The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1858-04-20 00:00:00

Dortatobtre.

BLACKHOOR VALE STEEPLE CHASES.

The steeple chases in connection with the Black.
moor Vale Runt came off on Tuesday, in the Somerset
part of the Vale, near Charlton Hawthorne. The
weather was charming, and the assembly of specta-
tors very numerous. Towards noon the roads lead-
ing to Charlton were thronged with vehicles of many
aorta and sizes, equestrians well and ill mounted,
and holiday folks on foot, all "going to the races."
The spot 'elected for the sport is well situated,
though in an elevated part of the Vale country, being
about midway between Sherborne and Wincanton,
a similar distance from either Marston or Sparkford
station—some five or six miles—and nearly a dozen
from Yeovil. The course woe within view of the
village, but the lands adjacent were too level to allow '
a sight of the running all the way round. The
ground, traced by white and red flags, WM through-
out in capital order, and reached to about four miles,
comprising five-and-twenty fence jumps, a stone
wall A feet high, and a brook upwards of four yards
wide. Commanding a good view of the wall and
water, and on the opposite side of the valley to the
winning post, was • mound which was crowded with
spectators, whilst near the Grand Stand ranoed.a
long line of carriages, bnesee, and other vehicles,
iere:nh inside d out by great numbers of gaily-
d an
ad ladies. Troupes of farmers and gentlemen on
horeeback continually moved to and fro on the
borders of the race course, and large bodies of pedes-
trians, in holiday gear, old and young, from far and
near, still collected with eager interest around the
difficult jumps. The water and stone wall—which '
were but a few fields distant from the winning poet
and Grand Stand, though at the commencement of '
the race—having been passed by the competitors,
the mobile spectators, horse and foot, scampered off
in gleeful mood to meet the riders coming in. One
monster wagon, piled high with evergreens, was
decked by a bevy of fashionably attired belles, who
seemed to enjoy their verdant elevation right
heartily. There was a band of musicians, too, on the
ground to enliven the intervals between the chases,
and to help carry off ennui while "men of weight"
were in course of manufacture. Several large booths
for the sale of refreshments of different kinds were
erected in a line with the Grand Stand, and these
planes were much frequented by hungry and thirsty
eighteeers. The weighing shed, under the super-
iotendence of Mr. Rutter, was beneath the Grand
Stand, and the starting point was a couple of fields
off towards the village. Sir Henry Hoare, hart.,
one of the stewards, acted as starter, and the other
stewards were Major Stanley and M. S. Yeatman,
Esq. Though the concourse of visitors was so con-
siderable, good order prevailed, and Superintendents
Davies and Lewis, with their dozen county con-
stables, were only in requisition to keep the way clear
for the racers. As two o'dook approached, when
knots of chatty acquaintances had become pretty
well versed in the price of "cola, "cakes." " true
and correct cards,' and other important matters,
loudly proclaimed by energetic vendors, and much
attention had been bestowed on the bright scarlet
coat of the Clerk of the Course, Mr. Gillard, who
galloped indefatigably to and fro, up rose a shout
of "They're off I" But Sir Henry did not seem
satisfied with the start and called the prancers back.
At last, however, the following Ave horses got off.;
Mr. Strange's "Young Hazelbury" did not run.

RACZ.—A Steeple Chase Sweepstakes of 2 sovs.
each, with a imp added, together with 20 son. The
second horse to save his stake, and the winner to pay 3
sore, towards expenses. For horses regularly hunted
prior to the first of February last, and being the pro-
perty of gentlemen residing within the neighbouring
hunts; weights for age, with certain extras for pre-
vious winners, &c.; about 4 miles.

Mr. Champney's Queen of Trumps, 12st. 7Th. (Crew 1
Mr. Woolmingtn's Chief Baron, 12st. nb. (Owner. 2
Mr. Geo. Game's Billy Barlow, 12st 71b. ... (Owner 3
Mr. G. Russell's Cock o' the West, llst (Strange 4
Mr. Hill's Brave Buck, 13st. 31b (Owner 5
For several fields the horses were very straggling,
"Brave Buck," however, being ahead till near the
wall and "Billy Barlow" far behind. "Brave
Buck" was the favourite. The "Queen" cleared
the wall first, quickly followed by "Brave Bunk."
All went over splendidly, and across the meadow to
the brook, where "Brave Buck" pitched his rider
in. Mr. Hill, however, soon remounted and dashed
on in pursuit, though the "Queen" had gained con-
siderably meanwhile, followed by "Cock,' "Billy,"
and the "Baron." The "Queen" streaked straight
on to the goal and came in all alone, making some
bystanders think she had not gone all round, whilst
the other horses seemed to loiter somewhat. When
near the end, however, there was a spirited contest
between the "Chief Baron" and "Billy." the result
being that the "Baron" came in second and saved
his stake. The race occupied rather more than ten
minutes. A long time elapsed before the next race,
when, about 4 o'clock, the following seven started:
2nd Rult.—The United Hunt Steeple Chase Sweep-
stakes of 2 son. each, half forfeit, with 25 soya. added;
the second horse to save his stake, end the winner to
pay 2 sovs, towards expenses. For horses that had
never won a steeple chase; weights for age.

Mr. Wool n's Chief Baron, 12st 71b. Owner 1
Mr. Hatcher's , 12st. rib Owner 2
Mr. Byrnes' Rector, 12et. 71b Owner 3
Mr. john Game's Charley, 125t....(Mr. Geo. Game 4
Mr. Hill's Jack Boots, 12st (Owner 0
Mr. Brown's Jerry, 12st (Mr. Flower 0
Mr. Knight's Black Bess, 12st (Mr. Crocker 0
This formed the most spirited race of the day. The
start was excellent, but "Black Bess" would not
take the first fence for a long time and consequently
got left behind a long way. " Mary" cleared the
wall first, followed by "Rector"; but "Jerry," which
came next, threw his rider (Mr. Flower) who
was stunned by the fall. Happily, Mr. Flower
soon recovered and joined again in the contest.
"Mary" still led, "Rector" and the "Baron"
coming on at some little distance behind. But when
she got into the straight track home "Baron" put
forth his speed, passed "Rector," and, after a splen-
did gallop, got alongside, then in front of "Mazy,"
and won capitally.
3rd RAC6.—A Selling Steeple Chase of 2 sore, each,
with 20 added.

Mr. Conies The Pony, 12st. 7lb (Jarvis) 1
Mr. Hill's Brave Buck, 12st. rib (Strange) 2
Mr. F. Sherren's Little Wonder, lOst. 7Th (Owner) 0
Mr. J. Matthew's Bounce, lOat. 151 b (Owner) 0
"Brave Buck" led to the wall, and went over it
beautifully; but "Little Wonder" fell, and breaking
a girth got thrown out of the race. "Bounce,
who managed the wall, would not take the water,
and allowed "The Pony" to pass on, though fa;
behind the "Buck.' ' Brsve Buck," however,
could not be got over a fence at the far corner of the
course, though brought perseveringly up to it.
"The Pony," by this means, made hie wayup, and got
in front of the "Buck," and won, but not without a
severe effort owing to the perseverance of the
"Buck."

4th RAci.—An Open Scurry Steeple Chase of 1 soy.
each, with a purse of 10 soya added; catch weights;
about three miles.
Mr. Champney's g. h. Treasurer (Mr. Saunders) 1
Mr. Shemin's b. h. Bit of Fancy (Mr. Barker) 2
Mr. Symea's g. g. The Rector (Mr. Cumming) 0
Mr. Burrow's m. The Cossack
Mr. Corrie's br. g. The Pony 0
After a good deal of delay a Scurry Stake was made
up, and the five horses above named started off'
about 6 o'clock. There was not, however, anything
at all striking in the run, saving that a very large
field followed the competitors, and " Treasurer"
came in early a winner. The riding, generally, was
remarkably good, and scarcely an accident happened
throughout the day. About half-past six the course
was well nigh untenanted. Mr. J. Bishop, a pork
butcher, of Sherborne, on returning into town was
thrown from his gig and much injured. The Brid-
port coach, which had gone from Yeovil to Charlton
in the morning, went out of its road nearly 15 miles
in returning from Sherborne to Yeovil, instead of
travelling about 5.
In the evening a dinner took place at the King's
Arms, Sherborne, under the presidency of Sir H.
Hoare, Bart Major Stanley acted as Vice.chairman.
After the usual loyal touts had been honoured, the
Chairman proposed the health of Mr. Digby, a gen.
tleman who had promoted and would extend the fox
hunting of the county. The next toast was, the
Masters of Hounds—Major Stanley, Mr. Farquhar.
son, Mr. Yeatman, Mr. Wood, and Mr. Pitman.
Major Stanley, in responding, gracefully observed
that Mr. Farquharson held the first place, both on
account of age and reputation; and Sir William
Medlycott, as wearer of a white collar for four-and-
twenty years, in acknowledging the toast on behalf
of Mr. Farquharson, expressed the gratification
which he was sure Mr. Yarquharson would feel at
being so kindly remembered.—Mr. Marwood Yea,
man dwelt at some length on the advantages of a
yearly meeting like this, which brought the fol.
lowers of the different packs into honest rivalry and
generous emulation.—Mr. Wood acknowledged the
compliment paid to the Langport harriers.—Sir
William Medlycott proposed the health of the Chair-
man, commending him lor coming from Stourheed to
promote the wishes of his tenantry and neighbours
111 the Vale; and the Chairman," acknowledging
the hearty cheers with which his name was received,
said if ever he were inclined to shirk the fenced of
honour and rectitude the cheers which he had heard
in that room would ring in his ears and cause him to
"hark back" into the right road of morality and
honour. (Cheers and laughter.) He thought the
main object of such a gathering as this was to pro-
mote the breed of horses; an object not only of
ml-
portance to them as farmers, but nationally; for was
not our cavalry renowned throughout the world?
Did they do their beet to improve the breed of
horses? (,‘ No.") Were they willing to assist an
effort in that direction? (" tis what we want.")
"Then," said Sir Henry, "if 20 or 30 farmers will
send mares at a miW pries, say two or three
guineas, I will keep a horse, and he. shall not bea
bad one."—Mr. Miller: I hope you will do so.—Sir
Henry: Then I will.—A maettioent chased silver
punch bowl, provided by Mr. Hancock, of Bath, and
a cheque for £35 were then presented to Mr.
Clumpney, of Theale, near Wells, the fortunate
winner of the first rsoe and the scurry. The other
prise. were paid over, and with songs and toasts the
harmony of the evening wae nostsuied till a lste
hour.

POOLL—MR. DANDY SITMOTTR, M. P , ON COTTON
YROX INDIA.—The first annual meeting of the
amTtoeiomninnhalibewrialle:ejeoldhfrineFncrdlindseayotfharn,mtornheizminC:t.itrltihsti.puPP-Mit. r:nresAoriieedet4dr:
and there was a very numerous attendance% The re.
port, a very voluminous one, was taken as read. Mr.
Turner, M.P., moved, and Mr. Philips, M.F
seconded the adoption of the report. Sir James'
Brooks, 1C.C.8. supported it in a long and able
that the question of the ootton
possibly
yw wh.
as
be
n°ll 4o
of v
entertained.tt emostTihmepoprtranaaatntwhamoich6ooatuliodu
mGresightt beßricataillet society for promoting the welfare of
5. society for the development of
India, a society for the civilisation of the world at
large. The objects which they had in view were of
the most desirable character, and it should always
have his warmest sympathy and most earnest sup-
port. Mr. Bailey moved—" That the evidence at.
forded to this association that increased and perma-
nent supplies of useful cotton might be obtained
from many new sources, encourages the association to
renewed and vigorous exertions; and it is now de.
tormined that its organisation shall be oontinued and
' extended, with the view of securing for the cotton
trade those advantages which must result from the
abundant supply of the raw material. Alderman
Sir E. Armitage seconded this. H. Dann. Szymora,
Esq., M.P., in supporting it, sal I nothing was re-
quired to increase the production of 'cotton but the as.
datums of the manufacturing district', and thereby of
a great portion of the wealth of the country. If
there was one thing more clear than another, it was
that the consumption of cotton had gone on increas-
ing faster than the production of the raw material.
The area on which cotton could be grown in Arne.
ries was limited, and as we had almost reached the
limits, we could not hope for any very great increase
of the supplies from that country. Only 66 years
ago the cotton plant, which grew indigenous on the
American continent, was the drug which it was now
in many parts of the uncivilised world. It was
within the memory of many persons now living,
namely in 1790, that eight bales were refused at the
Liverpool custom-house, because it was thought im.
possible that America could have supplied so large a
quantity. (Laughter.) It was an extraordinary fact
ir.t the demand had outrun the supply; and, look. '
ing to general principles, he could not believe that
this want would long continue unsupplied. Cotton
was grown in a vast portion of the temperate climates
of the earth, and universally in all tropical regions.
The Chinese consumed an enormous amount of
cotton, but they did not grow so much as they did
100 years ago. A large portion of it was now ob-
tained from India; but it was received in a dirtier
state than that which was forwarded to England.
During the period that he (Mr. Denby Seymour) was
to the Board of Control, he carefully eza-
ittc2:l22 the reports relating to the production of
cotton. Much had been done in this country; but
the only fault was that it had not been done in the
right direction. They sent out American planters,
and a vast quantity of seed ; and on looking through
the reports on the 'subject, they found that their
efforts had been unsucceetful. The quantity of cotton
exported from India had not greatly increased, while
the emigration from that country still continued.
When Natal talked of sending cotton to this coon.
try, it looked to India for labourers. The same was
the case with the West Indies; and the French
offered to give up their scheme of negro emigration
from Africa if we would let them have coolies from
India. In every direction the world was looking to
the Indian continent for labour; while cotton flou-
rished from Cape Comorin to Himalayas. What was
wanted was capital and enterprise-, and the question
was—How were they to get it We did not believe
that capital and enterprise would readily seek that
country until there had been many and direct
changes, which he hoped would shortly be carried
out. (Hear, hear.) The object of this association
and the Parliamentary Committee on colonization
which was appointed recently, must be to press upon
the public and the Government those indirect changes
which alone would induce British capitalists to em-
bark in India. While they had a half-starved popu-
lation, a deficiency of capital, and an imperfect are ,
tern of credit, they would never have justice done to I
that great empire. (Hear, hear.) The indirect
evils which resulted from the present Mate of I
things were very great. The people were heavily
taxed, but it could not be helped; we were obliged
to take a large amount from them in order to keep
up the establishments and the Government of the
country. This evil would be lessened if we improved
the material condition of the people by throwing
capital into the country. Then, again, capital and
enterprise would never be embarked in any country
where there was not security for life and property,
and where the people were not entirely exempt
from unnecessary Government interference. (Hear,
hear.) A marked change had taken place during
the last three or four years in the spirit of the go-
vernment of India; but in a vast country like that,
we did not see the immediate result of changes.
One of the propositions of the Cotton Association
was, that the Government should spend four millions
per annum in India, and that a Board of Works
should be established there. The fact was that a
Board of Works was already in existence in India;
and independent persona from any part of the
country could suggest public works, their plans
being, referred to a Committee of the Board by
whom the selection was made. The amount ex-
pended in carrying out these works was about two
millions a year, and in the present state of India
we could not find the necessary staff to execute
works to double that amount. He had no doubt,
however, that the amount would go on increasing
year after veer; and he hoped that private enter-
prise would be introduced in addition to the exer-
tions of the Government; for his opinion was, that
when Government did a great deal, it paralyzed the
energies of the country, and the money was often ,
not so well spent. (Hear, hear.) Many private
companies had proposed to establish themaelves in
India; but nearly all, up to the present time, re-
quireds Government guarantee. He thought such
, a guarantee was bad in principle; but no doubt it
was, to a certain extent necessary. We must re-
member that England is almost the only country in
Europe where great public works can be carried on
without a Government guarantee; and we may
hope, after a while, to bring India into that state of
security when capitalists would invest their money
without guarantees. (Hear, hear.) Many associa-
tions had been proposed for India, and he thought
one like the Madras Irrigation Company was likely
to do a vast deal of good for the country. It was
better to carry out works by means of such a coin-
wy than entirely through Government assistance.
The Company proposed to water a large district in
Bareilly, where there was a magnificent cotton-
growing soil, which could thereby be cultivated.
When pairing through Malabar he (Mr. Seymour)
was informed by a very intelligent gentleman, who
was settled there as a merchant, that he had gal.
lopped over hundreds of miles of the tined cotton
producing mil, passing ruined villages which the
natives had been obliged to leave for want of a
supply of water, in order to ensure the safety of
life and property, it would be necessary to ,stab.
fish a good police and more especially to effect •
reform of the law. (Hear.) if by the efforts of
this Association, and others, we could get these
great questions once grappled with, and changes
introduced, capital would then begin to flow into
, the country' and all that vast area of cotton growing
land would be cultivated and would send to England
a description of cotton which would ultimately com-
pete with that from America. (Hear, hear.) When
the Indian cotton was spoken of as short staple, it
should be remembered that there was a time when
America got her cotton from India, and that the
greatest puns were taken fora aeries of years to
produce the article which was now considered so
din this country, (Hear, hear.) Referring to
the reports made by British Consuls as to the cotton
growing capabilities of their respective stations in
various parts of the world, he mentioned an instance
to show the good which could be accomplished in
such isolated cases. He was last week in company
with • gentleman from the Russian Caucasus, who
told him that he purchased some cotton seed at the
expense of the Russian government. He dissem-
inated it in the country, and the people at first
laughed at him, but in a year or two he found that
the cotton grew well, and it went on increasing,
until it was now sufficient to supply, to a considera-
ble extent the Russian market. (Hear, hear.) If
similar effort' were made by the British Consuls in
various parts of the world, the results might per-
haps be equally successful. (Hear? hear.) He
believed the association WY producing the most
iihportant benefits, and he should always be pre-
pared to act with it, (Applause-)
BiLirraasuar. The Dorset County Friendly
Society. —This society held their annual meeting
here on Thursday week. The members of the SW-
teebury branch assembled at the Trarnhall, at 12
o'clock, and soon after formed into • procession and,
preceded by an excellent brass band, attended Divine
service at Holy Trinity Church, after which the
000unts wore audited at the Townhall, and the party
adjourned to the New Market-house and partook of
good old English fare, at a dinner provided by Mr.
Freke, of the Mitre Inn. Fa justice having
bure,ndwbohynoetwhaneasmdjonsitlearmnocliodeththfrreeo:Marqoßaved;outthHoefalicWhai,
for
rr
"Ithno-
sterf being present, and was supported on the
WE. Ilakths eßlri'aotn.tenbart'sec, ,an. Red
thonv.atHhema.
yllicftzeb,yry.,
CFC...
preinpriurogrohPferry:oENSEagir
C.
ozosßo,
oEsqklan.,dWEag. Han
secretary to the n., Ps,Benneracbt,
b,ranch'd,„lonro%Brine'the branch. Mr. R. Roberta
inth..:7th..6:47:llrde-lfsTesnofdntheet:veulm.lubo,thwerearnedpgenaresentiniemoinsatinALterwortto.edthrye
usual toasts had been given,
and
program,
of
the
report of the financial
by Mr. Porcher, the meeting
d female friends to
members an
6 tables hosing been removed! •
bstketeyohpa::ll,t been
earre6dly hour to
eilezrobylea thaooeialwiz
of
tea; after which, al hid; was kept up with
dance was Oommenj, Wtil ••• the hour
feeling un
sfilliedrordolosing' the MarkeibtriouoindodtheasPiro.year-
A,... of the sear .
oatimieoLnewAbtratro,,o.ol,sb has
ft227.185c0n7 the
nbruonsbar
of
members on the books was e
berg in 1867, 41,9111 Pi 06u.; ditto, ill 1856,

£1,120 Is. 5d.; balance in favour of 1857,
£93 ss. 100. ; honorary subscriptions in 1857,
£165 7s. Sick payment was given to 341 males for
1,326 weeks 3 days, amounting to £545 16s. Bd.,
and to 36 females for 214 weeksl day, amounting to
£B3 10s. 5d., making a total sick pay of £599 105. Id.,
being .483 13a. 80. more than hit year. The capi•
in hand was £3,591 3s. 61c1 ; ditto in 1856,
£3,121 14s. 70 ; increase in 1857, £479 Ba. 110.
Thus we find in 1857 an increase of one branch club,
of 66 member', of £469 811. Hid. in capital, of
£62 13s. 80. sick pay, and • decrease of honorary
subscriptions of £1 16s. 6d.
STURIONSTCL - Special Petty Swim, April
12th.—(Before Montague Williams, EN., and Cot
Malet.)—Harry Moore, of Child Okeford, was
charged with stealing two flannel pettiooata, the pro.
party of Mary Ann Moor,, of the same place, value
2a 86. The prisoner omusented to be tried by the
Bench under the Summary Jurisdiction Act. The
complainant stated that she hung a quantity of linen,
eco., out to dry in an outhouse in her occupation, on
the evening of the Bth instant, and on the following
morning she mired two flannel petticoats. She gave
information to P.C. Brown, and she had since seen
them in his poression.—P.C. Jams. Brown dated
that he searched the prisoner's house on the 9th
Instant, and in • cupboard underneath the detrain
he found the property mentioned in the charge.- -
The prisoner made • very lame defenoe.—Superia•
tendent Hammond informed the Bench that the pin.
soner was sentenced to one calendar month's hard
labour on the 15th June 1656, for stealing • fowl,
and the Bench in this instance committed him for
three calendar months' hard labour, and told him
that if he ever came before them again charged with
felony, he would be committed for trial.

Hoaainut Takonor.—About mid-day on Mon-
day some of the labourers on Clifton Manor Farm,
on going to the shallow trough where the cattle are
watered, discovered in the water an infant of • few
months old, all but dead. The baby was taken to
the cottage of it. father, a labourer, named Pearce,
who works on the farm, and search was made for its
step-sister, a girl named Ann Pearce, aged about 11
years, in whale charge the infant had been left On
proceeding up stairs, horrible to tell, this child, for
she is scarcely more, WU found in a pool of blood,
she having cut her throat after placing the infant in
the water. An express was immediately sent into
Sherborne for Dr. Wllliams, the medical adviser of
the family at Clifton Manor Farmhouse, and on pro-
ceeding to the place it was found that the girl was
in a state of great exhaustion, but that she just
missed the principal blood vessels. It was deemed
unadviaable to question her then as to her motives
for such diabolical conduct, owing to the state in
which she was.

AOCIDINT. —As Mr. Jonas Bishop, pork butcher,
was returning ins light cart from the steeplechase
on Tuesday, he was thrown out, and, falling on his
neck, sustained a very severe spinal injury, from
which it is doubtful if he will ever entirely re-
cover.

SEIRBORNZ. —The quarterly missionary meeting
in connection with the Society for the Propagation of
the Gospel was held on Monday evening in the
National School-room, when the honorary secretary,
Major Hammond, reported that the collections for
the quarter amounted to between £3 and .C 4. Some
interesting observations were made by the Vicar and
the Rev. G. W. Horton.

The Clergy of the Rural Deanery assembled at
morning prayer on Tuesday, and afterwards par-
took of the holy sacrament. About 16 clergymen
attended.

LYME Rams. —Parochial Buitinem. —A parish
meeting was held in the vestry room on Thursday
week, when Means. Webb and Colebard were ap-
pointed overseers for the year ensuing. The difficul-
ties of overseership for the present year in this parish
seem to have excited much attention in the town.
The recent appropriation of the pariah money by the
late assistant overseer has greatly embarrassed the
accounts, although it is generally understood that
the late overseers, Messrs. Marder and Darby, will
have to make up the deficiencies of their assistant.
The defalcation, we understand, exceeds £lOO. The
late nomination of aesessors, appears to have excited
some attention also, and at the vestry meeting the
popular feeling was not disguised. We trust, how-
ever, the present officers will prove themselves com-
petent for their duties. A change has taken place in
our parish guardians, and we are inclined to think
the parish has done well in supplanting Mr. Samuel
Osborne for Mr. John Read.