The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1858-06-29 00:00:00

GRAND FETE ON WOODBURY HILL

MAJORITY OF CAPTAIN HAWBRIDGE.

Tuesday last, in addition to being the audit day
for the tenants of the Charborough estate, was the
21st birthday of Captain Sawbridge, the nephew of
J. S. W. S. Erie Drax, Esq. The bell, of Bore
Regis church rang merrily, and a band paraded the
streets, whilst vehicles of every description entered
the town from the several roa&. As the afternoon
advanced shops were closed, and almost all the in-
habitants of the town, together with a vast influx of
visitors, wended their way to Woodbury Hill—the
proud eminence on which is annually held the cele-
brated fair, and which overlooks a broad expanse of
beautiful soenery. Numerous parties came from the
neighbourhood of Wareham, until not less than 3,000
persons were assembled on the bill. No public an-
nouncement of the reunion had been made, but it was
generally understood that all who chose could freely
partake of tea and refreshments. The marquee
under which the tea took place was nearly 80 yards
long by 10 wide, and was supplied by Mr. B.
Edgington, of 2, Duke-street, London Bridge. Four
parallel tables were erected through the length of
the marquee, with three additional tables at the
head, for the accommodation of J. S. W. 8. Erle
Drax, Esq., and his friends. At the top of the chief
table was a large flag on which was inewibed "Druz
for ever," and in the centre of the booth was • less
pretending flag, on which were the words "Pros.
parity to Sawbridge." Cups and saucers were laid
for nearly 1,000 persons. Few places in the southern
or western part of England are better adapted for
the feeding of a large body of persons than Wood-
bury Hill, as those who have visited the fair know
that the houses are built with this especial object,
consequently less confusion and trouble were owe,
alone& in the work of preparation than would have
taken place elsewhere. The depot from which was
brought the edibles was under the able superintem
dance of Mrs. Calton. Here were cut up nearly
fifteen cwt. of plum cake, some 200 large loaves,
and an immense quantity of butter, sugar, and
tea completed the prodigious heap of provisions
which was quite a novelty to look upon. A couple
of woodmen, dressed in the Elizabethan beef-eaters'
garb, guarded the portal. The strange dress of
these two worthies, which consisted of gold loos
trimmed frocks and scarlet unmentionables and
stockings, attracted no small degree of attention.
On the arrival of Mr. Drax and Capt. Sawbridge
hearty cheers were given, and the beef-eaters stood
aside and allowed the company to take their places
at the tables. A few minuted; sulficied to throng the
marquee. A thousand persons arranged themselves
at the tables. As the provision was ample, those
who could not be entertained at the first "meshing"
were not much injured beyond a little trial of
patience. Amonst those present weae J. S. W. 8.
Erie Drax, Esq., Capt. Saw bridge, of the Bth Human,
Rev. T. Pearce, of Morden ; the Rev. T. Howse, of
Lytchett ; C. J. Radclyffe, Esq., and family, T.
Bhettle, Esq., and family, T. Atkinson, Esq., T.
Note, Esq., and family, W. Phippard, Esq., and
Miss Phippard, W. C. Laney, Esq., and ntnefa
The waiters and all engaged seemed to enter into
their duties in good earnest, and much less confintion
was occasioned than might have been anticipated
from so large a gathering. A large ornamented
birthday cake, made by Mr. Green, of Poole, at the
head table, was speedily demolished and its beauty
destroyed by the knife of Mr. Bhettle, who dis-
pensed it with a liberal hand to all who were dia.
posed to accept a alioe. As the tea progressed
parties left their seats and gave place to others till
not less than 2,000, it is estimated, must have sat
down and partaken of the invigorating cup, whilst
no one went away unsatisfied.

C. J. Rencticsrs, Esq., who had galloped up from
the Dorchester meeting of foxhuntera, at the close of
the tea rose and said—Ladies and gentlemen, I have
the happiness to propose to you a toast, which I be-
lieve all present will be delighted to honour, " the
health of John Samuel Wanlsy Sawbridge Erie Drax,
Esq.," a gentleman who I believe ham dealt out more
happiness to all acmes in his neighbourhood than
any other gentleman in the county. (Cheers.) We
will drink his very good health, wishing him long
life and residence at Charborough. (Loud cheers.)
. Mr. Desk thee stood forward, and when the
&boring subsided, said—l can assure you it is a great
gratification to me to see so many persons assembled
together on the present occasion. The last time we
had a similar gathering, now seventeen years ago, on
my return for the borough of Wareham in 1841, I
was younger and better able to enjoy the festivities
than I now am; and [regret I cannot now, as I then
did, join with you in the merry dance. I feel, con-
sequently,that lain now somewhat in the "sere and
yellow leaf" (cries of "No, no," and applause.)
But if I cannot join you in the dance, as I (lid when
in the vigour of health, you mast enjoy it yourselves.
(Cheers.) With your permission, I will take this
opportunity of introducing to you my nephew, Capt.
Sawbridge, who has just obtained his majority, and
to whom I hope you will extend the same good feel-
ing as you have to me. (Cheers.) When a dissolu-
tion of Parliament takes place, it is my intention to
introduce him to the constituency of the borough of
Wareham. (Loud cheers.)
Mr. RADOLYFFE again rose and said—Ladies and
gentlemen, there is another toast which we must not
forget on the present occasion; it is" the health of
Capt. Sawbridge." (Cheers.) You have heard from
Mr. Drax that it is his intention to introduce to the
constituency of Wareham, whenever a dissolution of
I the present Parliament takes place, Capt. Sawbridge,
I who will come forwar I advocating the same princi-
ples as Mr. Drax, or he will not come forward under
Mr. Drax at all. (Cheers.) Those principles are
Conservative. (Cheers.) You may talk about Liberal
principles, but under a Conservative Government—
such as we have at present—we get more liberal mea-
sures than under a Liberal Government. (Applause.)
Capt. Sawbridge is a very promising young man,
who has just attained his majority, and is at present
holding a commission in the Bth Hussars, and I hope
shortly to see him a Colonel. (Applause.)
Capt. Sawmill:km, in responding, said—l am glad
that this tea party has gathered together so many of
the good people of Here Regis, and I hope that if
they are not invigorated with the liquor which they
have drunk that they will be invigorated with the
healthful breezes of Woodbury Hill. (Applause.)
As it has been said it is my intention, when an op-
portunity otters, to come forward as a candidate for
the representation of Wareham, I hope the people of
Bare Regis will all support me as they have my
uncle on previous occasions. (Cheers.) I heartily
thank you for the compliment you have paid me by
drinking my health. (Cheers.)
Mr. Druz again roes, and was warmly greeted.
lie said I have now to propose the hearth of a
friend of mine who is about to establish a pack of
fox hounds in this neighbourhood. I refer to my
friend, Mr. Radolyffe. (Cheers.) It is my inten-
tion, in his effort to provide sport, to assist him in
every possible way, and [believe he will be supported
by the yeomanry of the district. When I kept fox
hounds twenty years ago I received a considerable
amount of support from yeomen ; hided, I can say
that I received from that class as much support as
from the aristocracy. (Cheers.) I will, therefore,
propose to you the health of Mr. Radolytre and the
Fox Hounds. (Cheers.)
Mr. RADCLYFFIC acknowledged the compliment,
and stated that when he heard how generally it was
regretted that Mr. Farquharson'a fox hounds Mould
go out of the county, he resolved if he was supported
that they should not. He went to the sale and gave
a good prioe for some of the hounds. He had that
day been to the meeting of fox hunters at Dor-
chester, and was glad to say that the arrangements
which had been made had been of the most satiafao-
tory character. (Cheers.) Mr. Radolyffe then
briefly detailed the proceedings which had that day
taken place at the Dorchester Hunt Meeting. Mr.
Radclyffe afterwards proposed "the health of Miss
Drax." He said that he was sorry that that young
lady was not present on this occasion to witness the
interesting assemblage. (Cheers.)
Mr. DRAM was thankful to them for the compli-
ment. He regretted that Miss Drax was in Kent,
and was not with them on this occasion to join in the
damn. (Cheers.)
Mr. Drax, Captain Sawbridge, and others, having
left the marquee, preparations were speedily made
for a dance. In a short time partners were chosen
and a country dance joined in by many of the com-
pany, and dancing continued till the shades of even-
ing closed around. The road to Wareham once
more was lined with vehicles, and all present on the
occasion will long remember the glorious picnic
party of Woodbury Hill.

Cusaterroca. —Our kind vicar has announced his
annual entertainment for the Bth of July, when an
amateur concert is intended to be held in the school-
room, in aid of the debts incurred in the building of
the Orphan and Industrial SchooL The usual Hord-
oultural Show, under the patronage of the Lord of
the Manor, will take place on the same day. Re-
freshmenta will also be provided at moderate
At entertainments like these some of the purest
plea-
sures are enjoyed, and should the weather be propi-
tious there will, as usual, be a large and highly
respectable attendance.

Snarrsesustv.—ApproaeAiag Marriage is High
L.—Th. nuptials of Lady Agnes Grosvenor,
daughter of the Marquis and Marchioness of West.
minster, and Sir Archibald Islay Campbell. Bart,
are to be solemnised at the close of the present
month.

THY GRAMMA* BasooL—The scholars of this an-
cient foundation were examined during the week
and the prizes distribritod on Friday, in the presence
of a large number of the friends; of the ethooL The
examination was retry satiafactory.

Siiiriseutier COUNTY COlAT.—(Hdfore E. Everett,
Esio —7'hol4eis Rose v. Janos Alese.—Thie woe an ac-
tion to recover 824 10e. ad. for ,loss and expound; on the
re-sale of a cottage, which is waa *Sowed the defendant
had agreed to buy, but tho purchase of which he had re-
fused to complete. Mr. Gaahwood, of Stunuinster
Newton, appeared for the idaintiff, and Mr. Chitty for
the defendant. The jury have been sworn and many
witnesses on each side exianitied, hls Honour in the
mitt lucid manner, gummed up the evidence, and re-
marked that there were two pointa for the consideration
of the jury, whether the defendant wee so drunk that
he did not know what he was doing, if so the contract
was void; and sevoetily, whether there was • re-sale or
whether the plaintiff still posaeseed it. If there was no
re-sale, then the pl•intiff could not have lostthe amount
by the re-sale. The jury retired, and ahortly after gave
their verdict, that the defendant did Hake the contract,
knowing what he was doing, and that there lies been no
re-sale. The verdict thegsfore wee for the plaintiff, with
£2 4s. 6d. damagee.—Miii t• aepparat.—The plaintiff
lives at Mere, Wilts. au/ the defeoilant is the manager
of the Gillingham Building Society. Mr. George Chitty
appeared for the plaintiff, who stated that the action was
brought to recover £8 Si. lld, being the balance due
from the society to the plaintiff, under the following cir-
cumstances. The plaintiff borrowed £2O on the build-
ing terms of the society, on a cottage at Gillingham, and
the society insured the cottage against firs for £2O.
Subsequently the cottage was destroyed by fire, and
after satisfying the aIIIOII6C due to the society, • balance
of £8 Si. lld, remained clue to the plaintiff, which she
now sought to recover. It having been proved that at
the time the plaint we. entered (on the Bth inst.), the
plaintiff had attained the age of 21, • verdict was re-
turned for plaintiff for 0,055. Ild. and coats, which was
ordered to be paid on Saturday nest. Mr. Fromm, of
Gillingham, appeared forth* satiety.
WIMBORNIL—Marrior Atceroordinary.—On Sun-
day week, were united in the holy bonds of matri-
mony, at Wimborne Minster, Henry Ricketts
said Katherine Stout. Their united age, amount
to 30, being respectively 14 and 16 years. The bride-
groom is fulfilling the W.gh situation of errand-boy
to a grocer in the town, it 51. a week..
SMIRIVIIMIL —A iiefie ef the Point of Health
Imo held on Witatedritn Asia the following
contracta for lettering AN mavwsiOng were opened:
John Stevens, £104; George Billing, £120; John
Forward, £lOO • Jessie. Gloyne, (watering 5
per month; deorge Witiloll, £154; Benjamin
Harris, .£155. The tondir of Forward was accepted.
The matter being refeeiall. for arrrangement to •
committee, who were Wiwi the Turnpike Commis-
sioners on the subject. A memorial, signed by 15 or
16 persons readmit in Heund•street, oomplaining of
the smell of the MOMII/11.4111 Mr. Bar-ell's premise.,
was referred to the ViewCommittes.

BATHING ACCOMMODitz.- The boys will be
gladtohear that their con to friend, G. W. Digby,
Esq., has ordered a bathing place to be prepared for
them. It is cut in an elbow of the river in Purlieu,
distinct from the river itself, and will be enclosed,
and the bottom paved. It has long been a &wider'.
turn, and we hope will be used ml manner that will
show proper appreciation of the act of kindness.

&MEDAN; CHURCEL--Sieoe We lAA naked the
great work of restoration which is being proceeded
with at the sole cost of George Wingfield lbgby,
great progress has been aide, and the opening of the
chancel is spoken of ofith certainty for the 18th of
August. All the substantial stonework connected
with the fabric of the binding is completed; large
portions of stained glass windows are already in; the
emblazoning of the chancel roof is nearly finished;
and the floor, some screens, and the &Raz, are all the
heavy works that remain to be done. The roof is
resplendent with gold and brilliant colones; aver,/
rib is gilded, and not only are the boons gilt and
coloured, but every panel is emblazoned—here with
the Digby crest, there with the arms of Sherborne
Abbey, or with those of old Serum and the Bishop
of Salisbury quartered. There is not a portion of
the roof that exhibits the original stone, but the
whole blazes with brilliancy, and the effect from the
floor will be splendid in the extreme. This work in
proceeding under the direction of Mr. Grace, of
Wigmoreatreet. The large windows of the clerestory
and the altar window are being fitted by Messrs.
Clayton and Bell, with rich stained skin, the upper
rows being filled with figures of saints and learned
men, such as St. Alban and the Venerable Bede, and
the lower with Bishops of Schireburn. The altar
will represent scriptural wines, types, and anti-types.
The altar-piece will be nearly 19 feet high, of Caen
stone, bearing subjects in has reliefs of the List
Supper, and the Ascension, under a heavy fretted
canopy,. The altar will be approached from the
nave by twelve steps placed in }lights, at intervals,
and composed of Craokinore marble—a hard boldly
marked stone, which is quarried on the estate of Mr.
Digby, near Milborne. This marble, after exposure,
is of a greyish blue, and it is said that, for columns,
it will be found more effective than Purbeck marble.
A vestry was to be held on Friday, to receive an
offer from Mr. Digby relative to the taking down of
the Townhall, laying down the churohyard, the
!meting of a earriage Atka through the church-yard
into the Abbey, re-arranging the belle, and opening
the west door.

LYME. —Hooking a Fish Twice.—One evening last
week a large pollock was secured off this shore by
Henry Newingham, Esq.,. of this town, which, on
being hauled up, was discovered to have a fish hook
and part of a line in its mouth. About a week be.
fore this gentleman hooked a fish, and was in the act
of thawing it into the boat, when the snood of the
line broke, and he lost the fish, and the circumstance
of the fish lately caught with the hook, &c. in its
mouth, proved to be the same he lost on the former
occasion. It was a remarkably fine fish.
LYME REGIS SCHOOL —The pupils of this school
lately presented their esteemed master, George Reed,
Esq., with a beautiful " meerchaum," neatly set in
silver, with full appointments, as an expression of
their esteem and also of their gratitude for his unre.
muting care and attention to their studies.