1847. The Borough Gaol and habitations for our excellent Police Force were erected at this time by the County of Worcester. Previous to this wise concentration of the Police Force into one locality, the men were lodging and living all about the town, much against that discipline so necessary in the force, and now so characteristically practised by the Dudley Police. The lock-up for prisoners was a dingy hole at the Workhouse, in Tower Street. Mr. Superintendent Burton is our veteran popular chief officer.
1848. Since the intimidation and undue influence exercised at the last election, it was determined to endeavour to counteract such hinderances to freedom of election, by using every effort to extend the Franchise. With this object a Public Meeting was held on February 8th, 1848, in Dudley, under the Presidency of the Rev. John Palmer, M.A., Unitarian Minister of Dudley, to promote an extension of the “Midland Counties Freehold Land Society,” whereby, it was shewn how a working man could obtain a freehold house and a vote for the County. The meeting was largely attended and addressed by Alderman Weston, Mr. J. S. Wright, and Mr. W. B. Smith, M.U., as a deputation from Birmingham.
1848, January 7th. Died Mr. Alexander Gordon (of the Straits House, Lower Gornal), formerly a very active public man in this town. Mr. Gordon was a strong Reformer in Politics, and the leading member of the Wesleyan Methodists in this town and district. He was a truly kind and benevolent old gentlemen, but was particularly partial to his own views. He died at the advanced age of 77 years.
January 20th, 1848. Mr. Ralph Musselwhite, Draper, in the old “Middle Row,” again brought an action against the Town Commissioners, in the Queen’s Bench at London, to recover the expenses incurred at his previous trial at Worcester, wherein he was defeated. He was again defeated at the Queen’s Bench, after having expended upwards of £1,000 in useless and unreasonable litigation with the Town Authorities.
1848, February 11th. Died at Bath, Chas. Molyneux, Esq., Manager of the Dudley and West Bromwich Bank in this Town; he was also a Magistrate, and sat on our Dudley Police Bench.
February 7th, 1848. A most influential and numerously attended public meeting was held at the Old Town Hall, Dudley, under the auspices of Mr. Elliott Hollier (the Mayor), “for the purpose of adopting the best measures for promoting the objects of the Mechanics’Institute in the Borough of Dudley,” and the following report emanated from the meeting.
DUDLEY.Mechanics’ Institute.—A numerous meeting of the friends of this project was held at the vacant rooms in Wolverhampton Street on Tuesday week, to consider the best means of establishing a Mechanics’ Institute, adapted for all classes, upon a solid and permanent basis. Elliott Hollier, Esq., Mayor, was called to the chair. After some animated discussion, entered into by those gentlemen who are usually found at their posts in advocating and assisting the advancement of knowledge, and the establishment of useful institutions, it was deemed advisable to give more publicity to the project, and canvass the merits of the question amongst all classes. In accordance with this disposition it was at once resolved to suspend operations till a more definite system should be agreed upon. The most effectual way of submitting this to the inhabitants was considered to be by petitioning the Mayor to convene a public meeting for the especial object, and then submitting a definite plan for approval at that assemblage. S. Blackwell, Esq., proposed, and Dr. Browne, seconded, a proposition to that effect: and a resolution was at once signed by the meeting to the Mayor, who fully acquiesced in the expediency and propriety of the movement. Amongst the various modes suggested for effectually maintaining a Mechanics’ Institutionwas one announced by Mr. Clark, which appeared to augur well for ultimate success; and as it is a project, which, if carried out, would affect collectively two other institutions already established in the town, it may not be amiss to give our Dudley readers an outline of it. The proposition is “that a Mechanics’ Institution shall be established by 200 or 300 shares of one guinea each, and that the annual subscription shall be 10s. The capital thus raised to be appropriated to the purchasing of a library, apparatus, and the necessary furniture required for the effectual carrying on of the institution. That overtures be made to the Geological Society (now almost defunct) and the New street News Rooms, for a mutual amalgamation of these bodies into one large and comprehensive Philosophical Institution, to be managed agreeably to the usual customs of such institutions.” In the event of this suggestion being carried out, little or nothing (save a capital for library), would be required to commence operations, for the News Room is already in full operation, and rooms connected with the Geological Society are partially unoccupied, and well-adapted for the purpose. Amongst the gentlemen and tradesmen present at the meeting, were the Rev. Dr. Browne, Vicar; Rev. Messrs. Noot, A. Davis, Rogers, and Lewis; Messrs. S. Blackwell, Houghton, Bateman, Hickman, J. C. Cook, Grainger, Boddington, Clark, Rudge, Minty, Rock, Wright, Mainwaring,&c. From an advertisement in another column, it will be seen that at a public meeting on Monday, the mayor in the chair, a series of resolutions were carried for the purpose of actively promoting the institution.—Birmingham Journal, 1848.
DUDLEY.
Mechanics’ Institute.—A numerous meeting of the friends of this project was held at the vacant rooms in Wolverhampton Street on Tuesday week, to consider the best means of establishing a Mechanics’ Institute, adapted for all classes, upon a solid and permanent basis. Elliott Hollier, Esq., Mayor, was called to the chair. After some animated discussion, entered into by those gentlemen who are usually found at their posts in advocating and assisting the advancement of knowledge, and the establishment of useful institutions, it was deemed advisable to give more publicity to the project, and canvass the merits of the question amongst all classes. In accordance with this disposition it was at once resolved to suspend operations till a more definite system should be agreed upon. The most effectual way of submitting this to the inhabitants was considered to be by petitioning the Mayor to convene a public meeting for the especial object, and then submitting a definite plan for approval at that assemblage. S. Blackwell, Esq., proposed, and Dr. Browne, seconded, a proposition to that effect: and a resolution was at once signed by the meeting to the Mayor, who fully acquiesced in the expediency and propriety of the movement. Amongst the various modes suggested for effectually maintaining a Mechanics’ Institutionwas one announced by Mr. Clark, which appeared to augur well for ultimate success; and as it is a project, which, if carried out, would affect collectively two other institutions already established in the town, it may not be amiss to give our Dudley readers an outline of it. The proposition is “that a Mechanics’ Institution shall be established by 200 or 300 shares of one guinea each, and that the annual subscription shall be 10s. The capital thus raised to be appropriated to the purchasing of a library, apparatus, and the necessary furniture required for the effectual carrying on of the institution. That overtures be made to the Geological Society (now almost defunct) and the New street News Rooms, for a mutual amalgamation of these bodies into one large and comprehensive Philosophical Institution, to be managed agreeably to the usual customs of such institutions.” In the event of this suggestion being carried out, little or nothing (save a capital for library), would be required to commence operations, for the News Room is already in full operation, and rooms connected with the Geological Society are partially unoccupied, and well-adapted for the purpose. Amongst the gentlemen and tradesmen present at the meeting, were the Rev. Dr. Browne, Vicar; Rev. Messrs. Noot, A. Davis, Rogers, and Lewis; Messrs. S. Blackwell, Houghton, Bateman, Hickman, J. C. Cook, Grainger, Boddington, Clark, Rudge, Minty, Rock, Wright, Mainwaring,&c. From an advertisement in another column, it will be seen that at a public meeting on Monday, the mayor in the chair, a series of resolutions were carried for the purpose of actively promoting the institution.—Birmingham Journal, 1848.
February 19th, 1848. The committee appointed at the public meeting, after mature and earnest consideration, issued the following suggestions as a programme, upon which a sound and successful Mechanics’ Institute might be grafted; it being arranged that the prosperous “Reading Room,” which Mr. Secretary C. F. G. Clark, had established in 1845, at the Geological Rooms in New Street, should be incorporated with the new institution.
DUDLEY MECHANICS’ INSTITUTION,UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD WARD.The Sub-Committee appointed at a Public Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Borough of Dudley, convened by the Mayor, (pursuant to a Requisition), and held at the Old Town Hall, on Monday Evening, the 7th instant, for the purpose of taking into consideration the best means to be adopted for the permanent establishment of the Dudley Mechanics’ Institution, beg to call your attention toTHE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WHICH WERE PROPOSED AND UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED:—1.—That this Meeting, acknowledging the desirability of the permanent establishment of the Mechanics’ Institution in the Borough of Dudley, pledges itself to promote the same by every means in its power.2.—That for the promotion of such an object a Sub-Committee be appointed, for the purpose of soliciting subscriptions and donations to establish a fund to carry out the purposes of such an Institution to the fullest extent possible.3.—That a Sub-Committee of the following Gentlemen be appointed for the purposes referred to in the preceding resolution:—The Rev. Dr. Browne, Vicar; Mr. Elliott Hollier, Mr. S. H. Blackwell, Mr. William Bourne, Mr. John Bateman, the Rev. John Raven, the Rev. George Lewis, and Mr. Henry Johnson.4.—That in order to afford all classes an opportunity of attending, and deriving the greatest benefit from the establishment of this Institution, it be recommended that two classes of Subscribers be adopted, consisting of Honorary Members at One Guinea, and Ordinary Members at not less than Ten Shillings each per annum, which may be received fortnightly, in advance.5.—That the Sub-Committee be requested to solicit the patronage of the Right Honourable Lord Ward to this Institution, and that of the Members for the Borough, the Eastern Division of Worcestershire, and the Southern Division of theCounty of Stafford, and also the support of all parties who, though not residing in, may have property or an interest in Dudley and its neighbourhood.The want of an Institution of this character in Dudley, has been so long acknowledged, that the Sub-Committee cannot but hope that such general support will be given to it as will render it effective for the objects it proposes to carry out, and ensure its being established upon a permanent basis.These objects are, the establishment of aREADING ROOM AND LIBRARY;—the diffusion of general information on the various Branches of Science and Literature byLECTURES;—and especially the providing its Members with opportunities of acquiring good and useful instruction by means ofCLASSESinWRITING, ARITHMETIC, DRAWING, MUSIC, &c., &c.The Sub-Committee regard the establishment of these Institutions as most important, and as having a direct and immediate bearing upon the great question of National Education. They are calculated indeed to furnish almost the only means by which the ends proposed to be effected by our various schools can be fully carried out, for, unless facilities are afforded to those whose education has been commenced in these schools, of continuing and perfecting that education, the advantages already obtained must be, to a certain extent, lost.The Sub-Committee therefore appeal with confidence, upon this ground, to all those who recognize the importance of General Education to all Classes, and who, feeling that the question has long been decided whether Education is to be general or not, are anxious to render it as sound and comprehensive as possible.Some of the neighbouring Towns of smaller population, and of less manufacturing importance than our own, are already in possession of Mechanics’ Institutions affording all the advantages proposed by this; and when the extent and character of the population of Dudley, and its position as theCentreof a great Manufacturing District are considered, it must be acknowledged that it possesses ample means for the establishment of an Institution that shall be at least equal to any in the neighbourhood.To ensure this, general support alone is required, and therefore the Sub-Committee venture to solicit your individual patronage and active assistance; at the same time they have much pleasure in announcing a Donation of Fifty Pounds from the Right Honourable Lord Ward, with an Annual Subscription of Five Guineas, and also a Donation of Ten Pounds, and an Annual Subscription from John Benbow, Esq., M.P.(Signed) on behalf of the Sub-Committee,ELLIOTT HOLLIER, Mayor.Dudley, February, 19th, 1848.
The Sub-Committee appointed at a Public Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Borough of Dudley, convened by the Mayor, (pursuant to a Requisition), and held at the Old Town Hall, on Monday Evening, the 7th instant, for the purpose of taking into consideration the best means to be adopted for the permanent establishment of the Dudley Mechanics’ Institution, beg to call your attention to
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WHICH WERE PROPOSED AND UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED:—1.—That this Meeting, acknowledging the desirability of the permanent establishment of the Mechanics’ Institution in the Borough of Dudley, pledges itself to promote the same by every means in its power.2.—That for the promotion of such an object a Sub-Committee be appointed, for the purpose of soliciting subscriptions and donations to establish a fund to carry out the purposes of such an Institution to the fullest extent possible.3.—That a Sub-Committee of the following Gentlemen be appointed for the purposes referred to in the preceding resolution:—The Rev. Dr. Browne, Vicar; Mr. Elliott Hollier, Mr. S. H. Blackwell, Mr. William Bourne, Mr. John Bateman, the Rev. John Raven, the Rev. George Lewis, and Mr. Henry Johnson.4.—That in order to afford all classes an opportunity of attending, and deriving the greatest benefit from the establishment of this Institution, it be recommended that two classes of Subscribers be adopted, consisting of Honorary Members at One Guinea, and Ordinary Members at not less than Ten Shillings each per annum, which may be received fortnightly, in advance.5.—That the Sub-Committee be requested to solicit the patronage of the Right Honourable Lord Ward to this Institution, and that of the Members for the Borough, the Eastern Division of Worcestershire, and the Southern Division of theCounty of Stafford, and also the support of all parties who, though not residing in, may have property or an interest in Dudley and its neighbourhood.
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WHICH WERE PROPOSED AND UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED:—
1.—That this Meeting, acknowledging the desirability of the permanent establishment of the Mechanics’ Institution in the Borough of Dudley, pledges itself to promote the same by every means in its power.
2.—That for the promotion of such an object a Sub-Committee be appointed, for the purpose of soliciting subscriptions and donations to establish a fund to carry out the purposes of such an Institution to the fullest extent possible.
3.—That a Sub-Committee of the following Gentlemen be appointed for the purposes referred to in the preceding resolution:—The Rev. Dr. Browne, Vicar; Mr. Elliott Hollier, Mr. S. H. Blackwell, Mr. William Bourne, Mr. John Bateman, the Rev. John Raven, the Rev. George Lewis, and Mr. Henry Johnson.
4.—That in order to afford all classes an opportunity of attending, and deriving the greatest benefit from the establishment of this Institution, it be recommended that two classes of Subscribers be adopted, consisting of Honorary Members at One Guinea, and Ordinary Members at not less than Ten Shillings each per annum, which may be received fortnightly, in advance.
5.—That the Sub-Committee be requested to solicit the patronage of the Right Honourable Lord Ward to this Institution, and that of the Members for the Borough, the Eastern Division of Worcestershire, and the Southern Division of theCounty of Stafford, and also the support of all parties who, though not residing in, may have property or an interest in Dudley and its neighbourhood.
The want of an Institution of this character in Dudley, has been so long acknowledged, that the Sub-Committee cannot but hope that such general support will be given to it as will render it effective for the objects it proposes to carry out, and ensure its being established upon a permanent basis.
These objects are, the establishment of aREADING ROOM AND LIBRARY;—the diffusion of general information on the various Branches of Science and Literature byLECTURES;—and especially the providing its Members with opportunities of acquiring good and useful instruction by means ofCLASSESinWRITING, ARITHMETIC, DRAWING, MUSIC, &c., &c.
The Sub-Committee regard the establishment of these Institutions as most important, and as having a direct and immediate bearing upon the great question of National Education. They are calculated indeed to furnish almost the only means by which the ends proposed to be effected by our various schools can be fully carried out, for, unless facilities are afforded to those whose education has been commenced in these schools, of continuing and perfecting that education, the advantages already obtained must be, to a certain extent, lost.
The Sub-Committee therefore appeal with confidence, upon this ground, to all those who recognize the importance of General Education to all Classes, and who, feeling that the question has long been decided whether Education is to be general or not, are anxious to render it as sound and comprehensive as possible.
Some of the neighbouring Towns of smaller population, and of less manufacturing importance than our own, are already in possession of Mechanics’ Institutions affording all the advantages proposed by this; and when the extent and character of the population of Dudley, and its position as theCentreof a great Manufacturing District are considered, it must be acknowledged that it possesses ample means for the establishment of an Institution that shall be at least equal to any in the neighbourhood.
To ensure this, general support alone is required, and therefore the Sub-Committee venture to solicit your individual patronage and active assistance; at the same time they have much pleasure in announcing a Donation of Fifty Pounds from the Right Honourable Lord Ward, with an Annual Subscription of Five Guineas, and also a Donation of Ten Pounds, and an Annual Subscription from John Benbow, Esq., M.P.
(Signed) on behalf of the Sub-Committee,
ELLIOTT HOLLIER, Mayor.
Dudley, February, 19th, 1848.
Died February 12th, 1848. Mr. John Allen, who held the office of Parish Clerk in St. Edmund’s Church for the lengthened period ofthirty-seven years. Aged 86 years.
1848, February 22nd. A sanguinary and destructive Revolution broke out in Paris, which lasted six days, ending in the abdication and flight of Louis Phillippe, King of the French, and his family to England, wherein he afterwards died. A Republic was established on the wreck of this criminal revolution.
On the 25th of February, 1848, a large and influential meeting of all classes of the inhabitants of Dudley was held at the old Town Hall (Mr. Elliott Hollier, the mayor, in the chair), “for the purpose of petitioning the Legislature against the Income Tax, and in favour of a Property Tax alone.”
The following placard issued by our old Chartist leader, (Mr. Samuel Cooke), gives the public a pretty good notion of his views on this European calamity.
BRAVO!!!Three Cheers and one Cheer more for the Establishment in France of a Republican form of Government.French Men, and French Women, yea and English Men and English Women, study the following portions of the Bible!Genesis1…26…29Judges8…22…23“9…1…6“…7…15“…50…55Samuel8……“12…16…19Hosea8…4…“11…12…Isaiah1…26…The Bible is the most ample Republican and Democratic Book in the world.Who makes Governments, and what are they made for?Are they not made by the people, and for the people?Made by the people to be a benefit to the people.If they injure instead of doing good to the people, ought not the people to remove them and punish them?SAMUEL COOK.Dudley, Feb. 26th, 1848.
BRAVO!!!
Three Cheers and one Cheer more for the Establishment in France of a Republican form of Government.
French Men, and French Women, yea and English Men and English Women, study the following portions of the Bible!
The Bible is the most ample Republican and Democratic Book in the world.
Who makes Governments, and what are they made for?
Are they not made by the people, and for the people?
Made by the people to be a benefit to the people.
If they injure instead of doing good to the people, ought not the people to remove them and punish them?
SAMUEL COOK.
Dudley, Feb. 26th, 1848.
Died, March 2nd, 1848, at his house in Vicar Street, Mr. John Hodgetts, Nail Master. This gentleman took a very conspicuous part in politics, on the Reform side, during the passing of the Reform Bill in 1832, and acquired for his zeal the cognomen of “Lord John.” Aged 59 years.
March 6th, 1848. A New Cattle Fair was established this day, to be holden on the first Monday in March annually. The usual May, August, and October Fairs were ordered to be held on the first Mondays of the respective months. E. Hollier, Mayor.
On Monday, (March 20th, 1848,) a large meeting of the working classes was held at the Old Dock Square, Dudley, (Mr. Samuel Cook in the chair), “for the purpose of congratulatingthe Frenchon the recent victories obtained, at the recent Revolution, by that noble and patriotic nation, and adopting the National Petition (the People’s Charter), and other measures for the general advancement of the people.” Mr. Thos. Clark of London, Mr. J. Linney of Bilston, Mr. Ernest Jones, and Mr. Fussell of Birmingham, advocated the nine points of the Charter with much heat and zeal, for they said “that the day of your political regeneration is drawing nigh. The political earthquake of France has pierced the hearts of the tyrants to the core; show that you produce all and partake of the least of God’s blessings; that you have been the easy prey of those who have fattened upon your labour; and in return they despise the very men who feed them, are facts no one will dispute,” for,
“The gold you make another heaps,The corn you sow another reaps,The cloth you weave another wears,The arms you make another bears.”(Shelley.)
“The gold you make another heaps,The corn you sow another reaps,The cloth you weave another wears,The arms you make another bears.”(Shelley.)
“The gold you make another heaps,
The corn you sow another reaps,
The cloth you weave another wears,
The arms you make another bears.”
(Shelley.)
GOD SAVE THE PEOPLE.
“Notice!!! The originators of this meeting strictly forbid riot or tumult, and should the same occur, an adjournment will immediately take place.”
This Chartist meeting took place, and after a fair amount of banter and wind had been let off by the various speakers, the meeting quietly dispersed, for they well knew that the authorities were watching their movements, and that a strong body of police was at hand to put down either riot or tumult. The Chartist movement throughout the country was at this time assuming large and formidable dimensions.
March 24th, 1848. The Town Commissioners purchased the Jolly Colliers Inn, and three other houses at the back, on the Market flat, the property of Mr. Homer, Kateshill, for the sum of £2,800; the rental brings in £142 per annum.
April, 1848. In consequence of the frequent “pitfalls” from mining operations on the Dudley Castle grounds, it was deemed expedient to close the grounds entirely for some little time.
April 18th, 1848. The opening address to the members of the newly-established Mechanics’ Institute was this evening given by Dr. John Percy, of Birmingham.
“The Easter season,” observed by the Church, again awakened the ire and ruffled the temper of our old townsman, Mr. Samuel Cook, for here follows his public effusion on that head.
TO THE PUBLIC.The word “Easter,” in the 4th verse of the 12th chapter of Acts,is a notorious lie.The word “Bishopric,” in the 20th verse of the 1st chapter of Acts,is a notorious lie.The word “Harlot,” in the 1st verse of the 2nd chapter of Joshua, and in the 31st verse of the 11th chapter of Hebrews,is an atrocious lie.Is it not a disgrace to, and ought it not to shame, the religious public, that they have allowed the impious scoundrelisms of James the 1st so long to pollute the Sacred Volume?SAMUEL COOK.Dudley, April 20th, 1848.
TO THE PUBLIC.
The word “Easter,” in the 4th verse of the 12th chapter of Acts,is a notorious lie.
The word “Bishopric,” in the 20th verse of the 1st chapter of Acts,is a notorious lie.
The word “Harlot,” in the 1st verse of the 2nd chapter of Joshua, and in the 31st verse of the 11th chapter of Hebrews,is an atrocious lie.
Is it not a disgrace to, and ought it not to shame, the religious public, that they have allowed the impious scoundrelisms of James the 1st so long to pollute the Sacred Volume?
SAMUEL COOK.
Dudley, April 20th, 1848.
1848, April 26th. A public meeting was held at the old Town Hall, under a numerous requisition of tradesmen to the mayor (Mr. Elliott Hollier), “to consider some measure calculated to obtain an unanimousclosing of the shopsat eight o’clock in the evening throughout the year, (except on Mondays and Saturdays), for the purpose of allowing to the assistants engaged in business an opportunity for the enjoyment of healthful recreation, and to enable them to participate in the benefits it is intended should accrue to them by the recent establishment of the Mechanics’ Institute, but from which this class of the community is totally debarred by the present system of late closing.”
This question was not very enthusiastically taken up, for many long heads in the town thought, and thought wisely, that the “Public House” would be more likely to be patronized than the Mechanics’ Institute, where such “pleasure and relaxation” was afforded, and the upshot of it was that every master was the best judge of his own business requirements as to labour and relaxation.
TO THE INHABITANTS OF DUDLEY.Oakham Cottage,5 a.m. Saturday, May 27, 1848.My dear Parishioners,I eagerly embrace the opportunity afforded me for congratulating you most cordially on the unanimity and good feeling displayed at the general meeting of the supporters of the Mechanics’ Institute, last evening.I point to the labours of the Committee and to the encouraging support they have received with honest pride and the most sincere delight—and, in consequence of these successful labours, and this public approbation thereof, I feel called on to suggest and recommend the mostprompt,energetic, andunanimoussupport and co-operation of all classes and individuals in behalf of this Philanthropic Institution—that this unostentatious but admirable and holy principle, so dear to every Christian heart,—“Glory to God in the Highest, peace on earth, and goodwill towards men,”—may be brought into active and perpetual operation in this Parish, is my motive for offering my humble support and anticipating your co-operation.Why—let me ask—should any individual withhold the hand of fellowship from his neighbours and fellow parishioners in a work from which the elements of discord are carefully and fundamentally removed?I do not envy that man’s feelings who can allow groundless and purblind prejudice, the offspring of unreasoning ignorance, to blind his eyes, and steel his heart against endeavouring to benefit his fellow creatures.—Let such an one—if indeed he can be found—remember that man is not a mere animal, but areasoning,reasonable, and consequently aresponsiblebeing; and according to the food his mind receives, so will it be vigorous for good or evil.Let us therefore feed men’s minds with wholesome information, and thus—“Lead them thro’ nature up to nature’s God.”—And rest assured this grand remembrance is the mainspring of my every action, the burden of my every waking thought, and the leading object of my life.“Magna est veritas, et prevalebit.”Great is the truth and it will prevail.Believe me to remain,My dear Parishioners,Your faithful friend,JAMES C. BROWNE, D.C.L.,Vicar of Dudley.
TO THE INHABITANTS OF DUDLEY.
Oakham Cottage,
5 a.m. Saturday, May 27, 1848.
My dear Parishioners,
I eagerly embrace the opportunity afforded me for congratulating you most cordially on the unanimity and good feeling displayed at the general meeting of the supporters of the Mechanics’ Institute, last evening.
I point to the labours of the Committee and to the encouraging support they have received with honest pride and the most sincere delight—and, in consequence of these successful labours, and this public approbation thereof, I feel called on to suggest and recommend the mostprompt,energetic, andunanimoussupport and co-operation of all classes and individuals in behalf of this Philanthropic Institution—that this unostentatious but admirable and holy principle, so dear to every Christian heart,—“Glory to God in the Highest, peace on earth, and goodwill towards men,”—may be brought into active and perpetual operation in this Parish, is my motive for offering my humble support and anticipating your co-operation.
Why—let me ask—should any individual withhold the hand of fellowship from his neighbours and fellow parishioners in a work from which the elements of discord are carefully and fundamentally removed?
I do not envy that man’s feelings who can allow groundless and purblind prejudice, the offspring of unreasoning ignorance, to blind his eyes, and steel his heart against endeavouring to benefit his fellow creatures.—Let such an one—if indeed he can be found—remember that man is not a mere animal, but areasoning,reasonable, and consequently aresponsiblebeing; and according to the food his mind receives, so will it be vigorous for good or evil.
Let us therefore feed men’s minds with wholesome information, and thus—“Lead them thro’ nature up to nature’s God.”—And rest assured this grand remembrance is the mainspring of my every action, the burden of my every waking thought, and the leading object of my life.
“Magna est veritas, et prevalebit.”
Great is the truth and it will prevail.
Believe me to remain,
My dear Parishioners,
Your faithful friend,
JAMES C. BROWNE, D.C.L.,Vicar of Dudley.
June, 1848. A most heartrending and devastating accident happened at Hartshill. A boiler connected with a forge mill suddenly exploded, and eleven men were instantly scalded to death.
Church rates were still levied in this parish, and occasionally we had to witness some very unwise and unpleasant seizures of respectable townsmen’s goods or furniture, who conscientiously refused to pay the obnoxious church rates. The spirited remonstrance made by Mr. Joseph Pitchfork, the talented and genial master of “Baylisses School,” in Tower Street, who was occasionally a victim in this unrighteous cause, will repay perusing.
CHURCH RATES.“GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, PEACE ON EARTH, AND GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN.”“Do this in remembrance of me.”Luke22. v. 19.Fellow Townsmen,My household goods have been pounced upon a third time, to furnish the Churchmen of the ward, in which I have the misfortune to dwell, with means to worship their God more cheaply; with wine to drink in remembrance of their Saviour at the communion table, at less expense to their niggardly pockets; to pay for the washing and mangling of their parson’s surplice, and for removing the dust and dirt which will accumulate in “temples made with unclean hands.”Now, is it not a burning shame that churchmen still resort to this disreputable means of “raising the dust” to save their own miserable pelf? Why will they not render unto God the things that are God’s without sending the Constable to lay his hands upon Dissenters’ goods? Cannot they partake of the Sacrament at their own cost, without bringing down upon the solemn ceremony the suspicion and reality of unspeakable shabbiness? Cannot they remove their own dust and dirt without making use of the cleaner hands of their dissenting neighbours? Why not quite as reasonably call upon the Dissenter to pay their Bakers’ and Butchers’ Bills? Why not tax him with the washing and mangling of the Vicar’sShirtsas well as the Vicar’s Surplices.I wrote some time ago to the high-spirited D.C.L. of Dudley, offering to pay the amount of my present and all future church rates, towards the support of what are calledhisSchools; which I could conscientiously do; because Education benefits and blesses Society at large; it does not, like Church-of-Englandism, take my goods and in return tell me that I shall “without doubt perish everlastingly”: I have received no answer:—of course, a person doomed like me was not entitled in this upper world to any politeness from one who without doubt will lie in Abraham’s bosom everlastingly.What a miserable mockery it is to plead a Law in defiance of such wretched practices! What is called the Law in Dudley is no law at all in Ireland:—In the large towns of Birmingham and Wolverhampton;—in Westbromwich and in every other place, in which intellect, intelligence and education have the upper hand of vulgar, ignorant and unscrupulous wealth, the inhabitants have swept the accursed tax indignantly away.Besides, is it quite certain, that my goods are gone to the support of theRightChurch, to the “Right of Private Judgment” Church, or to that more ancient church which forbids the Right? It is notorious that a sort of leaning lovingly towards the elder Sister with the Scarlet Robe extensively prevails in the Church of England, and that if the temporalities of the Church did not stand corruption-like in the way, great numbers of your Reverend Doctors and divines would fall, “nothing loth,” into the arms of the “nameless one” of Rome.—Verily, the Shepherds are infected, if the flocks be free.Let us hope, that in no long time the Churchman will beshamedinto dropping this wretched tax into oblivion for ever: for if it continue many years longer to annoy and distress Dissenters without the slightest semblance of common sense or common justice; they will, I’m afraid, be led on to regard the Churchman with suspicion and aversion, and his church, as our Saviour regarded the temple at Jerusalem, when he chased from its precincts the Money-mongers who defiled it.I am, fellow townsmen,One doomed by the Church of England “without doubt to perish everlastingly” and through Church-rates, to pay the expenses of his own condemnation.JOSEPH PITCHFORK.Dudley, June, 1848.
“GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, PEACE ON EARTH, AND GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN.”
“Do this in remembrance of me.”
Luke22. v. 19.
Fellow Townsmen,
My household goods have been pounced upon a third time, to furnish the Churchmen of the ward, in which I have the misfortune to dwell, with means to worship their God more cheaply; with wine to drink in remembrance of their Saviour at the communion table, at less expense to their niggardly pockets; to pay for the washing and mangling of their parson’s surplice, and for removing the dust and dirt which will accumulate in “temples made with unclean hands.”
Now, is it not a burning shame that churchmen still resort to this disreputable means of “raising the dust” to save their own miserable pelf? Why will they not render unto God the things that are God’s without sending the Constable to lay his hands upon Dissenters’ goods? Cannot they partake of the Sacrament at their own cost, without bringing down upon the solemn ceremony the suspicion and reality of unspeakable shabbiness? Cannot they remove their own dust and dirt without making use of the cleaner hands of their dissenting neighbours? Why not quite as reasonably call upon the Dissenter to pay their Bakers’ and Butchers’ Bills? Why not tax him with the washing and mangling of the Vicar’sShirtsas well as the Vicar’s Surplices.
I wrote some time ago to the high-spirited D.C.L. of Dudley, offering to pay the amount of my present and all future church rates, towards the support of what are calledhisSchools; which I could conscientiously do; because Education benefits and blesses Society at large; it does not, like Church-of-Englandism, take my goods and in return tell me that I shall “without doubt perish everlastingly”: I have received no answer:—of course, a person doomed like me was not entitled in this upper world to any politeness from one who without doubt will lie in Abraham’s bosom everlastingly.
What a miserable mockery it is to plead a Law in defiance of such wretched practices! What is called the Law in Dudley is no law at all in Ireland:—In the large towns of Birmingham and Wolverhampton;—in Westbromwich and in every other place, in which intellect, intelligence and education have the upper hand of vulgar, ignorant and unscrupulous wealth, the inhabitants have swept the accursed tax indignantly away.
Besides, is it quite certain, that my goods are gone to the support of theRightChurch, to the “Right of Private Judgment” Church, or to that more ancient church which forbids the Right? It is notorious that a sort of leaning lovingly towards the elder Sister with the Scarlet Robe extensively prevails in the Church of England, and that if the temporalities of the Church did not stand corruption-like in the way, great numbers of your Reverend Doctors and divines would fall, “nothing loth,” into the arms of the “nameless one” of Rome.—Verily, the Shepherds are infected, if the flocks be free.
Let us hope, that in no long time the Churchman will beshamedinto dropping this wretched tax into oblivion for ever: for if it continue many years longer to annoy and distress Dissenters without the slightest semblance of common sense or common justice; they will, I’m afraid, be led on to regard the Churchman with suspicion and aversion, and his church, as our Saviour regarded the temple at Jerusalem, when he chased from its precincts the Money-mongers who defiled it.
I am, fellow townsmen,
One doomed by the Church of England “without doubt to perish everlastingly” and through Church-rates, to pay the expenses of his own condemnation.
JOSEPH PITCHFORK.
Dudley, June, 1848.
The subjoined placard will shew that everyone in Dudley was not a believer in Mr. Samuel Cook’s politics and singular religious tenets:—
TO THE PEOPLE.SAMUEL COOKHaving, by a shameless and impious placard, invited you to attend a meeting on Sunday evening next, to hear a discussion on the question of resistance to the law, and endeavour toTREPAN YOU INTO DISAFFECTION AND REBELLION, we think it our duty, as sincere friends to your welfare, to caution you against theBASE AND GODLESS DESIGNS OF SUCH INFIDEL MEN. Whatever they may tell you to the contrary, we know their object is to make you like themselves—DESPISERS OF THE COMMANDMENTS BOTH OF GOD AND MAN, and thus bring you into a condition for every wicked work. They will teach you to become a set of wretched infidels, like the FRENCH, and then make you their tools to aid them in getting up a REBELLION,AND FILLING OUR LAND WITH PLUNDER, SLAUGHTER, AND BLOOD.Be assured this is the end they have in view.—Therefore, as you loveYOURSELVES,YOUR FAMILIES, andYOUR GOD,AVOID THE COMPANY,AND GO NOT NEAR THE PLACE WHERE SUCH SABBATH-BREAKINGFIREBRANDSASSEMBLE.Dudley, June 30, 1848.
TO THE PEOPLE.
SAMUEL COOK
Having, by a shameless and impious placard, invited you to attend a meeting on Sunday evening next, to hear a discussion on the question of resistance to the law, and endeavour toTREPAN YOU INTO DISAFFECTION AND REBELLION, we think it our duty, as sincere friends to your welfare, to caution you against theBASE AND GODLESS DESIGNS OF SUCH INFIDEL MEN. Whatever they may tell you to the contrary, we know their object is to make you like themselves—DESPISERS OF THE COMMANDMENTS BOTH OF GOD AND MAN, and thus bring you into a condition for every wicked work. They will teach you to become a set of wretched infidels, like the FRENCH, and then make you their tools to aid them in getting up a REBELLION,AND FILLING OUR LAND WITH PLUNDER, SLAUGHTER, AND BLOOD.
Be assured this is the end they have in view.—Therefore, as you loveYOURSELVES,YOUR FAMILIES, andYOUR GOD,AVOID THE COMPANY,AND GO NOT NEAR THE PLACE WHERE SUCH SABBATH-BREAKINGFIREBRANDSASSEMBLE.
Dudley, June 30, 1848.
Asiatic Cholera.—This much dreaded epidemic, which was now spreading with fearful rapidity in most of the large centres of industry and dense populations, had infected the towns of Bilston and Wolverhampton with great severity and loss of valuable life, and at last reached the town of Dudley, causing much fearful looking to a premature ending of all earthly things.
Our local Sanitary Authorities at once put in force all the powers the law then gave them, viz., “The Nuisance Removal and Disease Prevention Act of 1848.” Our back streets were kept cleaner, and free from refuse and stinking garbage; our ashpits were thoroughly inspected and cleansed; orders were issued for the absolute observance of much greater attention to both personal and household cleanliness and sobriety. The poorer victims were generally buried at night, in St. John’s and St. James’ Churchyards, and the “Cholera Black Waggon,” slowly and mournfully “picking up” and conveying its loaded freight of once bright and happy beings, both young and old to their unbidden, hurried, and mixed common grave, was a nightly sight not easily forgotten, and one sight quite sufficient for one lifetime to witness. “As drowning men,” it is said, “catch at straws,” sowe, the denizensof thenpoor stricken down Dudley, were too glad to listen to any advice which might help to mitigate the fearful scourge in our midst. The Rev. J. B. Owen, M.A., of Bilston, at this particular juncture, came and lectured at our newly formed Mechanics’ Institute, “On Sanitary Improvement securing Good Health.” It need hardly be written that this lecture was densely crowded, as Mr. Owen was one of the God-fearing guardian angels and friends of all the awe-stricken inhabitants in Bilston, who was night and day to be seen aiding in the cause of our common humanity. It was afterwards known that upwards of 750 persons perished in Bilston of Asiatic Cholera. Up to this date the death rate had been observed principally amongst the really poor, indigent, delicate and sickly; the deaths amongst young children being very numerous also.
The once celebrated Dudley Races, held where the present railway station and railway line runs towards the Lime Kilns, down the New Tipton Road, were held the last time in July, 1848. The grand stand was backed up against the Castle grounds wall, and the race ground extended in an oblong course, running from the New Road to the Lime Kilns.
July 24th, 1848. The town was suddenly agitated this day, by the announcement of the failure of Messrs. Jno. and M. Williams and Co., Corn Millers, of this town; liabilities said to be £35,000.
The general trade of the town and district was now in a most deplorable state, and in the recollection of the old tradesmen it was never known to have been so bad. Added to the distress, the puddlers and colliers, &c., received notice for a reduction in wages of 10 per cent., which was equal to 6d. per day.
At this distressing period of our history, men, women, and children, in a state of absolute starvation, were seen daily dragging a light waggon through our streets, asking for alms of loaves of bread and victuals for their famishing families, shewing the dire disasters that had visited our old town and locality. To make matters worse, seventeen shops, ranging from St. Edmund’s to St. Thomas’s Churches, were “to let” at this unhappy time.
Our active and exciteable neighbour, Mr. Samuel Cook, was still bent upon enlightening the people in something, which eventually did not fill their bellies, but caused some of the incautious to be sent to jail for seditious speaking and rioting. This time he secured the services of that Arch Infidel from Leeds (the hot-bed of Chartism) to lecture at Tipton, on a Sunday, “On the Curse of an Aristocracy, the Rights of the People, and Primitive Christianity.” The drum and fife band, with Mr. Cook and the lecturer at its head, led many foolish men and youths on the broad road to infidelity and lawlessness.
“THE PEOPLE, THEIR RIGHTS, AND LIBERTIES, THEIR DUTIES AND THEIR INTERESTS.”On Sunday, August the 13th, 1848, TWO LECTURES will be delivered in the open air, Waterloo Street, Tipton, by Mr. JOSEPH BARKER, of Wortley, near Leeds.Afternoon Subject.—“The Curse of an Aristocracy, and the need of a Democracy.” Evening Subject.—“Primitive Christianity, True Religion, &c.” The lecture in the afternoon to commence at Three o’clock, and the one in the evening at six. Go ye men and women in your Tens and Hundreds and Thousands, and hear Mr. Barker on the above important subjects.SAMUEL COOK.
“THE PEOPLE, THEIR RIGHTS, AND LIBERTIES, THEIR DUTIES AND THEIR INTERESTS.”
On Sunday, August the 13th, 1848, TWO LECTURES will be delivered in the open air, Waterloo Street, Tipton, by Mr. JOSEPH BARKER, of Wortley, near Leeds.
Afternoon Subject.—“The Curse of an Aristocracy, and the need of a Democracy.” Evening Subject.—“Primitive Christianity, True Religion, &c.” The lecture in the afternoon to commence at Three o’clock, and the one in the evening at six. Go ye men and women in your Tens and Hundreds and Thousands, and hear Mr. Barker on the above important subjects.
SAMUEL COOK.
1848. August. The St. Edmund’s National School Foundation Stone was laid by Lady Ward, of Himley. The Right Honourable Lord Ward subscribed £100 to the Building Fund and gave the land, the remainder of the money was raised by public subscription. This flourishing school has been of immense value to the poorer classes of the inhabitants, having turned out some very clever boys and girls.
Died, September 6th, 1848, Mr. John L. Wood, Grocer, High Street. Aged 40 years.
BRAVO!THREE CHEERS AND ONE CHEER MORE FOR THE NAIL MASTERS.“Dudley Nail Ironmongers’ Meeting.—On Wednesday last, a Meeting of the Nail Ironmongers was held at the Hotel in this town, on the recent alterations of the prices to the nailers, when it was agreed that the latter should receive the prices as in the year 1838, and which we are pleased to add will be in effect, giving to the nailers their old and increased prices.”Birmingham JournalSeptember 9th. Nail Masters, Iron Masters, Coal Masters, Cotton Lords, Woollen Lords, and all other manufacturing Lords and Masters.—Get fair profits, and be content—give reasonable wages, and let live, as well as live. Be not avaricious, and go not beyond your tether. Try not to undersell each other, and keep the markets steady. Then the Australian, the East Indian, the Brazilian, the American, and other buyers will know how to order.This is the radical advice ofSAMUEL COOK.Dudley, September 13th, 1848.
BRAVO!
THREE CHEERS AND ONE CHEER MORE FOR THE NAIL MASTERS.
“Dudley Nail Ironmongers’ Meeting.—On Wednesday last, a Meeting of the Nail Ironmongers was held at the Hotel in this town, on the recent alterations of the prices to the nailers, when it was agreed that the latter should receive the prices as in the year 1838, and which we are pleased to add will be in effect, giving to the nailers their old and increased prices.”Birmingham JournalSeptember 9th. Nail Masters, Iron Masters, Coal Masters, Cotton Lords, Woollen Lords, and all other manufacturing Lords and Masters.—Get fair profits, and be content—give reasonable wages, and let live, as well as live. Be not avaricious, and go not beyond your tether. Try not to undersell each other, and keep the markets steady. Then the Australian, the East Indian, the Brazilian, the American, and other buyers will know how to order.
This is the radical advice of
SAMUEL COOK.
Dudley, September 13th, 1848.
1848. October 3rd. The following public notice was extensively distributed in the town and parish, in reference to the attack of cholera:—
THE NUISANCES REMOVALANDDISEASES PREVENTION ACT.—1848.NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN,That the Board for repair of the Highways of this Parish are resolved to enforce the provisions of the above Act, and are prepared to receive Notices in writing, in accordance with the said Act, from such Householders who may have cause to complain of any nuisance.The required Forms and further information may be obtained at my Office.JOHN BATEMAN,Clerk and Surveyor to the said Board.3rd October, 1848.
THE NUISANCES REMOVALANDDISEASES PREVENTION ACT.—1848.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN,
That the Board for repair of the Highways of this Parish are resolved to enforce the provisions of the above Act, and are prepared to receive Notices in writing, in accordance with the said Act, from such Householders who may have cause to complain of any nuisance.
The required Forms and further information may be obtained at my Office.
JOHN BATEMAN,
Clerk and Surveyor to the said Board.
3rd October, 1848.
1849. January 20th. An explosion of gas, arising from the frost, took place this morning at the shop of Mr. Thomas Guest, grocer, Queen Street; the window was blown into the street, and the goods in the shop were much damaged. Mr. Guest, who was in the place at the time, escaped most miraculously.
February 7th, 1849. This evening, the members of the “Rose and Thistle” Lodge of Odd Fellows, M.U., unanimously seceded from membership in the Manchester Unity, and issued the following “reasons” for their proceedings:
TO THE INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS, M.U.REASONSFor the Secession of the “Rose and Thistle” Lodge of Odd Fellows from the Manchester Unity.1.—That the present system of management is extravagant, vexatious, and unnecessary, and consumes 29 per cent, ornearly one-thirdof the Income arising from the Contributions.2.—That the Scales of Payment are not based upon the actual rates of Sickness and Mortality, as shown by the Reports of the Registrar General, and other practical Actuaries. For instance, the M.U., in the Dudley District, proposes to assure to its members, on the payment of 6d. per week contribution, and an entrance fee of £1 1s. 0d., the following:—At the death of a Member, £8 from Lodge fund; £6 from District fund; £1 from Widows’ and Orphans’ fund. At the death of a Member’s wife, £4 from Lodge fund; £3 from District fund; making a total of £22; besides 8s. a week during sickness, and 5s. per quarter allowance to Widows, and some small payment to Children; whereas, to assure all these benefits, taking the average ages of the members at thirty-two years, 8-1/4d. weekly contribution should be paid instead of 6d.See Mr. Nelson’s Observations on the Insolvency of the Manchester Unity. (Page 22, 23, 24).3.—That the M.U., not being protected by Law, is subject to fraud, robbery, and imposition, without any redress against the offending parties, as lately witnessed in the wholesale fraud committed by the late Corresponding Secretary of the Order, at Manchester.4.—That the uniformity which exists in this District, in the payments of Tradesmen’s and Miners’ Lodges to the district fund, is contrary to all well-recognised principles of justice; because the Miners’ Lodges are subject to a much greater percentage of Sickness and Death than the other Lodges, and only pay in the same ratio.5.—That the members of the M.U. do not pay according to their respective ages, for a member at thirty five years of age pays no more contribution than a young member at eighteen years of age, with the exception of an increased initiation fee on his entrance.6.—That the M.U.makes no real provision for the infirmities of old age; because, as long as a member (it matters not how aged) is not under medical treatment, he is not entitled to lodge pay: thus a member may live to old age, and not receive any benefit from the Lodge, except at death.7.—That the present general system adopted throughout the Unity is delusive, and incapable of fulfilling perpetually its professed engagements, which justifies the adoption of a sounder principle of assurance for the Working Classes, according to the actual returns of Sickness and Death, as furnished by scientific and practical Actuaries.See Mr. Nelson’s Pamphlet. Page 40.By Order of the Committee,GEORGE DEELEY,Chairman.Rose and Thistle Lodge,Hope Tavern.February 14th, 1849.
TO THE INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS, M.U.
REASONS
For the Secession of the “Rose and Thistle” Lodge of Odd Fellows from the Manchester Unity.
1.—That the present system of management is extravagant, vexatious, and unnecessary, and consumes 29 per cent, ornearly one-thirdof the Income arising from the Contributions.
2.—That the Scales of Payment are not based upon the actual rates of Sickness and Mortality, as shown by the Reports of the Registrar General, and other practical Actuaries. For instance, the M.U., in the Dudley District, proposes to assure to its members, on the payment of 6d. per week contribution, and an entrance fee of £1 1s. 0d., the following:—
At the death of a Member, £8 from Lodge fund; £6 from District fund; £1 from Widows’ and Orphans’ fund. At the death of a Member’s wife, £4 from Lodge fund; £3 from District fund; making a total of £22; besides 8s. a week during sickness, and 5s. per quarter allowance to Widows, and some small payment to Children; whereas, to assure all these benefits, taking the average ages of the members at thirty-two years, 8-1/4d. weekly contribution should be paid instead of 6d.
See Mr. Nelson’s Observations on the Insolvency of the Manchester Unity. (Page 22, 23, 24).
3.—That the M.U., not being protected by Law, is subject to fraud, robbery, and imposition, without any redress against the offending parties, as lately witnessed in the wholesale fraud committed by the late Corresponding Secretary of the Order, at Manchester.
4.—That the uniformity which exists in this District, in the payments of Tradesmen’s and Miners’ Lodges to the district fund, is contrary to all well-recognised principles of justice; because the Miners’ Lodges are subject to a much greater percentage of Sickness and Death than the other Lodges, and only pay in the same ratio.
5.—That the members of the M.U. do not pay according to their respective ages, for a member at thirty five years of age pays no more contribution than a young member at eighteen years of age, with the exception of an increased initiation fee on his entrance.
6.—That the M.U.makes no real provision for the infirmities of old age; because, as long as a member (it matters not how aged) is not under medical treatment, he is not entitled to lodge pay: thus a member may live to old age, and not receive any benefit from the Lodge, except at death.
7.—That the present general system adopted throughout the Unity is delusive, and incapable of fulfilling perpetually its professed engagements, which justifies the adoption of a sounder principle of assurance for the Working Classes, according to the actual returns of Sickness and Death, as furnished by scientific and practical Actuaries.
See Mr. Nelson’s Pamphlet. Page 40.
By Order of the Committee,
GEORGE DEELEY,Chairman.
Rose and Thistle Lodge,
Hope Tavern.
February 14th, 1849.
Died Feb. 18th, 1849, Mrs. Dixon, the beloved wife of Edward Dixon, Esq., Banker, formerly of this town. Aged 67 years.
Two numerously attended lectures were given in the Lancasterian School Room, on the 26th and 27th February, by J. Kingsley, Esquire, of London, on “No Church Rates,” and “Separation of Church and State!!!”
The members of the “New Dudley Provident Society,” which emanated from the secession of the late “Rose and Thistle Lodge of Odd Fellows, M.U.,” issued their new rules and scales of payment in sickness and at death.—John Finch, President;John Bagott, Secretary.
Feb. 27th, 1849. The druggist’s shop of Mrs. Lydia Morris, High Street, took fire this evening, but was soon got under. Damage about £50.
Feb. 27th, 1849. The Postmaster General having intimated his intention to discontinue the Birmingham and Ludlow morning mail coach, and intending to substitute a mail cart to convey the letters and parcels, a public town’s meeting was convened by Mr. Edward Terry, the mayor, to petition against the same.
BRAVO! BRAVO!!Ten thousand times ten thousand cheers for the defeat of theFrench Ministers on the nefarious conduct of their General against the Illustrious Roman Republic.Soon may all the ContinentalBramblesbe supplanted byOlive Trees,Fig Trees, andVines(Judges ix.),Is the ardent prayer ofSAMUEL COOK.TO CHURCHMEN AND DISSENTERS OF DUDLEY,AND THEPARISHIONERS GENERALLY.DOWN WITH CHURCH RATES!You are again called upon in these times of deep distress to arm the State Church with power to add to your already too heavy burden an enormous Levy or CHURCH RATE of TENPENCE IN THE POUND.It remains for you to protest in the face of your country against such an impost, OR FOR EVER BE SLAVES!! Join with your neighbours who think proper to support their own forms of religious worship, their Ministers, and Temples, and declare by your united action, THAT NO CHURCH-RATE SHALL BE ADDED TO YOUR BURDEN OF TAXATION.(A COPY).NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN,That a meeting of the Ratepayers in the Vestry, of and for this parish, will be holden in the Vestry of St. Thomas’s Church, Dudley, at Eleven o’clock in the forenoon of Friday, the 9th of March instant, for the purpose of granting the Churchwardens a Rate or Levy of TENPENCE in the pound.If a poll be demanded, the meeting will be immediately adjourned to the Old Town Hall, and the poll will commence forthwith, and be kept open till four o’clock in the forenoon of the said ninth day of March, and the poll will be continued at the Old Town Hall aforesaid, from the hours of Ten in the forenoon of Monday, the 12 day of March, to the hour of Four in the afternoon of the same day, and again at the same place, from the hour of Ten in the forenoon, to the hour of Twelve at noon on Tuesday, the thirteenth day of March, when the poll will then be declared.JAMES C. BROWN, D.C.L.,JOHN ORME BRETTELL,E. HOLLIER,Vicar.}Churchwardens.Dudley, March 3rd, 1849.CHURCH RATES.A Church Rate is proposed by the Churchwardens of St. Thomas’s Church, of Sixpence in the Pound, to be granted, in the Vestry, on Thursday, the 8th instant, at Ten o’clock. Will the People of Dudley submit to this? Ratepayers, attend the meeting, and show your opposition to the obnoxious Tax, by voting for a Penny Rate.A preliminary meeting will be held at the “Swan Inn,” on Wednesday Evening at Eight o’clock. All Persons in favour of Religious Liberty are requested to attend.Committee Room, Swan Hotel, Dudley, April 5th, 1852.
BRAVO! BRAVO!!
Ten thousand times ten thousand cheers for the defeat of theFrench Ministers on the nefarious conduct of their General against the Illustrious Roman Republic.
Soon may all the ContinentalBramblesbe supplanted byOlive Trees,Fig Trees, andVines(Judges ix.),
Is the ardent prayer of
SAMUEL COOK.
TO CHURCHMEN AND DISSENTERS OF DUDLEY,AND THEPARISHIONERS GENERALLY.
DOWN WITH CHURCH RATES!
You are again called upon in these times of deep distress to arm the State Church with power to add to your already too heavy burden an enormous Levy or CHURCH RATE of TENPENCE IN THE POUND.
It remains for you to protest in the face of your country against such an impost, OR FOR EVER BE SLAVES!! Join with your neighbours who think proper to support their own forms of religious worship, their Ministers, and Temples, and declare by your united action, THAT NO CHURCH-RATE SHALL BE ADDED TO YOUR BURDEN OF TAXATION.
(A COPY).NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN,That a meeting of the Ratepayers in the Vestry, of and for this parish, will be holden in the Vestry of St. Thomas’s Church, Dudley, at Eleven o’clock in the forenoon of Friday, the 9th of March instant, for the purpose of granting the Churchwardens a Rate or Levy of TENPENCE in the pound.If a poll be demanded, the meeting will be immediately adjourned to the Old Town Hall, and the poll will commence forthwith, and be kept open till four o’clock in the forenoon of the said ninth day of March, and the poll will be continued at the Old Town Hall aforesaid, from the hours of Ten in the forenoon of Monday, the 12 day of March, to the hour of Four in the afternoon of the same day, and again at the same place, from the hour of Ten in the forenoon, to the hour of Twelve at noon on Tuesday, the thirteenth day of March, when the poll will then be declared.JAMES C. BROWN, D.C.L.,JOHN ORME BRETTELL,E. HOLLIER,Vicar.}Churchwardens.Dudley, March 3rd, 1849.
(A COPY).
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN,
That a meeting of the Ratepayers in the Vestry, of and for this parish, will be holden in the Vestry of St. Thomas’s Church, Dudley, at Eleven o’clock in the forenoon of Friday, the 9th of March instant, for the purpose of granting the Churchwardens a Rate or Levy of TENPENCE in the pound.
If a poll be demanded, the meeting will be immediately adjourned to the Old Town Hall, and the poll will commence forthwith, and be kept open till four o’clock in the forenoon of the said ninth day of March, and the poll will be continued at the Old Town Hall aforesaid, from the hours of Ten in the forenoon of Monday, the 12 day of March, to the hour of Four in the afternoon of the same day, and again at the same place, from the hour of Ten in the forenoon, to the hour of Twelve at noon on Tuesday, the thirteenth day of March, when the poll will then be declared.
JAMES C. BROWN, D.C.L.,JOHN ORME BRETTELL,E. HOLLIER,Vicar.}Churchwardens.
JAMES C. BROWN, D.C.L.,JOHN ORME BRETTELL,E. HOLLIER,
JAMES C. BROWN, D.C.L.,
JOHN ORME BRETTELL,E. HOLLIER,
Vicar.}Churchwardens.
Vicar.
}Churchwardens.
Dudley, March 3rd, 1849.
CHURCH RATES.
A Church Rate is proposed by the Churchwardens of St. Thomas’s Church, of Sixpence in the Pound, to be granted, in the Vestry, on Thursday, the 8th instant, at Ten o’clock. Will the People of Dudley submit to this? Ratepayers, attend the meeting, and show your opposition to the obnoxious Tax, by voting for a Penny Rate.
A preliminary meeting will be held at the “Swan Inn,” on Wednesday Evening at Eight o’clock. All Persons in favour of Religious Liberty are requested to attend.
Committee Room, Swan Hotel, Dudley, April 5th, 1852.
Died April 28th, 1849, Miss Mary Parsons, of Wolverhampton Street. On the death of this very elderly lady, £8000 reverted to the Unitarian Schools and Charities in this town. Aged 96 years.
Died May 14th, 1849, Mr. Abiathar Bunch, Auctioneer and Valuer. He unhappily dropped down dead in a fit in the Market. Mr. Bunch was decidedly a very eccentric man of the true Dudley type, but very genial and hearty withal. Aged 57 years.
Died August 2nd, 1849, Mr. Benjamin Wood, Tobacconist, Market Place.
August 28th, 1849. The Town Commissioners bought the last lot of building remaining on the Market Place (formerly occupied by Mr. Robert Houghton, Draper) for £1,860.
Sept. 15th, 1849. On the grand occasion of the British Association visiting the Silurian Caves and the Castle this day, the Caverns were beautifully illuminated at the expense of Lord Ward, and a splendid luncheon was given at the National School Room to commemorate the event. Many thousands of people attended the illuminations in the Caverns, for it was such an unique and unparalleled sight as cannot be repeated, for some of these spacious limestone caverns have since that time “fallen in,” and the canal is not used.
Sept. 29th, 1849. The “Dudley News Room,” held in New Street, was finally closed this day, its numerous members having joined the new Mechanics’ Institute. The balance of fund in hand was presented to the Dudley Dispensary Fund.C. F. G. Clark, Secretary.
Sept. 25th, 1849. The awful scourge of Cholera still raged in our midst, and we had fifty-four well authenticated deaths by Cholera, and all conceivable human efforts were adopted to assuage its attacks.
Died Sept. 25th, 1849, Mrs. Allender, of the Woolpack Inn, Castle Street, of a clear case of Asiatic Cholera. Aged 54 years.
Sept. 26th, 1849. This day was appointed by the Bishop of Worcester (Dr. Pepys) as a day of fasting and prayer to Almighty God to assuage the raging of the Cholera in this afflicted district. It was held with great solemnity by all denominations of people, for we all felt most acutely that we were in the same boat in this perilous voyage of life, daily hanging in the balance, and dreading, but little knowing, whose turn it would be next to be suddenly called away. Some curious remedies and preventatives of Cholera were adopted. Some people kept close quarters in their comfortable houses, and watched the destroying angel pass by, others thought it best to be out and abroad. Vegetables and fish were eschewed by all genteel people, although it was clearly shown that the poor who ate such forbidden things died no sooner for the use of such edibles. Pills, Plasters, and Mixtures (having reputed infallible cures) were taken wholesale, and brandy and salt found its many votaries, for the brandy was swallowed whilst the salt was employed as a poultice to the stomach. The use of Cayenne Pepper (largely) was considered an infallible preventative of Cholera Morbus. Alas, all failed, and the Cholera raged until it burnt itself out, and had claimed all its victims. God grant that we may never have such a dreadful and alarming visitation again.
Nov. 15th, 1849. The Queen in Council ordered a general Thanksgiving Day for the abatement of Asiatic Cholera in England, for happily it had nearly been stamped out. This day was held with great earnestness and thankfulness throughout the land.
During the strain of fear and sorrow which this sad visitation had forced upon the nation, and the local enquiries which were held in various important towns on the principles and practices which ought to govern Local Authorities in managing their own districts, a great divergence of public opinion was elicited, which ultimately ended in Parliament appointing a searching Commission to examine these undissolved problems of scientific men.
The sanitary state and condition of a nation is a very broad platform to stand upon, and a good plea has been urged on the ground of private rights and privileges, but it is now unmistakeably admitted that the “Grand All People” must enter into a man’s calculations when he builds a house, or feeds his pig, and that he cannot be allowed to create a nuisance which can be proved detrimental to his neighbour’s health, or a shame to morals or decency. Since those memorable, harrowing times many most salutary Sanitary Acts have been passed, which will I hope for ever place beyond the pale of probability a revisitation of the fatal Asiatic Cholera.
1849. Rev. A. Kerr Thompson, M.A., Queen’s College, Oxford, Head Master, late Senior Assistant Master in King Edward the VIth’s School, Birmingham; Rev. F. J. Fairhead, B.A., Queen’s College, Cambridge, Second Master, late Second Master of the College, Wye, Kent; Mr. John Henn, Assistant Master, formerly Assistant Master in King Edward the VIth’s School, Meriden Street, Birmingham, and late Head Master of St. Peter’s National School, Birmingham.