The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1862-05-06 00:00:00

-
LOCKYER FREESTUN.

A publie meeting was held at the Weymouth
Literary Institution on Friday evening last, to
consider the best means of perpetuating the memory
of the late Col. Sir William Lockyer Freestun,
K.C.T. Among the company present were Dr. Smith,
Mr. Hallett, Mr. Howard, Mr. Anderson, Mr.
Haggett, Mr. Hoban*, Mr. Barber Mr. W. Thomas,
Mr-. -Joseph Tizard, Mr. J. J. Rolls, Mr. Lundie,
Mr. Damen, Mr. H. Harris, &a., &c. On the mo-
tion of Dr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Damen, Mr.
Anderson was unanimously called to the chair.
Mr. ANDERSON, in opening the proceeding*, said
that when became to that meeting, he certainly did
not expect to occupy that position. At the same
time be might say that he felt some degree of satis-
faction to appear amongst them either as a spectator
or as the chairman to a meeting convened for the pur-
pose of testifying their love and esteem of him whom
it had pleased Almighty, in his great wisdom, to
take from their midst. The late Sir William
Lockyer Freestun, as was well known to them all,
represented this borough in the Commons House of
Parliament. He was known to them both while
he was a member for the borough, and since that
time as one who delighted in the performance of acts
of kindness and benevolence. It was the
distinguished characteristic of Sir William, to deny
himself for the good of others in acts of beneficence
and kindness, and thus he had laid up a lasting
inesnorial in the hearts of those towards whom those
acts had been performed. (Applause.) It there-
fore seemed to him that it was tit and proper that
that meeting should be held for the adoption of some
scheme to perpetuate the ine,mory of one who had
done so much for the inhabitants of this town. The
late Sir William Freestun was much better knew"' to
the majarity in that meeting than he was to him
(the Chairman). It was only of late years, since he
himself, had lived in Weymouth, that be bad known
him; but even during these years he knew suffi-
ciently to testify of the fact that he bad a thoroughly
beneficent heart to feel for the woes of others, and
an open purse for the assistance of those in distress.
And what he did, was without ostentation or parade.
He was ever acting as though his great object was to
gratify the benevolent feelings of his heart in doing
good from principle—for the sake of the good his
benevolence conferred upon others. Ho. would not

however take up the Lice of the meeting by any
lengthened remarks of his own, but would conclude
by reading the following letter, which had been
placed in his hands :
_ _

."Radipole, Friday.

"DEAR SIR. —I had intended being tCresent at the
meeting this evening, but am prevented. I need
scarcely, however, assure you that whatever may be
agreed to as a suitable testimonial to my gallant and
highly esteemed friend will have my cordial support. I
have no doubt the meeting will be of opinion that
previously to deciding as to the shape the thing shall
. . . . .

take, the feelings of Lwly Freestmi should be—ascer
tabled. I remain, So.,—W. S. FERRIS."

Mr. Howsltn, in moving the first resolution, said
that at a meeting like this, aoologies were
entirely out of the question, else ho might
offer an apology on the present occasion, as having
had to go out of town that day he had been obliged
to hasten home to be present on that occasion. It
was-well -known- by them all that life was full of
vicissitudes. No matter what a man's profession,
his object, his aims, or his character may be, sooner
or later, death must overtake us all. Death is a
thing.we cannot shirk, do what we will. Ile comes
into the palaces of kings as well as into the cottages of
the poor of the land. The man who passes through
the street in the enjoyment of robust health, having
to all appearance tho prospect of long life and of
seeing many days, may to-morrow be a
cold macs of •• lifatess thy. So it was
with the late Sit William Freestun. He had lived
so many years amongst them, that his death could
scareely be realized, yet how true was it that they
would never see him any more. And very soon
such would he the ease with us all. But lie be-
lieved if a book were written of the true history of
all the persons who had ever lived in this town
they might turn over page after page of that
'book, but would be unable to find one compared to
Sir William Freestun in acts of self-denial and
benevolence towards others. (Applause.) The
object of their meeting that evening was not to give
expression to any political feeling—they simply
met together as friends mourning for the very
severe loss the town had sustained in the death of
one whose sympathies were ever ready to 'assuage
the grief, and whose purse was ever open to relieve,
all those who applied to him for cid. By deeds of
valour and of noble daring in the support of his
country's honour, Sir William had earned an en-
during name, but the noblest gem in his character
was, after he had served his country so well, in-
stead of settling down in ease and luxury, con-
tented with the laurels that adorned his brow, as
many would be disposed to do, he was found day
after day, and week after week, when his friends
were enjoying their pleasure, toiling to London,
not for men from whom he would expect kindness
and support in return, lot for promoting the in-
terests of the orphan, and the relief of the widow.
(Hear, hear.) How many instances could they I
point to, when the husband, caught by a gale at sea,
had been drowned, in which the widow would first
of all in her distress, direct her steps to Belvidere,
where she would be sure to meet in Sir William
Freestun a friend to sympathise with her in her
distress, and with an open purse to relieve her
wants. But he need not expatiate on his numerous
virtues. No man in Weymouth could lift his finger
and say that he whose death they all deplored, had
not ever done his hest to promote the best interests
of the town of Weymouth. He only hoped that
some one might be raised up to supply his place,
although he must confess that his anticipations that
such would be the case were by no means great.
He would therefore move "That this meeting ex-
presses its unfeigned sorrow in the loss sustained by
the town in the death of Sir William Lockyer
Freestun." The death of Sir William was a general
loss to the whole town as well as to his most inti-
mate friends.
Mr. ltsooltrr said be could truly bear his testimony
, to the facts that had been stated by their Chairman and
• by Mr. Hos ord. He felt, in common with his towns-
men, that the loss they had sustained in the death of
: Sir William Lockyer Freestun was one of no ordinary
, diameter. He had the honour to know Sir William

from the day he first came to Weymouth, and ho never
-
recollected the time when an appeal was made teliis
sympathies in vain, or when the cry of the orphan and
widow in their distress were unheeded by him. There
was something very remarkable in the character of Sir
William Frecatun. He had his political friends, but. in
all his transactions he ever strove to show that he was
truly the friend of all, and the enemy of none. His
money was often lavished, and his influence exerted, in
favour of his political opponents. "Never mind" he
would say, "I feel a desire to do good to Weymouth ir-
respective of party politics. It has been my desire
through life to be the friend of all, the enemy of no
man, woman, or child;" and they were met that evening
to see what might possibly be done to commemorate his
memory. When they remembered the number of me-
moriabi erected throngliosii England, Ireland, and Scot-
land, in honour of men who had in some way or other
been the benefactors of their species, be did not
think that they, in Weymouth, ought to do otherwise
than follow the example, by the erection of some memo-
rial to the worth of one who had done so much for the
town, as Sir William Lockyer Freestun. It might be
gratifying for them to know what was the attitude of
his mind towards the latter period of his life. A very
short period before Sir William left Weymouth for the
last time, lie said to a member of his (Mr. Ragget'a)
family "You appear to be suffering under very great
affliction. You appear to be apprehensive of something
that you fear is coming upon you. As for myself I
never knew what fear was. As a soldier, I never knew
what a nervous disposition was when going into the field
of battle, and when I look forward to that period when
I shall leave this world, I hope God in his infinite mercy
will forgive all that is wrong, and I may be able to look
upon death with a smile." Now it was • great mosey
to hear a man like Sir William Freestun expressing so
much confidence in the mercy of God, and the hope that
he might be able to meet death with a smile, and resign
his latest breath without a sigh or a groan. He cordially
seconded the resolution.

Dr. SMITH said the resolution which had been
entrusted to him was one which. lie was sure would
meet with the unanimous approbation of all present.
He was certain that all would agree that they owed
to themselves the duty of perpetuating the memory of
one whom they mourned in death. He could say that
a person more patient and persevering in his affliction
than Sir William Freestun he never met with. No
matter whatever was prescribed for him he would act
up to the prescription and the advice Of his medical
attendant to the letter, and this was his conduct in
all his transactions. In his endeavour to promote the
interest' of others, he thought no trouble too great, no
difficulty too formidable. He(Dr.Sinith) had known many
men, but he never knew one, who in all occasions
manifested that strong desire to promote the benefit of
others, when his physical condition was very unequal to
the emotional feeling which his desire to good pro-
duced. He lied often seen him labouring under the
greatest excitement while perusing letters, asking for
his aid; and he had never known him receive a single
application for assistance in which he took no interest.
He was always anxious to do all the good
he could without consideration of party.
At the commencement of his last illness he (Dr. Smith)
was summoned to London, and notwithstanding the
very feeble state of health Sir William was in, he had
been to Somerset RODEO on the preceding day on behalf
of some individuals in that town—a proof that even up
to his latest period he possessed the will, as well as the
power and influence, to benefit the inhabitants of the
town of Weymouth. Bet he would not dwell upon the
many virtues possessed by Sir William. Never was the
petition of a poor widow, or indeed of any other indi-
vidual, be believed, for relief, presented to him in vain.
During the summer of last year, while they were
together at Bast Baden, he frequently received letters

asking for relief for persons residing in Woymouth, and
always did he evince the most intense interest in behalf
of his applicants. They all knew- that he was always
ready to place himself under the obligations of others
for the benefit of the inhabitants of that town. They
knew how many he had served in the way of procuring
situations; nor was his exertions exclusively in favour
of the poor, but it the Horse Guards, and at the
Admiralty, he used his influence in behalf of his more
wealthy constituents. All classes then might cordially
join in the resolution be had to propose, which was,—
"That in view of Sir William Lookyer Freestun's dis-
tinguished services to the town, and his many acts of
publio and private beneficence, it is expedient to per-
petuste his memory by the erection of a public mono-
went; and that for thapurpose a Committee be funned,
consisting of the following persons, with power to ad,l
to their number :—W. S. Ferris, Req., It. H. Swalliehl,
P 411., Dr. Sinith, the R3v. Dr. Cottle, Dr. Samson, R.
N. Howard, F. 39. Mr. J. Luadie, Mr. J. E. &hens,
Mr. H. Haggett, Esq.,
T. Anderson. Mr. R. Dames, Mr.
J. J. Rolls, Mr. H. Harris, Mr. W. Thomas, and Mr.
Stephen Brown."
Mr, ROBISNS, in seconding the resolution, felt that be
could not do justice to the subject. If his feelings
would allow him, he could say much of the private
virtues and public character of the late Sir William
Lockyer Freestun. In mourning his loss, there was
one duty they owed to themselves, and to the town,
which was to evince their gratitude in memory of one
whose every public act was based on motives the most
disinterested. and principles the most konourable—one,
the great object of whose life, was to serve others.
He had known him as intimately, perhaps, as
any person ill Weyinonth, and he could truly
say that whenever Sir William's services were wanted
for the perm and destitute, an appeal to his benevolelice
was never made in vain. Never, lie believed, was an
application made for assistance, when distress was in
the way, that did nut meet with a raaponael And his
last act that lie performed, although labouring under
much weakness and bodily infirmity, was to obtain a
pension for a widow and her four fatherless children.
He (Mr. Robens) had • letter from Sir William, written
while labouring under considerable lassitude, announcing
to him the succcess ef his application. The letter was
written with much difficulty. This was his hist public
act —an act done out of a pure niltive to
benefit others, and the doctor who attended him told
him (Mr. Robens), that the exertion had thrown him
back fully a month in his illness. Sir William's life,
when a member for that town, and afterwards when
lie went into private life, was one constant act of bene-
ficence. It was to do good that he lived, irrespective
of political considerations. That he valued his political
principles and lived up to them in the strictest sense of
the word, was well known ; but his private acts of bene-
volence were always divested of political considerations;
the only condition necessary to ensure the value of his
aid was that the aid was needed.. iNew, although he
was called from them—they thought too soon—it was
their duty to bow to the decision, and he thought all
would agree that it was their duty to show their ap-
preciation of his virtues by erecting a tribute to his wort h,
and thus showing that they could not allow snob a man
as that to pass away from amongst them unremem-
bered. _ . .

Mr. LUNDIZ moved the third and last resolution :
" That an address of condolence be prepared and signed
by the Chairman in behalf of this meeting, and pre-
sented to Lady Freestun." He was sure that this
resolution would meet with the warm approval, not
only of those present, but of the whole town. No one
would be found to begrudge that simple expression of
their feelings in her hour of sorrow to that
excellent lady, who had on all occasions nobly
seconded the endeavours of her husband in pro-
moting the benefit of the town. They had that night
heard much of Sir William Freestnn's benevolence and
charity, but the great object of their meeting was of a
practical nature, and he could tat have wished that the
whole of the town had been present, for the whole
town, more or less, either directly or indirectly, had
benefittod by his exertions and benevolence. It was
, not only the immediate personal friends whom they
might have expected to see, but even those who might
differ from them in matters of a political nature. He
was afraid that the charge against Weymouth was too
true :—" You are an ungrateful people ; you can receive,
and speedily forget the favours you have asked for."
At a meeting like that it was needless to enumerate the
many acts of benevolence both towards public insti-
tutions, and through private channels. What they
wanted to decide was the best means to perpetuate the
memory of a man who had been so great a benefactor
of the town. Some had thought that the best way
would be the erection of a handsome tablet to his
memory; but whatever shape the memorial might
take, he fully agreed with Hr. Ferris, that it ehould
be something that should meet the approval
of Lady Freestun. They were probably aware that there
was at the present moment the nenclus of a fund that
had been sometime in the hands of the committee, that
had been subscribed for the presenting to Sir William at
some future time a testimonial for his valuable services,
and he trusted that with this,and the amount that would
now ba raised, a handsome tribute to the memory of
Sir William Lockyer Freestun might be erected.
Mr. DAMEN seconded the resolution, which, as well
as the twe former ones, was carried by acclamation.
A subscription was then commenced. and £3O 9s. was
promised in the room, which with £4O already in the
Bank, amounts to S7O 9; towards the proposed
object.
A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceed-
ings.

WOODSFORD.—CHILD DROWSFD.—On Sunday
evening two children, one between 2 and 3 years of
age and the other between 6 and 7, belonging to
James Cattle, waterman on Mrs. Atkinson 's farm,
were playing on a temporary bridge thrown across a
stream for the convenience of the shepherd. They
were by sonic means overbalanced, when the elder
child caught hold of the bridge and screamed for
assistance. The younger child was precipitated into
the water, and carried down the stream about 25
yards, and was drowned. An inquest was held on
Monday, before H. Lock, Esq., when a verdict of
"Accidental Death" was returned.
BRADFORD PEVERELL. —On Tuesday, April
29, a destructive fire occurred on the premises of Mr.
Isaac Byrnes, yeoman, destroying about 50 sacks of
wheat, three straw ricks three rick staddles, sundry
farm implements, and the wood work of • thrashing
machine. It is supposed the fire was reused by a
spark from the funnel of the steam-thrashing machine
during the absence of the workmen at dinner. The
value of property destroyed is about £2OO, and we are
informed the whole is insured.
WIETCHURCH.—TEMPERANCIt SOCISTY.—On
Thursday evening, in connection with the above
society, a public meeting was held in the National
schoolroom, kindly lent by the Rev. G. Maxwell:
Mr. W. Gregson, agent to the West of England
Temperance Association, gave the address, abounding
with narratives, and freighted with searching sterling
thoughts. Many and weighty were the reasons he
brought forward for total abstinence. There was a
large attendance, and all seemed highly pleased and
interested in the forcible and telling statements qf
the lecturer. J. C. Mansel, Esq., (who, though
not a teetotaler, takes great interest in the move-
ment,) ably occupied the chair. The brass band
played several selections of music during the evening,
and concluded the meeting with the National
Anthem.

STURMINSTER NEWTON.—The Lord Bishop
of the Diocese, on the presentation of the Right Hon.
George Pitt Rivers, Lord Rivers of Rushmore-
lodge, has instituted the Revs Richard Lowndes,
clerk, MA., to the vicarage of Sturminster Newton,
in the county of Dorset, vice the Rev. Thomas
Henry Lane For, deceased. The late Curate of
Stnrminster Newton, the Rev. John Wade Shelton,
clerk, 8.A., has been licensed to the curacy of
Durweston, with Bryanston, Dorset, on thelomi-
nation of the Hon. and Rev. Sidney GodolPin
Osborne, the rector. -
- -

BLANDFORD.—Bnmsn Soloot.—This school
on Thursday afternoon received a visit from C.
Vardy, Esq. Inspector of the Borough Road School,
London. At the close of his examination he ex-
pressed himself satisfied with the attainments of
the children, and the discipline that prevaikd in the
school, and commended the teacher, Mr. Robinson,
for the evident progress that had taken place since"
his last visit.

-- -
•WAREHAM. —On Monday, an inquest was held
before G. Symonds, Esq. n the parish of St
Martin, on the body of Fredericki Dean, aged 1 year
and 9 months. The child was on its way to join
some other children at 'ray,- iti 'doing which;
it had to pass a pond. The mother saw the
child about twenty yards from the pond, and in
two or three minutes afterwards told her daughter to
look out of the door to see if he had joined the ,
others. In consequence of what her daughter told
her she ran to the pond, and found the child lying
on its back in the water. Means were used to
restore animation, but without avail. Verdiut,
" Accidental Death."
POOLE.—Prince Arthur arrived at Poole in the
steam yacht Fairy, accompanied by Major
Eiphinstone and the Rev. J. ,W. Jolly, on
Saturday, and remained till Monday. On Sunday
crowds of people visited the yacht and its noble
freight.
I ILLEGALLY DEMANDING TOLL—At our Petty
Sessions last week, George Gooden, toll collector,
was summoned by Compo Primaveria, of Wareham,
for demanding and receiving 3d. for a horse and gig
on Sunday, the complainant being on his way to lie
usnal place of worship. The complainant is a
Roman Catholic, and in consequence of there being
no chapel at Wareham, decided on attending the
Roman Catholic chapel at Poole. On arriving at
Longfleet gate he related the particulars of his errand
to the defendant, who, notwithstanding, refused to
let him pass without payment. The demand was
paid, and hence these proceedings. The Bench
ordered the amount of toll to be returned, and the
defendant to pay the costs.
FAWCONER s CRARITT. —On Easter Monday 210 six-
penny loaves of bread —Fawconer's charity—were dis-
tributed to the poor of this tows by Mr. Moore, church-
warden, at the vestry-room.
DRUNKENNESS. -- On Friday, the 25th nit. . a man
named Tubbs, described as a native of Poole, was
ordered by the magistrates to pay a fine of ss. and costs,
for drunkenness and disorderly conduct, or to be placed
six hours in the stocks.
WIMBOItNE. -VOLUNTEER BAZAAR. —We are

happy to bear that the proceeds of the bazaar held
last week in support of the funds of the Wimborne
Rifle Volunteer Corps, realised a sum exceeding
£3OO.
CONCEALMEST 01 CHILDBIRTH. —lt will be re-
membered that about a fortnight since an inquest
was held on the remains of a newly-born infant that
had been dug up in tha garden of Mrs. Brett, of
Westborough in this town. It was well known who
had given birth to the child, as the cook, who had

abscaided, wiui the only penon left in charge of the
house during Mrs. Brett 's absence from home, and
who, on her return mei tainsd from what she saw
in the house what lad taken place, The remains of