said it would be a separate account.— Mr. Dixon said he had to make so many calls for the rate that he intended to ask for some more money.— In reply to Mr. Exley, the Chairman said the water rate would commence from last Christmas.— The Clerk observed that, if there was no water rate, the general district rate would be increased; and the Chairman said he was of opinion that within a few years the water rate would relieve the general district rate.

 

4th April 1903

SUICIDE AT BROSELEY

On Monday a young man named Alfred Harvey was found drowned in the pool at Benthall Edge, and consequently Mr F. H. Potts, borough coroner, held an enquiry on the following evening. Ann Harvey, Widow, Broseley Wood, stated the deceased was her late husband’s daughter’s son, and that he lived with her. Deceased was 32 years of age, and was a waggoner at the Coalbrookdale Ironworks. He was a single man, and on Sunday appeared somewhat depressed, and went to bed in the afternoon. He said he should not go to work till breakfast time if he did not feel better. Witness heard him go out on Monday morning about 6-30. She subsequently saw his food on the chest of drawers. Deceased had been ailing of late, she thought he had hurt himself, but he was told by the local doctor that it was nothing serious.- Isaac Garbett, collier, Broseley, said on Monday about 11 o’clock he was walking on Benthall Edge with a man named Edward Walker, when on the banks of the pool he saw some clothes. They looked in the water and saw the body of deceased. Witness gave information to Inspector Hamlet at Iron-Bridge. Edward Walker, and invalided soldier, having given corroborative evidence, Francis Ball stated that he saw deceased about half past six o’clock on Monday morning going towards Iron-Bridge. He gave him a message to take to the lobby man at the Dale works respecting his grandson. He appeared in low spirits.- Inspector Hamlet said the body was fully dressed, and there was no sign of any struggle. Deceased’s overcoat was on the bank, folded up, and a hat was on the top of it.- The verdict of the jury was “Suicide whilst temporarily insane”.

 

11th April 1903

BROSELEY.

PRESENTATION.— Mr. R. Weekes, who is leaving for America next week was presented on Monday, at the Duke of Cumberland Hotel, with a travelling bag and a box of cigars by his numerous friends. Mr. J. Hyman, who occupied the chair, made the presentation in an appropriate speech, and the recipient acknowledged the gift. A smoking concert followed, at which Mr. Smitheman presided at the pianoforte. Votes of thanks to Mr. Stevens and the chairman terminated a pleasant evening.

9th May 1903

BROSELEY.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S MISSION.— On Wednesday evening an entertainment in connection with the above mission was given in the Congregational Chapel, under the presidency of Mr. Robert Durnall of Madeley. There was a very good attendance, and the following took part in the programme:— Mr. G. Tonkiss, Mr. Morgan Ellis, Miss Hartshorne, Miss Bunnagar, Mr. J. Gething, Miss May Shaw, Miss May Bunnagar, Edgar Williams, Miss F. Williams, and Mr. Powell.

SPECIAL SERVICES.— On Sunday two sermons were preached (morning and evening) by Mr. T. H. Gorle, J.P., of Wednesbury, in the Broseley Wesleyan Chapel. Suitable hymns were rendered by the choir. In the afternoon a musical service was held, under the presidency of Mr. J. E. Hartshorne, Mr. W. Roberts of Iron-Bridge presided at the organm and played the solos       “Improvisation” (Merkel). “Intermezzo from Rusticano” (Mascagni), selection (“Messiah”) “Comfort ye”, “And the Glory” (Handel), “Sunset Melody” (Vincent), “Triumphal March” (Costa), and “March Militaire”. Mr. W. Garbett, who was in splendid voice, sang the songs, “Queen of Angels” and “Eternal Rest”, with great taste and expression. Mr. Morgan Ellis of Iron-Bridge also gave a creditable rendering of the songs, “Dream of Paradise” and “Honour and Arms” (Handel); and the well-known flautist (Mr. F. Glover) gave a fine interpretation of “The Holy City” and “O for the wings of a dove” on his favourite instrument. Miss Annie Oakley (Broseley) sang very sweetly the song “Daddy”, accompanied on the organ by Mr. J. A. Hartshorne. There were fair congregations, and collections were taken on behalf of the organ fund.

DISTRICT COUNCIL, Wednesday.— Present:— Messrs. D. L. Prestage (chairman). E. G. Exley, P. Jones, W. E. Southern, R. A. Instone, E. Oaks, G. C. Cooper (town clerk), G. Stevenson (surveyor), H. Herbert (inspector of nuisances), and J. Dixon (collector).— Mr. Dixon reported he had collected £85 12s. 3d. during the last month, and the Clerk said there was a balance in hand of £328 13s. 2d. The Chairman said, with regard to the water supply, that it was decided at the water meeting to charge the Jackfield people with the water from the 1st of April, and Broseley from the 1st of January. He added that Jackfield people ought not to grumble, for they had had the water a good many years for nothing.— Mr. Oakes asked if there was any particular distance decided in regard to laying of the hydrants.— The Chairman replied that there was not.— The Collector said he did not think the people would grumble; and the Clerk remarked that if people would be stupid the Council would have to fix more hydrants.— Mr. Oakes said he merely asked for  information.— The Chairman was requested to interview Mr. Taylor of Willey in respect to getting the latter to accept the captaincy of a fire brigade.— The Inspector reported that there were no cases of infectious disease at Broseley, and that the smallpox case had been “cleared off”. He presented a bill for bedding and clothing in connection with the case, amounting to £3 18s., and this amount was ordered to be paid.

16th May 1903

WENLOCK TOWN COUNCIL.

WEDNESDAY.

Present:— Councillor T. Cooke (mayor), Lord Forester, Colonel Anstice, Aldermen A. B. Dyas, D. L. Prestage, T. H. Thursfield, J. Bodenham, and Councillors W. Y. Owen, W. Allen, F. C. Beddoes, E. G. Exley, E. Oakes, A. C. Lascelles, C. Edwards, B. Maddox, R. F. Ayre, A. Dixon, T. Doughty, T. Morris, W. Evans, J. Davies; with Messrs. Godfrey C. Cooper (town clerk), A. H. Thorn-Pudsey (magistrates’ clerk), F. H. Potts (borough treasurer), H. Herbert (inspector), G. Stevenson (surveyor), T. Jones (school officer), Symonds (inspector of weights and measures), and Dr. Gepp (medical officer).

BOROUGH RATE.— The Mayor said the Finance Committee had gone through the bills, which showed that the sum of £1,067 was required to be raised by a rate.— It was decided to levy a borough rate of 5d. in the pound.

THE INFECTIOUS HOSPITAL. — Mr. Prestage reported that their estimate for the infectious hospital was £800. They were obliged to erect an emergency structure, and the estimate of £50 for drainage would be increased to £150, in order to deal thoroughly with the sewerage from the hospital. The total cost would amount to £800 11s. 6d., against which they would have the cost for the grass, which would bring the cost down to £786 11s. 6d. Had they not been in a hurry the emergency hospital, which cost £100, would not be required. He went on to say that there was a balance of £100 not used for asylum purposes, and he proposed that that should go towards the hospital expenses, and that the balance be made up by a 3d. rate, to be collected in three years —a penny each year— which would lighten the burden this quarter. He moved a 3d. rate in the pound be levied.— Mr. Lascelles seconded the motion, which was carried.

 

30th May 1903

JACKFIELD.

SUNDAY SCHOOL.— The prize-giving took place on Wednesday, when 31 prizes were distributed to the successful scholars by Mr. H. D. Hughes (superintendent) and Miss Saunders. The Rector awarded his special gift to the following scholars, who during the school year had gained the full number of marks:— John Dodd, Jessie Bowen, Minnie Bryce, Amy Smallwood, and Beatrice Smith. Words of encouragement were addressed to teachers and scholars by the Rector and Superintendent.— The subscriptions were collected for the prizes by the teachers.

SUDDEN DEATH. — Mr. F. H. Potts (borough coroner) hold an inquiry on Saturday at the Half Moon Inn, touching the death of Mary Ann Hall (31), who died on the previous day.— Grace Wright, certificated nurse, stated that deceased was confined on Tuesday, and she attended her and everything, went off well. Deceased complained of her heart on the Thursday, and witness suggested that it would be well to have the advice of a doctor, which she declined to have. On the Friday morning deceased died.— Dr. Dyson stated that he had attended deceased previous to her confinement. He was of opinion that everything had been done that was possible, and in reply to the foreman he said no doctor could have saved the woman’s life. He attributed the cause of death to a clot of blood on the lungs.— The jury returned a verdict of “Death from natural causes” — Deceased, who was buried on Tuesday at the Broseley Cemetery, leaves a widower and five children, and much sympathy is expressed for the husband in his sad affliction.

 

 

 

 

30th May 1990

MUCH WENLOCK.

PETTY SESSIONS.—TUESDAY.

Before Mr. T. Cooke (mayor), Colonel J. A. Anstice, and Messrs. T. Bodenham and F. R. Smith.

THROWING STONES.— Henry Potts (14), Jackfield, was charged with throwing stones.— Sergeant Bowen stated that he saw the defendant, in company with other lads, throwing stones on Mr. Jones’s sheds.— Defendant was fined 5s, including costs.

STEALING COAL.— Mary Ann Harris, married woman, Madeley, was charged with stealing 60lb. of coal, of the value of 4d., belonging to the Madeley Wood Company. Mr. F. R. Spender prosecuted.— Police-constable Harper stated that he was on duty near the Kemberton Pit, and saw the defendant and a lad picking coals. He took possession of the bags, which contained 60lb. weight of coal.— Defendant was fined £1 1s. 3d., including costs, or 14 days’ imprisonment in default.

MAINTENANCE CASE.— Thomas A. Poole and John Henry Poole, colliers, Dawley, were summoned for failing to support their father, who is an inmate of the Madeley Workhouse.— Mr. J. C. Mole, relieving officer, gave evidence, and said the Guardians only asked for 1s. a week.

6th June 1903

BROSELEY.

JACKFIELD BRASS BAND.— The Members of this band gave a sacred concert on Sunday afternoon, and there was a large attendance.

BURIAL BOARD.— A quarterly meeting of the Burial Board was held on Wednesday. Alderman D. L. Prestage presided, and reported that Mr. Garbett’s tender for painting the cemetery railings was the lowest, and reported a balance of £35 14s. 7d. in hand.

UNITED OPEN-AIR MISSION.— On Sunday evening the second of a series of meetings in connection with this mission was held in the Foundry Lane, Broseley, under the presidency of Mr. W. Edge, gen. Mr. H. R. Hartshorne gave an earnest address on “The Friendship of Jesus”. There was a good attendance.

CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL.— On. Sunday two appropriate sermons were preached in the Parish Church by the Rev. G. Fleming Lamb, M.A. (rector), in aid of the Sunday School funds. In the evening the anthem, “Their sound has gone out” (“Messiah”), was capitally rendered by the choir. There were good congregations.

SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY.- On Sunday the 89th anniversary of the Birch Meadow Baptist Sunday School was celebrated, when two sermons of an earnest character were preached by Mr. Herbert J. Banks of Wolverhampton. In the afternoon Mr. Banks held a children’s service, and gave a very interesting and instructive address. Special hymns were very sweetly and efficiently rendered by the children. There was a good attendance at each service, and collections were taken in aid of the funds, amounting to £12.

Text Box:          1st June 1903
RAILWAY TIMETABLE  SEVERN VALLEY
	a.m. 	a.m.	a.m.	p.m.	p.m.	
S’bury	7 45	8 30	11 25	3 40	7 13	
Ber’nt’n	7 56	8 40	11 35	3 51	7 25	
Cressage	8  4	8 48	11 45	3 59	7 33	
B’dwas	8 13	9  6	12  0	4 11	7 40	
I’bridge	8 20	9 11	12  5	4 18	7 48	
Coalport	8 25	9 16	12 10	4 12	7 53	
Linley	8 32	s	12 16	4 34	7 59	
B’north	8 50	9 32	12 27	4 52	8 12	
	a.m.	a.m.	p.m.	p.m.	p.m.	p.m.
Linley	8 48	11 21	2 49	4 10	..	8 16
Coalport	8 54	11 28	2 55	4 17	..	8 23
I’bridge	9  0	11 35	3  1	4 23	..	8 28
B’dws	9 15	11 42	3  7	4 29	7 55	8 34
Cressage	9 25	11 50	3 15	4 37	8  3	8 42
Ber’nt’n	9 40	12  1	3 27	4 47	8 14	8 52
S’bury	9 50	12 12	3 35	4 55	8 23	9  0
Sunday, B’north to S’Bury 10-37a.m., S’bury to B’north 5-5 p.m.
DISTRICT COUNCIL, Wednesday.— Present: Alderman D. L. Prestage (chairman), Councillors E. G. Exley, P. Jones, E. Oakes, T. Doughty. and W. E. Southorn, with Messrs. A. Owen (for the clerk), G. Stevenson (surveyor), H. Herbert (inspector), and J. Dixon (collector)— Mr. Dixon reported he had collected on the rate during the month £343 17s. 4d., and that there was nearly £400 outstanding.— The Surveyor reported that the cost for the public lighting amounted this year to £118. A cheque was drawn in his favour for £12 on the general account. — Mr. Herbert said that there were no cases of infectious disease in the district. He also reported two nuisances, which were ordered to be abated.— Mr. Oakes called the attention of the Council to the fact that there was no conduit placed near the Duke of Cumberland Inn, and that the people had to go a distance for the water. The Chairman suggested that they put a tap at this place, and he promised to see Mr. Abberley on the matter.— The Chairman here read the report on the Harrington water supply which appeared in the last issue of this paper. Mr. Doughty suggested that the water should be taken to the neighbourhood of the Tuckies, Jackfield. The Chairman said it would depend on the revenue of the district. It was suggested that they should first get the cost of putting in the water, and what the revenue would be from that neighbourhood.— With reference to the pipes over the old iron bridge, the Chairman said they had tried to settle the matter amicably, and not being able to do so the question was in the hands of the solicitors. Mr. Oakes remarked it was an unfortunate position.

13th June 1903

BROSELEY.

* Wolseley Cars.— I have for delivery in September a 20. h.p. Wolseley Car, either Tonnean or Shooting brake body.— James Davies, Motor Agent, Broseley.

OPEN-AIR MISSION.— On Sunday evening the third of a series of open-air meetings was held in connection with the United Missions, adjacent to the Town Hall, when Mr. F. W. Jones of Madeley Wood gave an address. Mr. A. T. Hartshorne and Mr. F. Preston also took part in the meeting. There was a large attendance.

FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR, GEO. DAVIES.— The late Mr. Geo. Davies of the firm of Messrs. G. and F. Davies, brick and tile manufacturers, had been ailing for a considerable period, and on Sunday he passed away. On Wednesday in the presence of a large number of people, including representatives of all the brick works in the district, deceased was buried in the family vault at the parish churchyard. The Rev. G. F. Lamb (rector) conducted the ceremony.

JACKFIELD BRASS BAND.— On Saturday evening the members of this band played the following excellent selection of music on the Memorial Green, under the direction of Mr. George Aston (bandmaster). There was a good company present, who evidently appreciated the efforts of the performers:— March, “Canadian”; selection, “Songs of Other Days”; euphonium solo, “Air Varie” selection, “L’Eliser D’Amore”; waltz, “Prairie Flower”; march, “Cycle Parade”; selection, “Sons of Britannia”.

 

20th June 1903

SHOCKING STORY FROM BROSELEY.

ANOTHER VICTIM TO DRINK..

On Saturday night Mr. F. H. Potts, borough coroner, held an inquiry at the Duke of Cumberland, Broseley, touching the death of Ann Oakley, who was described as “the biggest woman in the district”.

Edwin Oakley, haulier, King Street, Broseley, stated that deceased was his wife, and that she was 46 years of age. When he came home from work on Friday at 6 o’clock he found his wife drunk in the house. She began quarrelling, and when he was going to bed about 10 o’clock, she struck at him with the poker. He dodged her, and she fell against a door, which blacked her eye and made her nose bleed. He did not strike her. He gave information to the police, and stopped in the stable all night. About 7 o’clock the next morning his son told him his mother was dead. Deceased had been drinking for 20 years.

Police-constable Davies deposed when he went to the house about midnight he found four of the children in the street. Deceased was drunk and used abusive and threatening language. He asked her what was the matter, and why she had turned her husband and children out of doors. She picked up a knife off the table and threatened to kill him, at the same time ordering him out of the house. Witness said she was mad drunk, but he somewhat succeeded in pacifying her, and when he left she was sitting by the fire. Her right eye was closed and swollen, and she bled much. He was not surprised to hear of her death the next morning.— Carrie Oakley, daughter, said she came home on Friday night at 11 o’clock, and in consequence of the state of her mother she left the house with her sister, and stayed in the street till 3 o’clock in the morning. When she went to fetch some coal in the wash-house about 5 o’clock, she saw her mother lying down by the door. Witness spoke to her, but she never answered. She went out and told her brother that she thought deceased was dead, and he ultimately told his father.

Dr. Fox Edwards stated he arrived at the house at 8 o’clock on Saturday morning and found deceased in a back room lying on her face with her head against the door. There was a sharp cut on the bridge of the nose, and her face had bled freely. On examining the body he found no marks of violence, and the wound on the nose was not sufficient to cause death. She was a big powerful woman, and the position in which the body was found, and the appearance of it afterwards, led him to form an opinion that deceased died from suffocation.

The verdict of the jury was “Deceased accidentally fell, and was suffocated”.

 

4th July 1903

BROSELEY.

TOWN HALL CHARITIES. On Saturday the Rector of Broseley distributed “Barratt’s Charity”, when 45 persons received 1s. 6d. each.

UNITED OPEN-AIR MISSION.— On Sunday evening the sixth of a series of meetings in connection with this mission was held in Foundry Lane. Mr. J. E. Hartshorne presided, and Mr. George Higgins (Primitive Methodist) delivered an address, characterised with much fervour. Mr. A. T. Hartshorne also took part in the meeting. There was a fair attendance.

ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH.— On Sunday evening the choir gave a fine interpretation of the anthem, “God so loved the world”, and the duet, “Love Divine, all loves excelling”, was given in excellent style, the soprano solos being undertaken by Masters Harold Wase and William Oakley, and the tenor by Mr. W. Anstice (Madeley Wood Hall). Mr. W. H. Griffiths conducted.

A SACRED CONCERT was given on Sunday evening in Mr. M. Davies’s field by the Iron-Bridge Volunteer Band, in the presence of a large concourse of people, and the various items, so well played, were highly appreciated. Mr. Beardshaw conducted, and a collection was made on behalf of the band instrument fund. The programme was as follows:- March, “Justification” chorus, “In God is our trust”; fantasia, “Church call, Sabbath chimes”; song, “Ora Pro Nobis”; selection, “Pirates of Penzance”; air (varied), Rosseau’s Dream”,

DEATH OF MR. J. B. NEVETT.— On Thursday week there passed away a very familiar figure of this town in the person of Mr. James Brian Nevett at his residence. Barratt’s Hill, Broseley. Deceased was 78 years of age, and one of the oldest and most respected residents of the place. The funeral took place amidst every demonstration of respect on Monday at Broseley Cemetery. The service was impressively read by the Rev. G. Fleming Lamb, M.A., rector. A number of beautiful wreaths were contributed by relatives end friends.

PETTY  SESSIONS.— At these sessions on Tuesday, before Messrs. T. Cooke (mayor) and E. W. Shorting, Fanny Bird, married woman, Callaughton was summoned for making use of abusive words towards Annie Norry, Marsh Cottage, Much Wenlock.— Complainant stated that defendant abused her and said she would wring her neck out.— Mary Beddoes, Callaughton, witness for the complainant, stated that she heard no bad language; and Annie Hayward stated that such language was used.— Defendant denied the charge, and added this was the first time she had appeared in Court.- The case was dismissed, Norry having to pay the Court expenses.

DISTRICT COUNCIL, Wednesday.— Present:— Alderman D. L. Prestage (chairman), Councillors E. G. Exley, P. Jones, T. Doughty, E. Oakes, W. E. Southorn, Messrs. Godfrey C. Cooper (town clerk) G. Stevenson (surveyor), H. Herbert (inspector), and J. Dixon (collector).— Mr. Dixon reported he had collected £117 8s. 10d. since the last meeting, and that there was £250 to be collected. He intended to collect the water rate next week. The Chairman reported a balance of £588 3s. 4d. in hand.— A letter was read from Mr. Morgan, King Street, asking permission to build a wall 15 yards long in front of his cottage at the top of Legge’s Hill. The matter was left in the hands of Mr. Southorn and the surveyor.— Mr. P. Jones spoke in favour of a watering cart for the town, and after some conversation the matter was deferred till the repairs on the old iron bridge were completed.— The Inspector said there was no infectious disease in the district. He reported several nuisances, which were ordered to be abated.

4th July 1903

LINLEY, near BROSELEY.

THE CHURCH.— Yesterday week a marble tablet in memory of the late Mrs. Lowndes of Linley Hall was erected in the north-east wall of the chancel in the church, just over the spot where she was accustomed to worship regularly in her invalid chair for several years. The tablet was subscribed for by the old scholars of the little day school which she inaugurated and maintained during her residence at Linley Hall, as the inscription on the tablet testifies. At the afternoon service on Sunday the Rector referred in a feeling manner to Mrs. Lowndes’s sweet disposition and unostentatious work at Linley, and exhorted all present, both old and young, to try and imitate the three traits which, from his privileged experience of some years of personal friendship with the late Mrs. Lowndes, shone most conspicuously in her character, viz., her devotional piety, her gentleness and humility, and her loving sympathy.

11th July 1903

BROSELEY.

*Call at OWEN BATE’S Broseley, and see the high grade Bicycle. B.S.A throughout; spring framed; own make. Also best offer in £10 10s. Cycles, six years’ warranty on running powers.

* Before buying your Motor Bicycle consult James Davies, Broseley. He carries stock, and will demonstrate the machines in town or country by appointment. Humbers, Enfields, Rex, &c

UNITED OPEN-AIR MISSION.- On Sunday evening the seventh of is series of meetings in connection with this mission was held in King Street, Broseley. Mr. Richard Bunnagar presided, and Mr. Jenks (Iron-Bridge) delivered a very earnest address. Mr. J. E. Hartshorne, and Mr. George Higgins also took part in the meeting. There was a good attendance.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT.- On Wednesday the scholars attending the Congregational Sunday School had their annual treat. The teachers and scholars met in the schoolroom, afterwards proceeding to a field kindly lent by Mr. E. G. Exley, where they indulged in a variety of games until the return to the schoolroom, where over 100 sat down to tea. Afterwards the games were renewed in the field. Mr. R. Bunnagar (superintendent), Mr. A. Evans, Mr. H. Bunnagar, Mr. Draper, Mr. B. Bunnagar, and teachers doing their utmost to promote the enjoyment of the children.

FUNERAL OF A FORESTER.— On Monday afternoon the remains of the late Mr. James Daniel Smith of the Duke of Wellington Inn, The Tuckies, were interred in the Cemetery. The funeral service was read by the Rev. J. Marsden Edwards, M.A. (Rector of Jackfield), in Jackfield Church and also at the cemetery. Deceased had been a member of Court “Rose of the Green”, No. 3353, held at the Lion Hotel for a number of years, and as a mark of respect several of the members attired in the regalia attended the funeral. Mr. Aquila Evans, P.C.R., and D.T., read the Foresters’ oration by the graveside.

 

18th July 1903

WENLOCK.

BARROW DISTRICT COUNCIL.- A meeting of this Council was held on Monday at the Town, Clerk’s Office, when there were present:— Councillors  J. Davies (chairman), W. Allen, A. G. Lascelles, with Messrs. A. Owen (for the town clerk), G. Stevenson (surveyor), and H. Herbert (inspector).— It was reported that the amount collected on the rate was £66 8s. 1d.— The Clerk reported that there was a balance of £82 19s. 2d. in hand, and that the surveyor’s expenditure for the month was £46 15s. 2d.— The Inspector reported a case of scarlet fever at Arlescot, the only infectious disease in the borough.— A long discussion ensued as to whether Dhu stone or limestone should be placed on the Benthall road.  It was ultimately decided in favour of limestone, which would be only one-third of the cost.

PETTY SESSIONS.— TUESDAY.

Before Mr. T. Cooke (mayor), Messrs. J. Bodenham and W. G. Norris.

DRUNKENNESS.— The following were charged with being drunk and disorderly:— Francis Smith, at Broseley, by Police-constable Davies, sentenced to 21 days’ imprisonment, without the option of a fine.— John Tandy, at Broseley, by Police-constable Davies, fined 5s. and costs.— John Locke, at Madeley, by Police-constable Harper, fined l0s. and costs.— Christopher Jones, at Broseley, by Police-constable Davies, fined 1s. and costs.

A NEIGHBOURS’ QUARREL.— Henry Smallman was charged with making use of abusive language towards Thomas Meredith, an old man, and Meredith was also charged with a similar offence towards Smallman. The parties are neighbours, and reside at Broseley Wood. Mr. F. H. Spender represented Meredith.— Meredith deposed that he was a tile presser by trade, and lived next door to Smallman. On the evening in question he heard an altercation going on between defendant and his son. Shortly after defendant used abusive language towards him. — Alfred Roden (tile presser, Broseley Wood), Mary Bradeley (married woman), and Annie Lloyd (married woman), gave corroborative evidence.- Smallman went into the box, and admitted having a few words with complainant’s son. Meredith came up, and called him names, whereupon witness retorted all that Meredith had told the Bench was untrue.— Richard Morris, Emily Morris, and Edward James Jones also gave evidence. — Smallman was fined £1 1s., including costs, and the case against Meredith was dismissed.

CHARITY ABUSED.— Thomas Fletcher, an army reserve man, was charged with stealing £2 0s. 6d., belonging to Jesse Brown, Broseley.— Brown stated that he had known prisoner ever since he was a little boy. Prisoner came to witness’s residence and had some refreshments, and stopped at the house all night. He slept with witness, and the following day, when he went to work, he left prisoner in bed. Witness left his purse, containing £2 0s. 6d., in his trousers pocket. When he returned from his work the prisoner was gone, and the money had disappeared, though the purse was left behind.—Police constable Davies also gave evidence.— Prisoner pleaded guilty, adding that he had been drinking, and he asked the Bench to deal leniently with him. — The Magistrates sentenced prisoner to 28 days’ imprisonment, with hard labour.

 

18th July 1903

BROSELEY.

UNITED OPEN-AIR MISSION.— On Sunday evening the eighth of a series of meetings, in connection with this mission, was held on Quarry Bank, when Mr. F. Jones of Iron-Bridge delivered an earnest address.

CHAPEL ANNIVERSARY.— On Sunday the 161st anniversary of the Broseley Old Baptist Chapel was celebrated, when two able discourses were delivered by the Rev. D. M. Davies, B.A., of Shrewsbury. Special hymns and anthems were creditably rendered by the choir. There was a good congregation at each service, and collections were taken in aid of the chapel funds.

CHOIR EXCURSION.— On Monday the Broseley Congregational choir had their annual outing, the place chosen this year being Blackpool, whither they and a few friends, numbering 31, proceeded in a specially-engaged saloon, per Smart’s well-arranged trip from Coalport, having quite 10 hours at the seaside. A very enjoyable day was spent.

FUNERAL OF AN ODDFELLOW.— On Wednesday the remains of the late Mr. George Bowen, Talbot Inn, were interred in the cemetery. The Rev. G. F. Lamb, M.A., rector, was the officiating clergyman. Deceased was 54 years of age, and passed away some-what suddenly on Sunday. He had been a member of the “Rose of Sharon” Lodge of Oddfellows for 10 years, and was much respected by his fellow members, 18 of whom attended the funeral attired in the usual regalia. A number of splendid wreaths were sent by relatives and friends.

 

25th July 1903

IRON-BRIDGE.

ANOTHER COLLAPSE.- The old iron bridge is at present undergoing repairs, and on Friday week a loud report (similar to the firing of a cannon) was heard, and it was discovered that another of the plates under the bridge had snapped and fallen into the Severn below. This piece of iron is about 5cwt, and it was fortunate no one was under the structure at the time. About 12 months ago the plate carried with it the pallisading, but this was not so on this occasion. Crowds of people were not long viewing the vacant place.

25th July 1903

MADELEY.

COUNTY COURT.— WEDNESDAY.

Before his Honour Judge Harris Lea.

ADMINISTRATION ORDERS.--Edmund Smitheman, carpenter, Broseley, applied for an administration order. He said he was a married man, and did earn 22s. a week, but was at present out of work. He had endeavoured to pay his debts up to the present time. His debts were £19 3s. 5d., and he offered to pay 5s. in the pound at 3s. a month— Messrs. Amphlett (for Davies, Broseley), and Reeves (for Dr, Jacobson and Dr. Boon) objected to the application, contending that the debts should be paid in full. Mr. Amphlett stated that debtors usually went into public-houses, and make their brag what they had done at the County Court.— Reeves said he had heard similar remarks.— His Honour said he was getting tired of administration orders.— Applicant then offered to pay 2s. 6d. in the pound at 5s. a month. Hs Honour thought 9d. a week was a ridiculous offer.— Smitheman said he had been in a situation 22 years.— His Honour : And come here and offer to pay your creditors at 9d. a week.— The application was refused.- John Walker, Broseley, applied for an administration order. His debts were £18 8s. 10d., and he offered to pay 10s. in the pound at 4s. a month.— There were no objections, and the order was granted.

 

1st August 1903

BROSELEY.

UNITED OPEN-AIR MISSION.— On Sunday evening the tenth of a series of meetings was held in the Foundry Lane.  Mr. W. Edge, sen., presided over a large attendance. Mr. George. Higgins (Primitive Methodist) delivered an address. Mr. A. T., Hartshorne and Mr. Evan Evans also took part in the meeting.

ACCIDENT.— On Tuesday evening a somewhat serious accident occurred to Alfred E. Pountney. He had been clearing the letter-box in King Street and Barratt’s Hill. and was returning with the letters on a bicycle down High Street, when he lost complete control of the machine and fell off it. He had a nasty cut on his face, which had to be sewn up, and other bruises.

CHOIR EXCURSION.— The members of the Broseley Church Choir had their annual outing on the 23rd ult., visiting Llandudno. The party, accompanied by a few friends, left Iron-Bridge Station at 5-10 a.m., arriving at their destination at 8-30. At 12 o’clock dinner was provided, and after dinner the party again sallied forth to enjoy the refreshing breeze, and otherwise amuse themselves until tea time. The return journey was commenced at 7-10 p.m., the party reaching Iron-Bridge Station at 11-10. The whole arrangements were entrusted to Mr. A. E. Wiggins (people’s warden), and were carried out in a satisfactory manner, with the kind assistance of Messrs. Homer and H. Wase.

 

8th August 1903

BROSELEY.

UNITED OPEN-AIR MISSION.— On Sunday evening the 11th of a series of meetings in connection with this mission was held in the Congregational Chapel. Mr, A. T. Hartshorne presided, and Mr. Lingard of Iron-Bridge gave an address of a diversified description. There was a fair attendance.

DANCE.— A dance took place at the Coneybury on Saturday in aid of the funds of the Jackfield Brass Band. The band played a fine selection of music, under the direction. of Mr. George Aston (band master). There were about 60 present. Mr. H. Russell acted as M.C.

ODLFELLOWSHIP.— The Lodge “Rose of Sharon” was visited on Saturday by the Grand Master of the district (Mr. J. W. White, Iron-Bridge), who gave a very interesting account of the A.M.C. at Cheltenham, he being the delegate appointed by the district, to attend that meeting. His remarks were well received, and a hearty vote of thanks was passed to him for his services to the cause of Oddfellowship.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT.— The annual treat to the scholars attending the Broseley Church Sunday School was held yesterday week. The children, after assembling in the Schoolroom, adjourned to a field (kindly lent by Miss Beard), where various games were indulged in. Over 200 children and 30 teachers sat down in the Schoolroom to an excellent tea, after which the field was again resorted to. Before returning each child received a prize.

BIRCH MEADOW BAPTIST SUNDAY SCHOOL. - On Monday the scholars attending this school had their annual treat. The children assembled in the Schoolroom in the afternoon and sat down to tea, after which they proceeded to a field kindly lent by Mrs. Bathurst, where games of various kinds were indulged in until dusk, the superintendent (Mr. A. E. Broadhurst) and teachers doing their utmost to promote their enjoyment. Each child received a prize, and on returning to the schoolroom refreshments were provided for all.

DISTRICT COUNCIL, Wednesday.- Present: Councillors W. H. Southorn (chairman), P. Jones, E. Oakes, R. A. Instone. and Messrs. Godfrey Cooper (clerk), G. Stevenson (surveyor), and H. Herbert (inspector).- The surveyor reported his expenditure for the month was £13 19s. 3d. He presented bills (£2 16s.), for payment which were ordered to be paid. The Surveyor reported he had removed the pump out of the Fiery Field.— It was decided to commence lighting the public lamps on the 15th inst.- The Inspector reported several cases of nuisances, which were ordered to be abated.

SUNDAY SCHOOL. TREAT— On Monday the scholars attending the Old Baptist Sunday School had their annual treat. The children, accompanied by the Pastor (Rev. R. Wilson), with the superintendent and teachers, marched to a field at the Park, kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. John Davis, where they indulged in a variety of games, and subsequently returned to the schoolroom, where tea, awaited them. After doing justice to the good things provided, the field was again resorted to, and the sports continued with renewed vigour. Each child received a prize from the pastor and superintendent (Mr H Evans).

8th August 1903

BROSELEY WOOD.

INFANT SCHOOL.— The school broke up for the summer holidays on Thursday week, when a presentation  of a handsome travelling  bag and dressing case (supplied by Mr. James Davies, King Street) was made to Miss E. L. Jones, daughter of Mr. T. Jones (school attendance officer) from the managers, teachers, and scholars, on leaving the school in which she had served her a apprenticeship successfully passed the King’s Scholarship Examination at Christmas in the first class. She enters Cheltenham Training College early in September.  The Rev. G. F. Lamb, M.A. (rector), made the presentation. In addition to the above Miss Jones has also been successful in obtaining the “Wareing Scholarship” value £11 and a £10 scholarship from G. B. J Clough of London.

 

15th August 1903

JACKFIELD.

EXCURSION TO TONG. — The scholars and teachers attending the Wesleyan Sunday School held their annual excursion on Saturday, when Tong was visited. A very enjoyable day was spent by all.

RED CHURCH.— A service was held on Sunday afternoon, when the church, which has sitting accommodation for 270, was filled to overflowing. The service was shortened evening service, with popular hymns. The Rector conducted the service and preached, and Mr. A. Stanley Cochrane (London) read the lessons. The collections, which were for the Red Church fabric fund, amounted to £2 6s. 5d. The church was built in 1759, and its noticeable features are a stone font, oak-pews, and a two-decker’ with a sounding-board over the pulpit.

 

22nd August 1903

Letters to the Editor

WENLOCK COUNCIL AND THE NEW LOAN

Sir, Our expenditure, both nationally and locally, is an incubus almost too heavy to bear, and unless relief is quickly afforded will ere long land us on the verge of bankruptcy. The taxpayers do not, in my opinion realise sufficiently their responsibility; they are as it were under the influence of a soporific, and are unable to shake off its deadly effects, hence the policy thrust upon them by the “powers that be” Locally, “cliqueism” has much to answer for in this matter; favouritism predominates, officials are appointed and are kept in office often to the detriment of the public. It appears the Town Council of the borough of Wenlock are asking for a further loan of £14,000 for the purposes of the Broseley and Madeley waterworks. How is this? When an estimate is given does it not almost invariably cover every incidental that may possibly arise: Is not the contractor compelled to complete the work at the price he originally gave, unless the contract has been broken by consent of the Town Council? and what is the supervision of the latter worth if such disastrous results as these are to occur?

The ratepayers are sadly too lukewarm. Men are elected as members of the Council who have little qualification for the duties they undertake. Old servants resign, and no explanation is given, nor regret expressed for the loss of their services.

There is only one man in the Council who has the courage of his convictions, and fearlessly stands up for the rights of the people, and that is Councillor Maddox. All honour to such men—of whom, were the electors wise, they would not be slow to increase the number.                         PRO BONO PUBLICO.

 

29th August 1903

COALPORT PORCELAIN.

THE STORY OF AN ANCIENT AND FAMOUS INDUSTRY.

In the September number of the “Windsor Magazine” appears an interesting article from the pen of Mr. G. H. Archer on the manufactures of the Coalport China Company, Coalport, Shropshire, the more prominent features of which are here reproduced.

Mr. Archer commences with some particulars of the founding of these famous works, which he says dates back from the eighteenth century, the site of which was at Caughley and not at Coalport, as generally believed, and was established by a Mr. Brown of Caughley Hall. A Mr. Thomas Turner appeared on the scene in 1770, and ten years afterwards this gentleman visited France for the purpose of picking up knowledge on the porcelain manufactures of Paris and other places, and while residing in the capital is said to have had a regular laboratory fitted up at the top of his house, in order that he might chemically analyse the beautiful foreign specimens of the ceramic art. He did not return home empty handed, for he brought with him some skilled workmen whom he had tempted by high wages, and at once entered with increased spirit into the manufacture of porcelain at his own retired works. One result of this foreign trip was the production of the celebrated “Willow-pattern” and the “Blue Dragon”. The “Willow-pattern” has undoubtedly been the most popular and had the most extensive sale of any pattern of china ever introduced. It has, of course, been made by many other firms, but the credit of its first introduction belongs to Caughley. The original copper engraving of the “Willow-pattern”, bearing Turner’s name, is still in existence at the works. Mr. Turner had, also, several pupils, one of whom, Mr. John Rose, the son of a neighbouring farmer, was destined to supersede his employer. In the year 1788 these two quarrelled, and young Rose, the article continues, left to commence business on his own account at Jackfield, a small village in the immediate vicinity, where it was not long before his successful operations greatly reduced the business at Caughley works; so much so that the latter were, gradually beaten out of the market, and in 1798 passed into the hands of Messrs. John Rose and Co. by purchase, Mr. Turner entirely withdrawing from the business. In the meantime Mr. Rose had moved his headquarters from Jackfield to Coalport, where the works have continued uninterrupted to the present day. A staff of excellent workpeople had been obtained from Caughley and Jackfield works combined, but in the following year, on October 23, 1799, an accident occurred in connection with the new works at Coalport which deprived the master of many of his best hands. A considerable number of the workpeople resided on the opposite bank of the river, and were in the habit of passing backwards and forwards by means of a ferry. On that night, when the river was in flood, the boat was crowded, and the man at the helm allowed the vessel to swing round too quickly, with the result that she capsized. Thirty-two persons were on board, of whom twenty-nine were drowned, among them the principal artist, a man named Walker. An unfinished piece of work of his, a pair of vases, which he had left only a few minutes before he lost his life, are still preserved in the warehouse as a memento of the unfortunate event.

In 1820, the Swansea porcelain works, which had risen somewhat into repute, were discontinued, and the moulds, &c., were promptly bought up by Mr. John Rose and Company. Shortly afterwards another famed Welsh manufactory, though smaller, that of Nantgarrw, established by Billingsley, the famous flower-painter of Derby, was merged into the Coalport establishment, the proprietor being bound over for a period of seven years to make the same quality of china at Coalport. The Nantgarrw porcelain was very expensive to make, but was remarkably fine in its body and texture. It was what is technically known as a fretbody ware, of which specimens are now very scarce and invariably fetch high prices when offered for sale. At Coalport the fretbody composition was soon abandoned as being too expensive to make, a good transparent body being obtained in its place by the introduction of a pure felspar, discovered in the locality. The felspar porcelain, however, never quite equalled the original Nantgarrw ware for purity and transparency. About this time, also, Mr. Rose put his felspar discovery to a fresh use. The Society of Arts were offering a gold medal for a glaze containing neither lead nor arsenic. All the principal manufacturers in the Kingdom competed for but the prize was awarded to Mr. Rose, whose compound was mainly composed of felspar. Mr. John Rose died in 1841, and was succeeded by his nephew, Mr. William Rose. In 1845, Messrs. Daniell of London received the Queen’s commands to prepare a dessert service intended as a present for the Czar Nicholas. This magnificent service was made at Coalport, the colour being “bleu de roi”, and every article had the various orders of the Russian Empire enamelled in compartments around the border, with the order of St. Nicholas and the Russian and Polish eagles in the centre. The service was the object of much admiration at home and in Russia. In 1849 Messrs. Daniell originated the idea of restoring that beautiful and celebrated colour called the “Rose Dubarry”, so named after Madame du Barry, one of the mistresses of Louis XV., who had had it specially composed for her at the Sevres works, and the art of which was supposed to have been lost. After numerous efforts and experiments at Coalport, it was at last produced, the reproduction immediately creating a demand for very rich dessert services and ornaments in the same colour. One splendid example of the former attracted universal admiration at the Exhibition of 1851, and was subsequently purchased by Lord Ashburton. It was deemed by competent judges to equal the original Sevres in beauty of tint, and to surpass it in evenness of colour. Similar services followed, some being purchased by royalty, and others by the Emperor of the French, and English and foreign noblemen. Messrs. Rose and Co. were awarded a prize medal in 1851, and in 1855 obtained medals at the Paris Exhibition, and again at that of London in 1862. Mr. W. Rose retired from the firm in 1862, and Mr. Pugh became sole proprietor, and continued so till his death in 1875. The firm however, retained its old title of John Rose and Company and though it was converted into a limited liability company in 1883, it is still known as the Coalport China Co. (John Rose and Co.) Ltd.

Mr. Archer having described the various operations necessary to the production of Coalport porcelain ware proceeds:

The productions of the Coalport works at the present day, thanks to the determination, energy, and liberality of the management, take rank with the very best in the Kingdom. For its egg-shell china the Severn Valley factory has, indeed, never been surpassed, and its dainty “Jewel” ware, now so fashionable, is unique in ceramic productions. At the great Chicago Exhibition, Coalport achieved crowning triumph, the magnificent case of exhibits it sent over being awarded the highest prize for the ceramic industries represented. Her Majesty the late Queen Victoria was a great admirer of Coalport ware, and at her Diamond Jubilee was pleased to inspect a beautiful vase, which had been modelled and decorated by the company in honour of the Record Reign. It comprised six exquisitely painted panels on either side, each of which furnished some interesting contrast between the years 1837 and 1897. For example, on the side dated 1837 were found old London Bridge, a country road-waggon, a stage-coach, the “Rocket” steam locomotive, a windmill, and the old method of harvesting by means of the sickle; while on that dated 1897 were panels depicting the Forth Bridge, a motor-car, a bicycle, an up-to-date express engine, a lighthouse and lifeboat, and an automatic reaper and binder. It may be added that in July 1900, the works were honoured by a royal visit on the part of H.R.H. the Duchess of York, now Princess of Wales, accompanied by a distinguished party, who expressed her appreciation of the productions. A singularly happy inspiration of the management was the manufacture of a “Grace plate”, at the time of the champion’s testimonial fund in 1895. The ingenious and intricate design of this plate was a single evening’s work. Few society weddings take place without specimens of Coalport china figuring among the more costly presents. Finally, there can be but little doubt, judging from the present activity of this famous old porcelain manufactory, that the status of Coalport ware is one of enviable eminence.

The article in the “Windsor Magazine” is illustrated by half-tone blocks, which of course heightens its value as a souvenir of the author’s visit, and evidences the up-to-date character of the manufactory itself.

 

29th August 1903

Letters to the Editor

A DANGEROUS PATH AT IRON-BRIDGE. Sir,— Your issue of last week referred to the splendid act of bravery on the part of two young men, Green and Wrixom, in rescuing a child from drowning at Iron-Bridge. They fully deserve the chorus of praise which their brave deed has evoked. But while it is our duty to recognise an act like this, it is no less our duty to do what we can to make such an accident as befell this child impossible in the future. No one can contend for a moment that the single rail which runs along the Wharfage is a proper and sufficient barrier between the public path and a river swelling bank-high. On a dark night it is a dangerous place for grown-up people, as former accidents testify, but it is doubly dangerous at any time for children. A strong gust of wind, an accidental push, or a stumble, and a life may be lost. Is it too much to ask our local authorities to take the matter in hand?               RATEPAYER.

 

WENLOCK COUNCIL AND THE NEW LOAN. Sir.— I am pleased to see there is one individual still left in our borough who realises the disastrous policy of extravagance and neglect that has characterised the doings of the Joint Committee of the Broseley and Madeley Wards water scheme. I fail to see however where “ Pro Bono Publico’s” charges of “cliqueism”, “favouritism”, or “where old servants resign and no explanation is given, nor regret expressed for the loss of their services” comes in. I take fairly general interest in the doings of our Council and ward committees, but I can remember no instance of the kind, but possibly “Pro Bono” can enlighten me on this point. If he is unfortunate in these charges he is certainly much more so in commending one member of the Council as the “only man on it who has the courage of his convictions”, and so on. This gentleman is a member of the joint water committee, who are asking for the loan of £14,000 to finish paying for their water scheme, and as they have already spent over £13.700 of it before applying for the loan, and for which the ratepayers are paying interest at the bank it be interesting for the ratepayers to have seen “Pro Bono’s” protégé give us a sample of his courage on this point. A few other items I give below for the benefit of those who were too apathetic to attend the. inquiry:— Original estimate £303; exceeded by £364; original estimate, £589; exceeded by £571; original estimate for engines, exceeded by £1,103 original estimate for mains exceeded by over  £5,000; legal expenses, not including opposition to Wolverhampton Water Bill, £1,100;  engineer’s commission and expenses, £1,798.

How the money of the ratepayers has been muddled away can only be realised by those who attended the inquiry. Had a shopkeeper brought his books into a County Court in the hotch-potch condition that the accounts of the Water Committee were brought into the court of inquiry, the Judge would have rated him soundly, and probably sent him about his business.           

W. J. JEFFREY.

 

WENLOCK COUNCIL AND THE NEW LOAN. Sir —I fear that Mr. W. J. Jeffrey’s usual perception has deserted him or his mental vision has be-come obscured, for he fails to see where my charges of “cliqueism” , “favouritism”, or where “old servants resign, and no explanation is given nor regret expressed for the loss of their services” come in.

Mr. Jeffrey knows as well as most men the inner working of the Council, he having been a Councillor for the Madeley Ward, at which time his voice gave forth no uncertain sound on the above matters, but men change, and their opinions, too, the sliding scale being much in vogue just now.

I would ask Mr. Jeffrey if it is usual for the resignation of an old and valued servant to he received in silence and without comment.

I can assure Mr. Jeffrey that Councillor Maddox is no “protégé” of mine, and I have no mandate to speak for him in any way, he being quite capable of undertaking his own defence. He may not satisfy all our requirements, but I still believe him to be as represented in my letter last week, but unhappily Mr. Jeffrey is not there to second his efforts so that he is as one crying in the wilderness-his voice is I not heard. My only object in writing is with a view to the public good—I therefore still subscribe myself.

PRO BONO PUBLICO.

 

29th August 1903

BROSELEY HORTICULTURAL SHOW

The annual show of flowers, vegetables, and fruit in connection with this society took place on Wednesday and Thursday in the National School-room, and, in spite of the unfavourable weather, was well attended. The show was the best exhibition that has yet been held in connection with the society, both in number of entries and in quality of exhibits. The vegetables were, as usual, a strong feature, especially the potatoes which flourish in the locality. There were some excellent dishes of beans, peas, and fruit, whilst the arrangements of flowers by juveniles surpassed previous years, and it is a little surprising that children can put wild flowers so tastefully together. There was also a splendid show of sweet peas, which were admired by everybody. Lord Forester, who is president of the society, as usual occupied one end of the room with a grand collection of miscellaneous plants and bunches of grapes (not for competition), whilst Messrs C. C. Bruff and A. B. Garrett (Coalport) showed a variety of plants which evidently set off the room, and were much admired. Mr. W. H. Brown’s (Shrewsbury) framed pictures illustrating the bees at their work also proved interesting.

The judges, who appeared to give every satisfaction, were Messrs. J. Penson (Willey Hall), W. J. Crawford (Coalbrookdale), Prince (Sweyney Cliff), and Canning (Aldenham). Messrs. Penson and Crawford also judged the gardens and allotments. Mr. W. H. Brown (Shrewsbury) was the judge of the honey. The secretarial work was, as usual, ably discharged by Messrs. P. Scott and T. Jones, who, with the assistance of a strong committee, carried out the necessary arrangements in a highly satisfactory and successful manner.

During the show minstrel entertainments, which were highly appreciated, were given by Miss Pountney, W. Oakley, Eric Oakley, Emmie Oakley, Harold Wase, E. B. Pountney, and A. Preston; Mr. W. Davies proving an able accompanist. The Jackfield Brass Band was in attendance, and played an excellent selection of music, as well as for dancing.

 

 

5th September 1903

LOCAL PROPERTY SALE.

On Monday Messrs. Barber and Son, auctioneers, conducted a sale of freehold property at the Tontine Hotel, Iron-Bridge. The Duke of Wellington Inn, situated at The Tuckies, Jackfield, was purchased by the Lichfield Brewery Company for £1,050, and the company gave an additional £40 5s. for fixtures. A piece of land adjoining the last lot was purchased by Messrs. Maw for £90, and the four dwelling-houses were withdrawn at £150. A house and garden, situated at The Werps, Jackfield, were bought by Miss Smith for £155, and seven houses, situated at The Werps were withdrawn at £250. Messrs. Potts and Potts were the solicitors concerned.

 

5th September 1903

BROSELEY DISTRICT COUNCIL

WEDNESDAY

Present:- Alderman D. L. Prestage (chairman), Councillors E. G. Exley, P. Jones E. Oakes, R. A. Instone, and Messers. Godfrey C. Cooper (town clerk), G, Stevenson (surveyor), H. Herbert (inspector), and J. Dixon (collector).- Mr. Herbert reported two cases of erysipelas in the district, and a number of nuisances. The usual orders were made.- Mr. Dixon presented a list of 68 rate defaulters, which represented £101 18s. 11d. He said in all his 22 years’ experience he had never known such trouble in getting in the rate.- Mr. Oakes said the small traders also complained of a difficulty in getting in their debts. The Chairman read out the list of defaulters, but they must pay.- the collector was instructed to take proceedings for the recovery of the rate.- The Collector reported that he had received £83 32. 11d. on the new water rate, which was scarcely half of it.- He was instructed to get the money in as soon as possible, and it was decided to make the water rate a separate account.- With reference to extra remuneration for the collection of the water rate on the suggestion of the Chairman, the matter was left for the Joint Water Committee to deal with.- The Town Clerk reported a balance of £700 2s. 3d. in hand. He told them that the opposition to the Wolverhampton Water Bill cost £1,730 5s. 3d., and Broseley’s share was £432 11s. 3d., which was £57 more than the provided for in the rate.  It was decided to make out a cheque for £432 11s. 3d. in favour of the Harrington Joint Water Committee, who financed the affair. It was also decided to give permission for the fixing of a pillar post box to one of the lamp-posts at Jackfield.

 

 

12th September 1903

Letters to the Editor

WENLOCK COUNCIL AND THE NEW LOAN. Sir,—I had hoped that “Pro Bono Publico” would have treated us to a few instances of the “Cliqueism and favouritism” or “resignation of old servants without recognition” that he accuses the Wenlock Council as being guilty of, but instead of meeting the challenge I gave him in a manly straightforward manner, he simply indulges in silly personalities. It is the knowledge I possess of the inner working of the Council (of which “Pro Bono” is profoundly ignorant) that enables me to question his wild statements. Who is the old and valued servant whose resignation was received in silence and without comment? If he refers to a recent resignation, the only one for years, let him ask the “Man in the Street”, who will furnish the information as to why the resignation was tendered, and received in silence. I cannot tell him here. The resignations of our borough officials are few and far between; their labours are light, and the Council pleasant task-masters. The sins of omission and commission of our Council are quite enough without saddling them with those they do not commit. Had “Pro Bono” attended the loan inquiry he would have found that my voice still emits no uncertain sound, especially when neglected interests and slipshod finance endeavour to assert themselves. “Pro Bono” says “the sliding scale is much in vogue now”. Why speak in parables? The only sliding scale that troubles the ratepayers is the sliding of the rates, and unfortunately they slide the wrong way, with no prospect of a downward slide in the near future. As to “Pro polio’s” assertion that his only object in writing  is for the public good, I presume his modesty compels him to hide himself behind a nom de plume, but it has a chicken-hearted look about it— a writer doubtful of his statements, lacking the courage of  his convictions. It is difficult to see how erroneous statements and the special booming of a popular councillor can be of any particular benefit to the public. But writing, as he does, he can say any and many things that were he writing in his own name he would be ashamed of. In his next letter I trust he will display his pluck by signing his name, and by doing so reap the reward a grateful public is anxiously waiting to confer upon him.

Madeley.                  W. T. JEFFREYS.

 

12th September 1903

BROSELEY.

* Before buying your Motor Bicycle consult James Davies, Broseley. He carries stock, and will demonstrate the machines in town or country by appointment Humbers, Enfields, Rex, &c.

* Broseley and District Fanciers’ Society. Show and Sports, September 23rd, 1903.— Contests: Grand Football Match between Iron-Bridge Tradesmen and Broseley Tradesmen; also Six-a-side Football Contests, for unregistered players only. For particulars see Advertisement.

PRESENTATION.— On Tuesday evening a very interesting event took place in the Wesleyan Chapel, the occasion being the presentation of a purse of money, subscribed by a few friends as a slight souvenir of the kindly relationship existing between themselves and the recipient, Mr. Evan Jones (who had been a member of the Broseley Wesleyan Church, and teacher in the Sunday School for some few years, and joint secretary of the Broseley United Open Air Mission), on his leaving for Ontario, Canada. Mr. W. Edge (circuit steward) made the presentation, and Messrs. J. E. and E. R. Hartshorne also gave addresses. Mr. Evans thanked the friends for their kindness and good wishes.

12th September 1903

MADELEY.

* Madeley Court Colliery. Reopening of Landsale Coal Wharf for Top Coal and other Coals and Slack.— For prices inquire at Weighing Machine.

THE BLAST FURNACES.— Next week the only furnace under blast at the Court iron works will be blown out, as the ironstone and furnace coal have been nearly worked out, and the three furnaces now standing will be dismantled, with the result that a goodly number of men will require fresh employment. One or more of the furnaces have been under blast since the year 1847, and have been the means of keeping a large number of men employed during that time. The whole of the seams of coal and stone are intact underneath the furnaces, and extending over an area of some six acres, and includes a splendid seam of “ Top coal”, which will be worked and sold by land-sale.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS, Yesterday.— Present:— Mr. T. Weaver (chairman), Mr. W. G. Norris (vice-chairman), Rev. W. A. Terry, Messrs. H. Boycott, W. Y. Owen, A. Rhodes, W. F. Bryan, E. G. Exley, B. Maddox, R. Bateman, E. W. Shorting, E. J. Boulton, J. Clayton, C. Edwards, J. Davies, H. Norgrove, A. H. Thorn-Pudsey (clerk), G. Watson (master), J. C. Mole and W. Edge (relieving officers).— A letter was read from Mrs. Terry (Benthall) stating she had no objection to being elected a member of the Ladies’ Boarding-out Committee for Children. Mrs. Terry was thereupon unanimously elected on the committee.— The Chairman informed the members that at a meeting of the Quatt managers it was unanimously decided to close the schools in March, 1905, and that no children be received after September, 1904; therefore they would have to make arrangements for children they could not board out— The following tenders were accepted:— Meat, Mr. J. W. Wilcox, Iron-Bridge; coffins, Mr. Marrion, Madeley; printing, Mr. J. B. Slater, Iron-Bridge; shaving and haircutting, Mr. R. Langford, Iron-Bridge; coal, Mr. G. Peeler, Madeley.—The Visitors reported everything in the house to be in a satisfactory condition, but were of opinion that the price for unbroken stones for tramps was too high.

 

12th September 1903

IRON-BRIDGE.

TRIP.— The members of the Station Hotel money club held their annual outing to the Wheel of Worfield on Saturday, whither they journeyed in brakes. The day was fine, and an enjoyable time was spent.

PETTY SESSIONS.—TUESDAY.

Before Messrs. W. G. Norris (chairman), A. B. Dyas, W. Y. Owen, and E. W. Shorting.

BROSELEY TOWN HALL— Mr. F. H. Potts (Broseley) applied for a theatrical license for Broseley Town Hall.— Mr. Dyas asked if anything had been done to the hall.— Mr. Norris said it was the most uncomfortable room in the borough the magistrates had to sit in.— Mr. Potts: I am sorry to hear it, and would like to hear suggestions.— Mr. Norris: I hope there will be considerable improvement.— Mr. Potts promised to make the room as comfortable as possible.— The application was granted.

 

19th September 1903

IRON-BRIDGE

REVISION COURT.— Last evening at the Police Court, Mr. Lawrence Morton Brown revised the Parliamentary lists for the parishes Benthall, Broseley, Jackfield. Coalbrookdale, Iron-Bridge, Madeley, Little Wenlock, Buildwas, Eaton Constantine, Leighton, and Wroxeter.— Mr. J. T. Carrane Wellington represented the Liberal and Labour Association for the Wellington  Division, and Mr. N. T. Hartshorne appeared for the Liberal Unionist.  Mr. Godfrey Cooper (town clerk), appeared on behalf at the Wenlock Corporation.— The claims of Wm. Chas. Weyman, stationmaster, Coalport, W. C. Dickens, and Jas. Hill, also railwaymen, for the municipal vote were allowed after Mr. Weyman had told the barrister that they all paid rent for the houses they lived in. Altough station master he said he was not obliged to live in the house on the station.— Hy. Burton Smith, grocer, Iron-Bridge, was struck off the municipal list, but was allowed his Parliamentary vote. Mr. Geo. H. T. Ferrington, Iron-Bridge, claimed a joint tenancy with his mother, a claim which was objected to by Mr. Carrane. Mr. Ferrington said he paid half the rent, and, in reply to the barrister, the applicant said he should be part occupier and not a lodger. The Barrister said he should like to help him, but he could not.- Mr. Carrane: Mr. Ferrington and I are very good friends, except politically. (Laughter.) Mr. Ferrington: I think it is hard —Mr. Carrane: Get Sir Alexander H. Brown to alter it for you.—Mr. Ferrington: Well, I shall have to go on as a lodger.

 

19th September 1903

BROSELEY.

LONDON CITY MISSION.— A meeting in aid of this mission was held in the Boys’ School on Tuesday evening, but through lack of interest or otherwise the attendance was very meagre. The Rev. W. A. Terry (vicar of Benthall) presided, and Mr. R. Smith (secretary for West London) gave an address

HOSPITAL SUNDAY.— On Sunday afternoon the eighth annual church parade of the Broseley and District Friendly Societies took place. The members of the various friendly societies met near the Broseley Wood School, and, forming, themselves into a procession, proceeded in the following order through the principal streets to the Parish Church:— Coalbrookdale Brass Band (under the leadership of Sergeant Beardshaw), playing en route “Souza’s American Marches” and “Sword and Lance”; members of the D.Co. 1st V.B. K.S.L.I. (under the command of Captain A. B. Garrett); Ambulance Brigade (under the command of Chief Superintendent White and Superintendents J. C. T. Raspass and H. W. Thomas) ; Church Lads Brigade (under the command of Captain White); mace-bearers (Sergeant Noakes and Sergeant Bowen); the Mayor (robed) and Corporation; honorary members; Order of Foresters; Jackfield Brass Band (under the direction of Mr. George Aston, playing “The Commandant”,  “The Scorcher”, and “Holy of Holies”); Order of Modern Masons; and Order of Oddfellows. There was a large concourse of people to witness the huge procession which was marshalled by Messrs. H. Watkins and T. Lloyd. The Rev. J. E. Evershed of Leighton preached an able and appropriate sermon. Mr. H. E. Clark read the lesson. There was a crowded congregation. Special hymns were heartily sung by the choir and congregation. Messrs, W Watkis presided at the organ. Messrs. T. H. Thursfield, E. B. Potts, F. H. Potts, E. W. Shorting, Dr. Dyson, Dr. Boon, Messrs. J. A. Downes and T. Griffiths kindly acted as collectors in the church, and Mrs. T. Oakes, Miss M. Oakes, Misses Hill (2), Misses Jones (2), Miss G. Preston, Miss L. Morgan, Miss E. Matthews, and Misses Davis (2) en route thereto. At the chase of the service the procession re-formed outside the church-gates, and marched in the same order as before the Town Hall, the Coalbrookdale Band playing “King Cotton”, and the Jackfield Baud “Holmhurst”. The collection at church and in the boxes amounted to £43 5s. which will be devoted to the Salop Infirmary, Shrewsbury Eye and Ear Hospital, and Iron-Bridge Dispensary. The committee, together with the energetic secretary (Mr. G. P. Bagley), are to be congratulated upon the great success attending their united efforts.

CENTENARY OF BIRCH MEADOW BAPTIST CHURCH.— Sunday and Monday last were red letter days in the history of this chapel, a church having been first formed there on September 16, 1803, when 14 persons banded themselves together after the apostolic order, viz., faith in Christ (a pro-requisite to baptism), then baptism by immersion, afterwards joining in church fellowship; seven more were added a few days afterwards, so that there has been a church at Birch Meadow for 100 years. The event was celebrated on Sunday, when sermons of an eminently practical character were preached (morning and evening) by Mr. Arthur Shinn (late pastor of the church) of Northampton. Special hymns were admirably rendered by the children and choir. There was a good congregation at each service, especially in the evening, when the chapel was fairly well filled, and collections were taken in aid of the Renovation Fund, the chapel and school-room having been painted and decorated in commemoration of the occasion. On Monday a public tea was held, when 120 children and friends sat down to tea in the schoolroom; the following ladies kindly presiding at the tables:— Mrs. E. Hartshorne, Mrs. Bate, Mrs. Jordan, Mrs. H. Jones, Misses Hilda Exley, C. Davies, M. Buck. P. Griffiths, and H. Jones.— After tea a meeting was held, under the presidency of Mr. Arthur Shinn, who, in his opening address, expressed the pleasure it gave him to be present among his old friends. He also thanked them for the hearty greeting they had given himself, after which he gave an interesting and instructive resume of Birch Meadow Baptist Church during the time that he knew it. He said that although their meeting was one of rejoicing and he did not wish to say anything to depress them in any way, still these was a tinge of sadness about it when he remembered the number of friends (whom he had known so well) who had gone over to the great majority since he left Broseley. He then referred in feeling terms to the late Mr. Thomas Jones, for many years pastor at Birch Meadow, whose memory he should respect as long as he lived, for he was like a father to him, in all that appertained to his best interests. Mr. Shinn spoke earnestly and affectionately to the children, urging them to cling to the good old Gospel, as nothing else could take its place.—Mr. George Banks of Willenhall followed in a speech fraught with wise and loving counsel, giving his experience of Birch Meadow and the friends he had known connected with it. He also had experienced great assistance when a young man from the late Mr. Thomas Jones, who was ever ready to help any young man who gave evidence of usefulness in the world. He considered the business of a minister was to preach, teach, and live the Gospel, avoiding all sensational means, which only produced a passing popularity, resulting in no spiritual success.—Mr. D. Smith of Bilston next addressed the gathering in an effective speech, referring to the fact that his senior deacon had been a scholar in Birch Meadow Sunday School, and that several members of his Church had been members at Birch Meadow. He also was well acquainted with the late Mr. Thomas Jones, from whom he had received great kindness. He urged the members of the Church to be more and more prayerful, more zealous for the truth and for the name of Christ. What was required was more faith, more love, more Liberality, and more work.— Mr. A. Shinn, in wishing them farewell, said he sometimes thought that the Church had been kept together by the earnest and persistent prayers of a few godly men and women. He concluded the meeting by prayer.— Special hymns were sung during the evening by the children and choir.

10th October 1903

MUCH WENLOCK

BARROW RURAL COUNCIL, Monday.— Present: —Councillors J. Davies (chairman), W. Allen, A. G. Lascelles and Messrs G. Cooper (town clerk). G. Stevenson (surveyor). H. Herbert (inspector), and J. Dixon (collector).— The Collector reported that he had paid the sum of £301 8s. 5d. into the bank, which completed the general district rate.—The Surveyor reported that he had expended on the roads in two months £62 19s. 7d. Cheques for £175 were drawn in his favour. — A letter was received from the Atcham Rural District Council complaining of the condition of the Wenlock portion of the Little Wenlock Road. The surveyor was instructed to visit the place, and report thereon at the next meeting.

PETTY SESSIONS.— TUESDAY.

Before Councillor T. Cooke (mayor), Colonel J. A. Anstice, and Alderman J. Bodenham.

DRUNKENNESS.—Hiram Rushton, grocer, Broseley, was, charged with being drunk at Benthall. Inspector Hamlet proved the case, and defendant was fined 1s. and costs.— William Gittens was charged with being drunk at Broseley. Police-constable Davies proved the case, and defendant was fined £1 including costs — Charles Jones, Madeley, charged with a similar offence by Police-constable Harper, was fined. 7s. 6d. and costs. — Reuben James was charged with being drunk on licensed premises at Broseley. Sergeant Bowen stated that he visited the Talbot Inn, kept by Mrs. Bowen, and in the kitchen saw defendant sitting down drunk. The landlady ordered defendant out several times, and eventually he went home with some friends. Defendant had no drink supplied to him in the house. A fine of 15s., including the costs, was imposed.

10th October 1903

BROSELEY.

* The famous Humber Light Car, 5 h.p., Price 125 guineas, will take you out and bring you back. Repairs and Accessories. Sole District Agent, JAMES DAVIES, Broseley.

* Broseley and District Fanciers’ Society.—Result of block test competition:— Weight of pig 199lbs+; weight of sheep 761bs. The prize winners are as follow :—For pig, G. Everall 199lbs., A. T. Corfleld 199lbs, S. J. Instone 199lbs. ; For sheep, A. R. Duckett 76lbs„ R. A. Instone 76lbs.- Please apply to W. Edge, jun., Mill House, Broseley.

HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICES were held on Sunday in the Wesleyan Chapel, when two appropriate sermons were preached by the Rev. J. Horden of Handsworth College, Birmingham The choir fully sustained their usual reputation, giving in the evening a fine interpretation of the anthem, “To Thee, O Lord, our hearts we raise”. There was a good congregation at each service, and the chapel had been tastefully decorated by members of the congregation.

DISTRICT COUNCIL, Wednesday.— Present:— Councillors E. G. Exley (chairman), E. Oakes, P. Jones, T. Doughty, W. E. Southorn and Messrs. G. C. Cooper (town clerk), G. Stevenson (surveyor), H. Herbert (inspector), and J. Dixon collector).— Mr. Herbert reported that there were many cases of measles in the district— Mr. Oakes said one school was closed in consequence. —The Clerk reported a balance of £336 in hand.— The Surveyor said the expenses for the month were £19 18s. A cheque for £30 was drawn in his favour to meet the ensuing month’s expenses. Mr. Oakes remarked that the Pear Tree Road at Jackfield was in a bad condition, chiefly caused by the storm.—The surveyor was instructed to visit the place.

 

 

 

24th October 1903

MADELEY:
DISTRICT COUNCIL.

WEDNESDAY.— Present :— Alderman A. B. Dyas (chairman), Councillors W. Y. Owen, W. J. Legge, F. G. Beddoes, A. G. Cartwright, R. F. Ayre, B. Maddox, W. F Bryan, R. Lane, and A. Dixon, and Messrs. F. H. Potts (town clerk), G. Stevenson (surveyor), H. Herbert (inspector), and T. E. Patten (collector).

THE HARRINGTON WATER. SUPPLY.— With reference to the water scheme the Chairman told the meeting that as far as this side of the river was concerned they had done away with the capital charges. They had engaged a practical man who would be able to look after their mains. The clerk of the works would only be employed a little while longer. There were 21 applications for the post, and Broseley would pay one-fourth of the salary.— Mr. Bryan asked if the Local Government Board had sanctioned the loan.— The Clerk replied that they had sanctioned £13,000; the other £1,000 had been held over until the legal charges were taxed.— Mr. Legge asked if any member could see the tenders that were not accepted, for he considered this Board ought to have had a voice in the matter.— Mr. Bryan: You promised that the tenders should come before this Board.— The Chairman: I don’t think so.— Mr. Bryan; I beg your pardon, but you did, sir. There have been no reports presented by the Water Committee.— The Chairman: Then this committee might as well have done all the business. You must remember that Broseley are shareholders in this matter.— Mr. Bryan: That is another mistake the Water Committee made.— Mr. Maddox: Are we going to discuss the history of the waterworks? If so I shall have something to say. Any member could have put any question on the agenda. It is not right to say there have been no reports presented for there have been, although I admit they have been very brief. When the accounts are completed no doubt Mr. Vine will present them in a proper form. Broseley is partner in this concern, and I think their cost will be heavier than anticipated.— Mr. Cartwright said they had asked for reports on the water scheme time after time, and had always been put off.— Mr. Beddoes said with one exception the lowest tenders had always been accepted, and in that particular case they were of divided opinion.— Mr. Legge: What was the difference?— Mr. Beddoes: £900, which was in relation to engines. The chairman was absent, and Messrs. Maddox, Ayre, and myself voted against it.— Mr. Ayre said one of the reasons given for accepting this tender was that the Local Government Board could not pass any other engine.— Mr. Legge: Why have the competition?— Mr. Bryan said it was a case of spilt milk, and they could not recover it.— The Chairman said when they saw the statement of accounts they would be astonished, like he was, at the legal charges.— Mr. Maddox said the impression was that the Water Committee had been playing with the money, and had been spending it as free as chips.

31st October 1903

AN EARLY IRON-BUILT VESSEL

“The Shipping World” contains this week an article descriptive of the first iron ship—a full account of which appeared in the “Journal” some years ago from the same pen—together with an excellent portrait and sketch by the writer, Mr. John Randall of Madeley, who has been a contributor to the columns of the “Journal” from its commencement.— Mr. J. Randall has supplied us with some interesting information concerning the craft, which, it is said, was the first iron vessel built. The ‘Trial’, as she was called, was registered at Gloucester to carry 35 tons, but, it is said, could carry 45 tons comfortably. She was very bluff forward, and was rigged with one big square sail set on a mast almost amidships; this mast was stepped in a tabernacle supported by an iron bridge or thwart, and could be raised or lowered by a small winch set on the fore deck. This was necessary, since the ‘Trial’ used to ply ‘above bridge’, and had to pass Bridgnorth and several other bridges. A small top-mast was fitted, on which a squaresail was sometimes set. Over the bow there was a short bowsprit to help in getting the anchor, which was raised by an o’d-fashioned windlass and marling spikes. The framing of this unique boat consisted of a good stout keel, two bilge keels, and a large number of flat ribs; the plating was riveted on with the usual form of lap joint. Some idea of the primitiveness of the arrangements on the ‘Trial’ can be gathered from the fact that it was the habit of Captain Benjamin Palmer, the commander, to stow the sail in an open barrel standing on the deck, when it was not in use; and that the crew usually consisted of the captain himself and a mate. The old ‘Trial’, having run the course of her life, lay half sunk in the mud, just below Coalport Bridge, for some, years, in the recollection of Mr. Randall”.

 

31st October 1903

STORMS AND FLOODS.

Sad Scenes of Desolation all over the Country.

During the latter part of last week and the earlier days of the present week rain fell for hours incessantly all over the country, doing much damage and creating in many places heavy floods in towns and villages, the low-lying districts suffering especially from the torrential downpour.

Shropshire and the neighbouring counties presented no exception to the rule. Water lay everywhere, doing much damage to farmers’ crops and working incalculable mischief in some of the towns. In those districts of the county where harvest operations are, from the nature of the soil and other circumstances, always late the loss will be considerable. Here and there even the hay crops have not been gathered in, and the corn left standing is black. Potato crops have simply been ruined by the saturated condition of the, land, and prices are certain to go up considerably.

For the first time for many years the river at Iron-Bridge has risen so high that a portion of the Wharfage road is covered with water, which all pedestrians have to wade through. The river side is entirely blocked.

 

31st October 1903

Letters to the Editor

HARRINGTON JOINT WATER SCHEME. Sir,— In consequence of your remarks in the last issue of the “Journal” and the numerous complaints to which you refer, I beg to submit to you a few facts on the above question, so that your readers may be able to judge as to whether or not the work has been carried out satisfactorily.

The original estimate of the engineer was £23,000. It took some time negotiating with landowners over purchase of land for a pumping station. Negotiations with Dawley which came to nothing also delayed matters. When the inquiry was held considerable time had elapsed since the engineer’s estimate (which, any case, could only be approximate) was made, and cost of materials-iron especially had risen by leaps and bounds. The Local Government Inspector insisted on certain alterations and additions, amongst them being that all pipes should be laid one foot deeper than estimated for (affecting over 22 miles of main), that a considerable extra length of main was insisted on for Broseley, much more expensive hydrants and conduits were insisted on, a floating arm for each reservoir had to be put in, and extra thickness of walls for the reservoirs was ordered. Then negotiations with Shifnal for supplying their area with water were arranged, and this necessitated larger pumping mains and increased reservoir capacity by 100,000 gallons; Shifnal will pay for this by an annual instalment, and also a minimum sum of £100 per annum for the water supplied. All these charges have to be included in the extra sum required by the Water Committee. The original agreement with the landowners was that the water should be supplied to the borough of Wenlock alone; when an agreement was made to supply Shifnal an extra £300 was demanded for the land and additional law charges incurred. All this appears in the loan, but which will be covered by an annual payment from Shifnal. Great difficulty and extra expense were incurred by placing the mains over the Iron Bridge, but this does not affect the Madeley Ward, the cost having to be borne by the Broseley Ward alone.

All the work was let by tenders duly advertised for, and in every case except one the lowest tender was accepted, and with the one exception it was on the very strong recommendation of the engineer that the tender was accepted, the others not fulfilling the engineer’s specifications. In fairness to three members of the Water Committee (Messrs. Ayre, Beddoes, and Maddox) it may be mentioned that they voted against the acceptance of the higher tender.

The costs incurred by Madeley in opposing the last Bill of the Wolverhampton Corporation amounted to over £1,000; this is being paid out of this year’s rate, and means more than a shilling rate on the Madeley Ward, hence the present high rate, the Local Government Board not allowing it to be taken from the loan. With regard to the above legal costs incurred, all these have been duly taxed by the Court, as well as all other law costs.

The water supply is now complete, and the water rents will more than pay the cost of up-keep, and what is over will go towards the re-payment of interest on the capital charge, and will be a source of profit in time to the Madeley Ward. Now that all the contracts have been completed it remains with the engineer to divide up the capital charges between Madeley and Broseley, and I think it will be found that the works carried out in Broseley Ward have exceeded their estimated expenditure in a greater proportion than Madeley. To conclude, two Local Government Board inquiries have been held, and the strictest investigation has been made, and not the slightest objection has been raised to any item of expense incurred by the Water Committee.

Oswald House, Coalbrookdale.    R. E. AYRE.

 

7th November 1903

BROSELEY

* The famous Humber Light Car, 5 h.p, Price 125 guineas, will take you out and bring you back. Repairs and Accessories. Sole District Agent, JAMES DAVIES, Broseley.

DISTRICT COUNCIL, Wednesday.— Present:— Alderman D. L. Prestage (chairman), Lord Forester, Councillors E. G. Exley, P. Jones, T. Doughty, W. E. Southorn, R. A. Instone, E. Oakes, Messrs. F. H. Potts (town clerk), Geo. Steenson (surveyor), H. Herbert (inspector), and J. Dixon (collector):- The Chairman said the first instalment of the old rate was completed, and there were no arrears.— The Collector reported that he had begun the new rate, and had paid in the bank £123 3s. 7d.— The Chairman stated that the balance in hand was £408 18s. 6d. Their share to the opposition of the Wolverhampton Water Bill, he added, was £432 18s. 3d., which represented a rate of 10d. in the pound.— Mr. Oakes said they would not have to face that again.— The collector applied for an increase in his salary, which was at present £21 10s. He asked for £30, and a bonus on the first year for the collection of the water rate.— It was decided to give Mr. Dixon a bonus of £8 10s. for this year only, and not to increase his salary.— The Inspector reported a batch of nuisances, which were ordered to be abated. He also reported a fatal case of diphtheria at Jackfield.— A cheque for £100 on the main roads account was drawn in favour of the surveyor: The Chairman reported that the collector had started to get in the water rate, and he hoped the members would give him every assistance; £188 17s, 10d. had been collected.— Mr. Doughty said many people could not see where the arrears came in, when no rate had been levied: The Chairman said it was a new rate, and people were not keen on paying it.— Mr. Oakes thought there were other objections. He had heard it stated that the rate was not a legal one, in consequence of not having been sealed.— The Town Clerk said he could not answer the question, because he had not seen it.— Mr. Oakes contended that was the great reason why people were not paying the rate. The late town clerk explained that a seal was not necessary—that it was not a water rate, but water rent. The Town Council, however, decided the rate should be sealed and the town clerk was of opinion that it had been sealed. Mr. Oakes said there was another objection which he had himself. He had plenty of water, and never had occasion to use the public supply. He had been told if he had a good supply he would not have to pay the rate.— The Town Clerk pointed out that he must have a supply of 25 gallons per head a day, and must also show that the water was good.— The Chairman remarked that no doubt some members of the Council had a good supply of water, the quantity and quality of which they must prove according to the regulations of the Local Government Board. The proof rested with the person who objected to pay the water rate. The committee had appointed Dr. Gepp as a kind of arbitrator, who would analyse the water instead of bringing the people into Court.— Mr. Oakes observed that the chairman of the Water Committee did not have the water, and that was why he withheld his rate.- The Chairman said anyone could object to Dr. Gepp trespassing on their property, but he did not think that would be done. As for the quibble about the arrears, that was simply an excuse to get out of the rate. He did not think there were half-a-dozen people in Broseley who objected to pay the water rate.—Mr. Oakes said it was hard on those people who never used the water to be called upon to pay for it.

7th November 1903

Letters to the Editor

HARRINGTON WATER SCHEME.

Sir,— Whatever Mr. Ayre’s opinion may be in respect to your remarks in the “Journal” of the 24th ult., as to the increase in our rates, I can assure you the majority of the ratepayers of the Madeley Ward highly appreciate them. Mr. Ayre’s various excuses for the original estimate being exceeded by £15,000 we have heard repeatedly. How was it that their engineer knew so little of the requirements of the Local Government Board as to get estimates for a pipe trench two feet deep that should have been three feet? The leaps and bounds in the price of material, with the deepened trench, cost us £5,740. Rather expensive leaps and bounds! Then we have it that more expensive hydrants and conduits were required. Were we going to have a jerry job made of it under the original estimate? Then he says an extra £300 was demanded for the land and additional law charges incurred. This must have been in respect to the Shifnal supply, seeing that we paid £1,100 to the late town clerk for legal expenses. I presume some portion of this £300 would be included in that. The whole land and compensation, according to the balance-sheet produced at the inquiry, only cost £650 — a very small item in the affair. Last year, when the rate was 3s. 8s. in the pound, we were told that it was to pay the costs of the opposition to the Wolverhampton Water Bill. Now Mr. Ayre says it is being paid out of this year’s rate. I think it more likely we are paying the interest on the £13,000 odd that was borrowed from the Bank before the loan was asked for from the Local Government Board. In conclusion, he says: — “Two Local Government Board inquiries have been held, and the strictest investigation made, and not the slightest objection has been raised to any item of expense incurred by the Water Committee”. At the last inquiry, with others, I was present, also Mr. Ayre; and how can he make such an assertion? He knows well the hostile attitude of the ratepayers at that inquiry; how their officials were plied with questions; how they bungled and blundered over their replies; and the derisive remarks they were met with from those present. And yet he says “not the slightest objection was raised”. May the “Journal” long continue to show up any abuses in the local affairs of the Madeley Ward!                        W. J. JEFFREY.

 

14th November 1903

A RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION FOR BROSELEY.

A public meeting was held in the Town Hall, Broseley, on Tuesday, to consider the advisability of forming a ratepayers’ association. Mr. J. Nicklin presided over a large company, and, in opening the proceedings, said the meeting was important to everyone, from the smallest to the largest ratepayer. He maintained that, banded together, there was no reason why they should not form quite a powerful association, and watch over the interests of the ratepayers generally, trying to avoid extravagant expenditure, and, if necessary, to return a representative of their own choice to the various public bodies of their town and district. (Applause.) He said there was a “don’t care” spirit shown at the recent election by some of the candidates, and in this respect, he argued, there was room for improvement. If that kind of spirit was carried out in private business the result would mean bankruptcy, and the shutters would have to go up. There was never a more opportune time in which there was need for the strictest economy. There was no mistaking the fact that there was a great diminution of local trade, and if they increased the rates the power of pay receded. If there was a desire to co-operate, he thought it would give birth to an organisation which, in time, would do something towards levelling down the inequalities in connection with the administration of local affairs. (Applause.) — Mr. Aquila Evans said he had not known the trade of the town so bad for 30 years, and yet the rates were increasing. Beyond the water supply, he asked where were the other improvements in the town equal to the expenditure they were called upon to pay. They did not have value for the money, and therefore it was the duty of all to work together and bring about a better state of things. (Applause.)— Mr. W. Benbow, considered that the money had been squandered away. It appeared that an officer had only to ask for an increase in his salary, and he had it. He contended that an association, as proposed, would prove a benefit to the ratepayers. (Applause.)— Mr. P. Stephens said the present rates at Broseley were 8s. 6d. in the pound, and he should like to know what they had had for their money.— Mr. J. Jones proposed that a rate-payers’ and electors’ association be formed.— Mr. H. Cook seconded this, and it was carried unanimously.— Mr. J. Nicklin was elected chairman of the association, Messrs. A. Evans and H. Cooke vice-chairman, Mr. T. Legge secretary, and Mr. H. Wase treasurer. A committee was also appointed.

14th November 1903

RAINFALL IN SOUTH SHROPSHIRE.

The average rainfall during the past 25 years has been 27.96 inches upon 177 days. Dividing this into periods of five years the average has been for periods commencing 1878, 32.56 inches upon 200 days; 1883, 28.16, 180; 1888, 27.83, 162; 1893, 25.21, 175; 1898, 26.06, 171. The year 1879 is often quoted as the wettest year. This was not the case in this district, as the following table will show. I have also included the two dry years of 1887 and 1898:- 1882, 36.67 inches upon 227 days; 1878, 36.05, 194; 1880, 34.53, 188; 1886, 34.09, 202; 1891, 32.13, 193; 1885, 30.72, 196; 1879, 29.95, 202; 1887, 22.71, 155; 1893, 21.90, 156. The years in which the most rain has fallen up to the end of October are 1903, 33.57 inches upon 174 days; 1878, 29.87, 165; 1882, 29.57, 177; 1880, 29.01, 149; 1879, 28.46, 183. We still require 3.10in. to bring the rainfall for the year up to that of 1882. The average rainfall for the months of November and December has been 4.94 inches upon 33 days. The rainfall for November and December in 1879 was only 1.49 inches upon 19 days, the least during 25 years. The years in which the most rain has fallen during the four harvest months of July, August, September, and October are given in this table:- 1903, 19.04 inches upon 80 days; 1880, 15.00, 63; 1891, 14.26, 72; 1878, 14.10, 63; 1879, 13.40, 69; 1885, 12.94, 66; 1882, 12.57, 84; 1902, 12.18, 69. As 1879 is so often quoted, and as it was a very bad agricultural year, I give the rainfall in detail to compare with 1882, the year of greatest rainfall, and also with the present year:- January-1879, 1.97 inches upon 10 days; 1882, 2.52 inches upon 14 days; 1903, 2.17 inches upon 20 days. February-1879, 2.25 upon 22; 1882, 2-25 upon 14; 1903, 1-78 upon 10. March-1879, 1.22 upon 15; 1882, 2.25 upon 11; 1903, 3.86 upon 26. April-1879, 2.43 upon 19; 1882, 3.93 upon 20; 1903, 1.49 upon 12. May-1879, 2.83 upon 23; 1882, 2.06 upon 16; 1903, 3.78 upon 18. June-1879, 4.36 upon 25; 1882, 4.19 upon 18; 1903, 1.45 upon 8. July-1879, 4.35 upon 19; 1882, 2.79 upon 25; 1903, 2.83 upon 16. August-1879, 5.25 upon 19; 1882, 1.85 upon 16; 1903, 6.18 upon 18. September-1879, 2.06 upon 19; 1882, 2.39 upon 18; 1903, 4.07 upon 17. October-1879, 1.74 upon 12; 1832, 5.34 upon 25; 1903, 5.96 upon 29. November-1879, 0.95 upon 11; 1882, 4.10 upon 25. December-1879, 0.54 upon 8; 1882, 3.00 upon 25. In 1879 I commenced my grain harvest upon September 8th and completed it upon October 29th. In 1882 I commenced upon August 22nd and completed upon October 5th. This year there is a large acreage of grain not carried at the present time, and a good many fields not yet cut.

If the November goose-bone be thick

  So will the winter weather be;

If the November goose-bone be thin

  So will the winter weather be.

                               T. H. THURSFIELD

 

14th November 1903

WENLOCK.

Present:— Councillor T. Cooke (mayor), Lord Forester, Colonel J. A. Anstice, Aldermen A. B. Dyas, T. Bodenham, D. L. Prestage, G. Lloyd, T. H. Thursfield, Councillors F. G. Beddoes, W. Y. Owen, T. Doughty, P. Jones, W. J. Legge, E. F. Groves, R. F. Ayre, R. Lane, A. G. Lascelles, B. Maddox, W. F. Bryan, A. Dixon, F. J. Hart, C. Edwards, E. G. Exley, J. Davies, T. Morris, and W. Evans, with Messrs. F. H. Potts (town clerk), G. Stevenson (surveyor), A. H. Thorn-Pudsey (magistrates’ clerk), H. Herbert (inspector of nuisances), and J. W. While (borough treasurer).

ELECTION OF MAYOR.— Mr. Dyas said he had great pleasure in proposing that Councillor F. G. Beddoes be elected Mayor for the ensuing year. They would all agree with him that since he had been a member of the Council he had paid great attention to his duties as Councillor. He had acted on important committees, and had shown that he was a man of ability and assiduity, which was required to make a useful member of the Corporation.— Colonel Anstice, in seconding the motion, remarked that he felt sure they were doing the right thing in making Mr. Beddoes Mayor. He was a man who had been active and energetic during the years he had served on the Council, and there was no doubt he would carry out the duties as chief magistrate in a satisfactory manner. (Applause.)— Mr. Bodenham supported the motion, which was carried unanimously.— The new Mayor having taken the usual oath, he said his first thanks were due to Mr. Dyas and Colonel Anstice for proposing him as their Mayor for the ensuing year. He was greatly indebted to them, and also to the other gentlemen who had spoken, for their kind remarks, and also all of them for the cordial manner in which they had received them. He was aware of the great responsibility the office of Mayor and chief magistrate of this borough involved, but he assured them there would be nothing lacking on his part to carry out those duties in an honourable and straight-forward manner, as his predecessors had always done. (Applause.) He would have had some diffidence in accepting the offices if he had not the confidence of each magistrate, who he knew would assist him all he could. He had also great confidence in Mr. Potts, their town clerk, and also Mr. Thorn-Pudsey, magistrates’ clerk, as well as the other officials. Having eulogised the late Mayor (Mr. Cooke), whom he congratulated on the manner in which he had conducted the affairs of the borough during the past year, he said he was pleased to find there had been no vacancy on the Council or staff through death. He regretted that Alderman R. E. Anstice experienced such serious illness that prevented him attending their meetings, but he hoped that ere long he would be restored to health and that they would see him once more in the Council chamber. (Applause.) He was sorry that Mr. Cartwright was not with them that day, but he welcomed his successor, Mr. E. F. Groves, who was not altogether a new member. He thanked them very heartily, and hoped the confidence they had placed in him they would have no cause to regret.-(Applause.)

THANKS TO THE EX-MAYOR.— Mr. Bodenham proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Cooke (ex-Mayor). When he proposed him as Mayor last year he said he would make an excellent Mayor, and he had thoroughly confirmed that opinion. The year had been an exceptional one, and he considered they should thank him for the manner in which he had conducted the whole of the business.— Mr. Maddox seconded the vote of thanks, and Messrs. Edwards, Dyas, Davies, and Prestage supported the resolution, which was carried unanimously.— Mr. Cooke, in returning thanks, said his year of office had been a pleasant one. He had received nothing but kindness.

QUARTERLY MEETINGS.— Mr. Maddox moved that the quarterly meetings be held on Mondays, and Mr. Thursfield seconded the motion; but it was lost.

RETURNING OFFICERS.— The Mayor proposed that Aldermen Thursfield, Dyas, Prestage, and Bodenham be the returning officers for the various wards.— Mr. Ayre seconded the motion, which was carried.

THE STANDING COMMITTEES were then appointed.

THE BOROUGH RATE.— The Mayor said the Finance Committee had gone very carefully through the bills, and the amount now and becoming due for payment amounted to £1,038 8s. 10d. There was £133 6s. 9d. in hand, and the amount to be raised by a rate was £905 2s. 1d.— Mr. Dyas said the committee recommended a rate of 4d. in the pound to be levied for the ensuing quarter. Threepence was for educational purposes, and 1d. for the general district rate. He proposed a rate of 4d. in the pound be levied.— Mr.Cooke seconded.— Mr. Maddox, in supporting the adoption of the report, said it was very brief, considering it involved expenditure of £1,000. The main part he believed belonged to education purposes, in which the Council had no veto, or even a voice.— In reply to Mr. Maddox, the Clerk stated that the recent election expenses amounted to £35. — Colonel Anstice was of opinion that it would have been wiser finance if they levied another penny for educational purposes. Although he was out-voted in committee, he was ready to assent to a rate of 4d. He advised them to look more closely into the various estimates. He did not wish to enforce the whole of the expenditure on the ratepayers at once, but he asked them to keep an eye on the loans, which they must try to lessen, and not to saddle the borough with an eternal debt.— Mr. Thursfield said there appeared to be a doubt as to what was really wanted for education purposes. He should like to hear some particulars from the chairman of the Education Committee.— Mr. Cooke then explained what the committee had done. He said they intended to pay off the loan in four years. The bankers were very liberal, and they got the money at a very low rate.— The report was adopted.

ASYLUM VISITOR.— Colonel Anstice presented a report from the Asylum, which was adopted; and, on the motion of Mr. Dyas, Colonel Anstice was re-elected a representative of the Asylum for the next 12 months.

THE MAIN ROADS.— Colonel Anstice told the Council that their agreement with the County Council in regard to the repair of the main roads expired in April next, and he moved that the surveyor should prepare a report showing the probable estimated expenditure on the roads for the next five years.— Mr. Owen seconded the motion, which was supported by Mr. Cooke.— Mr. Maddox said nothing was mentioned as to applying to the County Council to take over the main roads in the borough. He said other boroughs were receiving larger sums of money for their roads than they were, and he considered this was an injustice to that borough. He hoped they would make out a strong case, and obtain more allowance.— The motion was carried.

THE EDUCATION ACT.— The Mayor said the next business was to receive a recommendation of the Education Committee with reference to the sum of money to he paid to Mr. A. H. Thorn-Pudsey for preparing the scheme and carrying the Education Act, 1902, into effect in this borough.— Mr. Cooke said the Education Committee had gone into the matter, and recommended that £20 be paid Mr. Thorn-Pudsey for carrying the scheme into effect. He said there was a lot of work attached to it. He proposed that they pay Mr. Thorn-Pudsey £20.— Mr. Dyas, in seconding the motion, said they had gone carefully into the matter.— Mr. Bodenham did not think they should make a permanent increase.— The Mayor said it was not so.— Colonel Anstice remarked that the Education Committee unanimously recommended the sum of £20 to be paid.— Mr. Maddox held that the sum was excessive.— Mr. Thursfield said they were there to spend the ratepayers’ money. The rates were rising to such an extent that they were sapping the life-blood from the agriculturists in the district, and therefore he considered every tender should be discussed and voted on.— Mr. Prestage asked if this work was done for the Advisory Committee, and the Mayor replied in the affirmative.—The report was adopted.

THE MEDICAL OFFICER.— Colonel Anstice said Dr. Gepp’s appointment as medical officer would expire in December next, and he moved that they endeavour to renew his engagement on the same terms for five years.— Mr. Thursfield seconded the motion, which was carried.

ANALYSIS.— The Clerk said Mr. Blunt reported that there had been 15 samples analysed during the last quarter, and that none was adulterated.— Mr. Cooke thought the charge of 13 guineas was too much. The analysis had been taken in Birmingham for half the price, and he thought they should have the samples tested as cheaply as possible.— Mr. Dyas considered a guinea was a great deal for one sample, especially now the people were having their water analysed.— The matter was left with the town clerk.

CHURCH PARADE.— The Mayor said he proposed attending the church at Wenlock on Sunday, and he hoped all the members of the Council would attend.

 

28th November 1903

JACKFIELD.

PRESENTATIONS. On Wednesday a pleasing event took place at the works of Messrs. Maw and Co., Ltd., the occasion being the presentation of a handsome dressing case (which had been supplied by Mr. James Davies, King Street, Broseley) by the workpeople connected with the above-named firm to Mr. John Youden, junr., on his resigning the management of the order department, which position he had filled for upwards of four years, his courteous and gentlemanly demeanour securing him the greatest respect from all with whom he came in contact.- Mr. Peter Stephan, who made the presentation, in the course of a stirring speech, said they had met to show their appreciation of the courtesy and kindness Mr. Youden had always exercised towards them as workmen during the time he had been amongst them. They were sorry Mr. Youden was leaving them; but they trusted their loss would be his gain, and that he would have a bright and happy future.— Mr. Youden, on rising to respond, was received with rounds of applause. He said he was greatly obliged to then for their kindness, and he appreciated it very much. He had received nothing but kindness from them whilst he had been connected with the works; they were always willing to do anything he asked them. Of course, they had their little differences occasionally, which were inevitable; but he never bore malice, and after he had had his say they were as good friends as ever. He was leaving to conduct an entirely new business at Glasgow in connection with his father’s firm; but he hoped he should have the opportunity of seeing them again many times. He again thanked Mr. Stephan for making the presentation, and each and all of them for their kind gift, which he assured them would be one of his most treasured possessions. The only regret he had in leaving was in severing his connection with the workpeople.- As a further proof of the esteem and respect entertained for Mr. Youden by the whole of the employees connected with the works, a very handsome smoking cabinet was presented to him on Thursday by the designers, draughtsmen, and clerks.— Mr. Sinclair Adams made the presentation in a few well-chosen remarks, expressing the regret of the whole of the office staff that Mr. Youden was leaving them, as they had spent many happy days together during the time he had been amongst them.— Mr. Youden, on rising to respond, was received with the greatest enthusiasm. He said he appreciated their kindness more than he could express, and he thanked them from the bottom of his heart.

5th December 1903

BROSELEY

* The famous Humber Light Car, 5 h.p. Price 125 guineas will take you out and bring you back. Repairs and Accessories. Sole District Agent, JAMES DAVIES, Broseley.

BURIAL BOARD.- The annual meeting was held on Wednesday, when the Alderman D. L. Prestage was unanimously re-elected chairman for the ensuing year. Mr F. H. Potts was appointed clerk at a salary of £10 a year.- The chairman reported a balance in hand of £31 0s. 2d.

ACCIDENT.- On Saturday a sad accident occurred to a young man named Frederick Walter Bagley of High Street, who whilst playing with the Broseley Church Choir football team collided with one of the Jackfield Unity players, and sustained a compound fracture of the collar bone.  He is progressing favourably as can be expected.

DISTRICT COUNCIL.- Present:- Alderman D. L. Prestage (Chairman), Councillors W. E. Southorn, T. Doughty, E. Oakes, R. A. Instone, E. G. Exley, Messrs. F. H. Potts (town clerk), G. Stevenson (surveyor), H. Herbert (inspector), and J. Dixon (collector).- This being the annual meeting, Mr Prestage was re-elected chairman for the ensuing year, and the various committees were elected.- The collector reported that he had collected in the general district rate since the last meeting amounting to £234 13s. 7d. With reference to the water rate, he said he was having a lot of worry. He however had collected £256 11s. and there was £54 12s. 10d. still unpaid.– The Chairman said he thought they should take steps to recover the arrears.- In reply to Mr. Oakes, the Chairman said he had arranged with Dr. Gepp to examine the water from the premises of those people who said they had plenty.- The Collector presented a list of defaulters. He said people objected to the arrears.- The Chairman said it was a new rate, and they must expect some opposition. He contended that those people who derived benefit from the water should pay the very just rate.- Mr Doughty moved that they take proceedings against the defaulters on December 14th, which was seconded by the Chairman, and carried unanimously.  The Clerk reported a balance of £643 12s. 1d in hand, and cheques amounting to £230 were drawn to pay accounts at the present meeting. – The Inspector reported two more cases of diphtheria at Jackfield,- The Chairman said there were three tenders for scavenging:- T. Instone £25, T, Burroughs £40 and F. Oakley £34.- Mr. Instone’s tender was the one accepted.

26th December 1903   

BROSELEY.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES.— The tradesmen here made every preparation to meet the wants of their customers at this festive season of the year, the shop windows being specially attractive.

DEATH OF AN OLD RESIDENT.— On Sunday there quietly passed away, in her 73rd year, Mrs. Rebecca Davis, relict of Mr. George Davis, brick and tile manufacturer, Broseley. She was greatly respected by all who knew her.

WESLEY GUILD.— On Tuesday the members of this guild held their usual meeting in the Wesleyan Schoolroom. Mr. J. E. Hartshorne presided, and Mr. H. Williams of Coalport gave an interesting address on “Bible Ambitions”. Christmas carols were sung, Mr. J. A. Hartshorne accompanying on the harmonium. There was a good attendance.