The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1876-07-11 00:00:00

PORTLAND.

ANOTUKS ILIDISTERIAL CHANGE —The Rev. W. W.
Sherren has resigned thc putorate of the Independent
I 'twat. Chesil, and is to leave in August next. Mrs.
Sherren's health is stated as the cause of this removal.
The whole of the Dissenting ministers will therefore be
changed in Portland during the present summer.
Tug illugsx's Init.-11er Majesty the Queen has been
appealed to on behalf of the fond for the uetr chancel and
re-pewing of St. John's Church. Mr. J. C. Liao wrote to
Mr. Clutton and to the Hon. Charles A. Gore, explaining
the improvements about to be effected, and ller Majesty,
after enquires, most graciously gave aid
FirawiLLSigitaos. —The Rev. E. Richardson, Primitive
Methodist minister had a large congregation to hear his
farewell sertuon on Sunday morning last. He was very
much esteemed in Portland, being a thoroughly good
worker. Although, he might believe in favour of the
separation of Church and State, Mr. Richardson found
more important and pressing work to do than to agitate
for that reparation.
GOOD Tgartags.—On Thursday last Lodge "Ark of
Safety" was visited by the officers of Lodge "Caxton,*
from Weymouth. According to custom, the visiting
officers filled the posts in the lodge, the "Ark of Safety
officers taking seats with the ordinary members. After a
feast of cake, tea, and strawberries, songs, reeitations,
and readings were given by Sisters Goldie, Martin, M.
Martin, and Brothers Gillingham, Clean, Hatton, Wallis,
Stone, Matthews, Ralph, and Winter, the latter presiding
at the harmonium.

TIIIK MILITARY CII•NOK-11.M.S. Orontes arrived about
four o'clock on Tuesday afternoon with the 114 Regiment
from Shorucliffe, and on Thursday (this) morning she
would disembark one wing, including four officer.. 950
moo, 11 women, and 90 children ; the other wing she
will convey to Pembroke. The list remain here &hunt
three wi,vkA, and it is to be hoped they have instruc-
tions about the special dangers of Portland, and not
go tumbling into quarries or over ramparts, as did the
37th, who than lost a few killed and wounded during
their short stay. The list Regiment leave for Salisbury
iiy spvcial train on Thursday morning about 10 o'clock;
21 officers and 490; men go it then, so that the list will
have no light duty during the absence of the 3lst at
ramp. The women and children of the latter reniaM at
Portland.
.„

BATHING MACHINES FOR I'ORTLAND.—WO understand
it is proposed to purchase some bathing machines
and start bathing for UnderbilL About a mile
from the Ferry bridge is a beautiful reach of sand,
and the scheme IN we believe to lay some timber baulks
„Lit into the water (of COWIN OR the roads side), and to let
down and wind up the machines by means of a winch.
Another idea is to have a bathing tent, which may be
I moored and set up on any part of the beech. The difficulty
extending over great part of the coast is that the railway
obstruct+ the access on the aide most useful for bathing.
Perhaps • good piece of sand might be found near the
Castle, or if the Railway Company saw their way to stop
a train not far from Ferry 'triage, the aim 'night be
accomplished. But if Portland bathers have to take the
train at all, why not go on to Weymouth 7
LIGHT AND USIEFIII. OCCUPATION FOR GRNTLEMEN.-111
consequence of the litter and dirt left about in the main
street of Fortunes Well, a gentleman who has already
effected one great improvement propose+ to form a corps
of gentlemen volunteers, himself offering to be on; to
visit the road with brooms, shovels, and wheelbarrows,
and thoroughly cloause the street Iron, time to time.
This would save the contractor the trouble of winding
iruy and men to the place, and the work being done Me
atm.., an improvement would probably be immediate.
At present private sweeping largely assists in keeping the
street bileralde, for only Wednesday morning the inhabit-
auks were sweeping before their own doors. So admirably
has the watering..f the streets been carried out by volun.
leer effort, that no doubt further openings for talent and
energy may be found. The proposed system of "lady
helps would be nulling to the Gentleman Volunteer
&eat-waterers, Street Sweepers, and General Improve.
ment Commissioners of Portland. But, joking apart,
Mr. F. Wills and his friends deserve all theatitude of
the Fortune's Well people, and it is to he h that their
energy and thoroughness will he imitated by scavenging
contractor and the Local Board.

WYKE
SCIIOOI. TREAS.—The treat given by the Rector.
Rev. It. C. l'igom to the children and teachers of the day
,chooL was arranged to come off on Wednesday afternoon
Init. It is aid in Wilt* that it always rains on tha claY

of the school treat, and, singularly enough, this day was
full of fog and mist, However, in hopes that it would
"turn to heat," the little people assembled at the school
about a quarter to four. They were marshalled by their
kind school master and mistress, Mr. and Mrs. J. Y.
Atkins, and, provided with flags, marched to the Rectory
Lawn, where, after several outbursts of cheers, under the
shade of some noble horse-chestnuts, tables had been laid,
and were soon laden with previsions. Grace having been
sung, the Rector with some friends, and Mr. and Mrs.
Atkins and the teachers, were actively engaged
in supplying the wants of the youngsters, who
appeared to have very good appetites. There was •
bountiful supply: but the last dish, and still the very
last, had to be re-tilled, and a bright little lady of eight or
nine, who came with the visitors and made herself as
generally useful as the rest, confided to our corre-
spondent—" How much they eat I I am afraid they will
,be ill I" But the little lady was deceived by the quantity
requisite for such numbers; the 23() present did not eat
more than the average consumption of an many hearty
village children out for a hall holiday. The visitors
included Colonel and Mrs. liwaffield (Wvke House), Mr.
and Mrs. Austen, Mn, and the Misses Pigott, Rev. and
Mrs. Benson, Mrs. J. Devenish, Mr., Mrs., and the
Misses Warrington, Miss Hodges, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett
and Miss Neat, Mrs. and the Misses Gaskell, Miss Long,
Mrs. Rut; Mr. and Mrs Petty Hooper, Rev. J. and Mrs.
Lynes, Mrs. and the Misses Tomlinson, .tc. For the
visitors tea was spread at a table close to a weeping
laburnum, just above the school tables, and visitors and
teachers half tea after the little ones. For these Colonel
Swallield had provided swings and see-saw in the field
adjoining the ground of Wyke House, and a merry time
was anticipated. Just before the scholars returned
thanks the saying of the villagers was verified, for down
came the rain. The rain afterwards ceased, and the games
went off very successfully, although the for was un-
pleasant, shutting out the fine view. Miss H. Pigott and
Miss Way were much mused; but Mrs. Benson and Mrs.
Holland were very active in amusing the little ones.

WOOL.
ODDFELI.O%VB DEMONSTRATIoN.

The "Loyal Bindon Abbey" Lodge of (Ahlfellews held
a demonstration and fete on Coronation day in this village.
The Dith has been observed here for many years past as •
general holiday by the villagers and their neighbours, for
at one time they boasted of as good a benefit society as
any of its kind, and this was their annual feast-day, but
that society, like many others, has passed away and in its
place is firiuly rooted a branch of that noble tree of Old.
fellows, the lodge containing over (SO members. The day
opened line, every one was astir early, and many willing
hands were engaged in making the village as attractive as
possible. The fete was held ins field adjoining the Black
Bear inn, and Host May provided the feast. The Wool
brass band was engaged, and marched down to the Bear
Inn at 11 o'clock, where the procession was to start from.
The lively strains of the band soon brought together the
friends and visitors who were bent on a holiday. The
front part of the Bear was nicely decorated, an arch of
evergreens spanned the rood and •motto on one side with
the words " friendship,. love, and truth," and on the other
"Gad save the queen. A string of flags stretched across
the road gave the whole a gay and festive appearance.
The procession now formed and marched to church, the
band under Bandmaster Langford playing. Then came '
the juvenile members about 16 in number, with their
banners and regalia followed by about te members with ,
several splendid banners, and bearing the beautiful
emblems and devices of the Order hired from the district.
Arriving at the church the band played the National
Anthem while the members marched in an orderly '
manner and took their seats, many of the villagers and
visitors attending Divine service with them. fhe service
commenced by the clergyman and the choir in their
surplices marching from toe vestry singing the processional
hymn. The Rev. W. Holland of Stawidge., officiated in
the absence of the newly-appointed vicar. Mr. A. Dobie,
son of the late vicar, read the lessons for the day, the
psalms and other portions of the service being nicely
chanted by the choir. The Rev. W. Holland preached an
excellent sermon from KOLIMIII vi., " The Wtif OS of
sin is death, but the gift of 00d is eternal life. The
preacher said he WWI speaking to these who knew what
work and Wages were, and most or all had served different
masters. In his text theie were two kinds of masters,
and they were serving one or the other; they were either
the servants of sin, or the servants of God. Ile would first ,
speak to them of the .ervants of aim how they were led
on day after day, and the service seemed ploasant at first,
but step by step they found themselves being led captive
against their will, until they were weary of life and every-
thing around then• How many of the slaves of sin were
plunging into eternal death—that is the wages of sin—
not the death that they (the tAldfellows) had insured
against, but the death of the soul. Eternal death ! Oh,
who could fathom the depth of that word Eternal ! The
preacher paused on to the other master whom they were
tidied on to serve, and contrasted pleasantly the free •ift
of God—eternal life, and in conclusion prayed earnestly
that they might be led to accept of his service and finally
receive that gift. _

-...
The service over the club re-funned, and headed by the
band marched round the villace, and about half-past two
&clock returned to Host May a, where • splendid dinner,
such as Mr. and Mrs. May know so well how to get up,
WAS laid on the tables in a long shed at the entrance to
the paddock, and which had been used on many occasions
for • similar purpose. It was nicely decorated with ever-
greens and several appropriate mottoes, the dinner was
well served and well attended. The chair was taken by
Mr. J. J. Bates, of East Lulworth, and facing him in the
vice-chair was Mr. Lucas, of Ilindusi, and about 20
gentlemen, honorary members and visitors, amongst
whom we noticed the Rev. W. Holland, Mr. A. liolde,
, Mr. Longman, Mr. Bassximhe, Mr. T. Parmiter, Mr. E.
Parmiter, Mr. W. Button, Mr. IL Dorey, Mr. E. Dom,
Mr. Iloneywell (London), Mr. James, Ac.
Ample justice being done to the good things on the
table, and grace having been said by the Rev. W.
Holland, the Chairman gave the usual loyal toasts.
With that of the "Bishop, Clergy, and Ministers of all
, Denominations" was coupled the mune of the Rev. W.
Holland. The rev. gentleman in responding, thankod
them for the kind manner in which the toast had been
proposed and received. Ile saw by one of their rules
that their first duty was to their God, the second to
their neighbour, and the third to themselves. He
thought that was as it should be—they should place thid
before everything else. They had been to church that
morning, and he thanked God that he had been privileged
to speak to them to-day of that duty. Ile hoped they
would not forget Use few words he had been enabled to
speak to them. He felt that the clergy did co-operate
with them. As fcr ministers of otter denominations, he
knew that there were good men amongst them, and he
trusted they were all working for one great end. lie
WAS there only for a short time; this, perhaps, would be
the last time that be would be amongst them, but he had
enjoyed himself very much that day, and again thanked
them for so kindly drinking his health.
The CHAIRKAN next gave "The Loyal Bindon Lodge of
Odalfellows," coupling with the toast the name of their
secretary, Mr. 11, Runyanl. This was, he said, the toast
of the day ; he held a high opinion of these clubs in
general, and of this club in particular, for he believed it
was founded on a good basis. A few years ago the Royal
Commisaion sitting to enquire into the workiiut of
Friendly Societys' made honourable mention of the Order
of Oddfellows, of which this was a branch. Ile hoped it
would go on and prosper; it was not only doing good
locally, hut he might say it was a national good, it
extended throughout this great empire, and over a great
Dart of the continent, and w herevcr its influence was felt
it inculcated a manly independence, and united together
men in a healthy bond of brotherhood, to say nothing of
the immense relief to ratepayers. He had much pleasure
in proposing this toast, and called upon the socretary, who
would read to them the state of their finances.
. . . . .

rho Witair-siv then 17e-rd-ti-e—s-t;te—g—their Funds, on
January Ist, 18711, the value of the sick and Funeral Fund
was £3OO 16s. tiid ; amount received up to June,
.E. 31 Si. 10d. ; making the total value up to June,
£310) fie. 414.: averaging about £4 3s, per member. The
amount paid to sick members during the half year
£l5 14s. 10d. ; to the district funeral fund £6 fit. lid
for medical attendance £6 12s. 4d. ; paid on the death of a
member £l2; and for other expensesslZ 10a. lid. ; making
a total of the expenses& for the half year £l6 134. Oid.
leaving a profit to go to the funds, 1:= 15.. lid. The total
amount of sick pay payed since the Lodge was opened in
1863 has been £6lB Os. 11k1 ; and for funerals' about Alm
The number of members on the books January lot, 1876,
admitted during the half year 4, leaving on the books I
87 members, this toast was duly honoured, the secretary's '
statement received with applause.
" Kindred Societies " were next given and responded to.
Mr. LUCAS, vice.clmirman, proposed "the -Health of
their worthy Chairman," he as tenant on the Weld estate
had had many business transactions with him for many
years, and had always found him upright in all their
dealings, and he had no doubt that other tenants could
bear him out in saying that be was &gentleman, who they
all wished to see for many years to come. (Cheers), lie
therefore had much plesaure giving "The Health of their
worthy Chairman." this was drunk with musical
honours, and the band played "For he is a Hearty Coed
Fellow.
The (lisimisB responded, thanking them for their good
wishes, saying it should be his study to deserve them.
Other toasts followed, including that of ** Thu Host,"
which was acknowledged by Mr. May.
Afterwards there was some discussion about the day on
which their film was to be held in future. Mr. Ltris
said that the 98th of June was an awkward day for em-
ploy-era of labour. He was speaking the feelings of many
of his neighbours when he said that at this time of the
year it was • serious inconvenience to spare their men for
a day; he thought that if the committee could manage to
appoint a day earlier in the season—say on one of the
Bank Holidays—so as not to clash with their buoy time it
would be the means of bringing more honorary members
to their table. He knew some of his friends that would
have been here to-day but were prevented, they being buoy
in their hay fields—Mr. DORZY. of Wool, one ef the com-
mittee, said that he wookl bring the question before the
committee, and he had no doubt but that they would
make the day convenient for all puttee—Mr. LUCAS pro-
mised that if they did he would double his subscriptions,
and another gentleman was understood to say he would
do the same. . .

---
The party then dispersed. and soon the merry strains
odf the ban was hear and dancing commenced. Garnet
of all sorts were now the order of the day,kissin.the-ring,
jumping in sacks, donkey racing, and "Old Aunt Sally"
being indulged in, and, there was • merrie-go-round and
gingerbread stalls for the children. Towards the evening
a great many visited the field, lid. and 3d. being charged
for admission, and the committee must have taken a very
respectable sum. The committee deserve great praise for
the able manner in which everything was managed. Night
cable, and the day ended as it had begun—in a haPPY
and joyous manner.