The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1876-02-29 00:00:00

OLD FRIENDS' ANNIVERSARY.

The Vicl-Cnstanax said the next toast was one which
they would receive very heartily; it was that of their
worthy Chairman. Ile hail presided over them for three
years, and he honed that he would he spared for many
years to come to till a similar potition—(applatue). When
it was mentioned M the lodge that Mr. Burnett had con-
sented to preside everybody wan delighted, and they all
sc.treed it could not be left in better hands---fapplatimA
lie a.ked them to " Drink the Health of the Chairman,"
with musical honours, which was accordingly done, the
clierrins being vociferou:.

The (Imams's sail he thanked them most s'ncerely for
the hearty way in which his health hail been received, and
for the kind wont* of the vice-chairman. He hoped he
lid :lit be spared to come among them for many years.
Mr. Street had said the honorary members ought to attend
their meetings, and lie (Mr. Burnett) should be very
happy, and he was sure the other hon. members would he
equally sa, to render them every possible assistance they
could —(iipplause). They only reqiiired to be asked to
come among them. lie hiYI attended their anniversary
slippersl for three venni, had paid his footing, and c,m-
sidered himself an Ohl Friend, and if there was any further
onleal to go through he was was quite prepared to undergo
it —(applause). If they wanted any advice he should be
very pleased to render it, and he would not charge them
the usual 6s. gd. —(laughter, and applause). He felt sure
every hon. member was ready to give up time and
comforts for their good —(applausc).
Bro. STREET sang "The Enithsliman."
Bro. Bsaoic proposed "The Mayor ana Corporation of
the Borough of Dorchester," During the past few years
some " new blood" had been infused into the Corporation
and it seemed to be of the "right sort." Ile hoped that
as the old members dropped off, there would be new ones
come forward, who would fulfill their duties as well. They
(the Old Fnends) were very pleased, and felt highly
honoured, in seeing three members of the Corporation
present, and he should have very great pleasure in
coupling their named with the toast—(three times three
cheers).

Dr. ALDRIDOE responded Ile felt very much obliged,
and thanked them on behalf of the Mayor and Corpora-
tion for the compliment paid them. Ile had been 30
years in the Council and he did not think Bro. Barge in
speaking of the "new blood.' meant to give him the hint
that it was time for him and the old members to retire
—C' No, no.-) But if they thought it was, they had only
to give him the hint and he should be very happy to
retire in favour of a younger man—(" No, no.") The
Corporation had very onerous duties to perform, every
member was interceded in the the welfare of the borough.
and each one did his best to promote the interest of every
section of the inhaliitant*, whether the gentrY, mechanics
or the labouring eI:L.,. —(applause, and a voice, "Don
pull down the tree,"; The members of the Council did
not always see ahlo., they were of different opiniont and
each one endeavoured to to what he thought was best.
Ile like) to net those differences as it showed that all
classes would he represented, and that they were not all
sailing in one boat—(applause). Alluding to the question
of the trees Dr. Aldridge said he thought the Council had
come to • right decision that day--(" No, no.) Well, they
did not all see alike, but there was information which he
hoped would shortly he given to thorn, and when they
had that information, and the whole plan decided on by
the Council, he felt they would all coins to the same
decision as the Town Council. Ile had not intended to
have said anything on the subject that evening. Ili it was
hardly decided yet: but his over-zealous friend,—
(laughter)—had mentioned the matter. It was intended
to let the land out for building purposes, at a small
ground rent for 99 years, so that members would have an
opportunity of becoming the owner, of that which would
be almost as good as freehold, and which would enohle
the working classes to build a number of houses at •
nominal payment of about a sovereign as ground rent. He
again thanked them for their kindness, and assured
them that they would continue to do what they thought
was best for the town, and he hoped that the Council
would have their respect and esteem for many years to
come--(applause.)
Song by Mr. J. Guy, ' The Four Jolly Smithx"
Bro. BARRETT proposed "Kindred Societies" and wished
them every success.
Bro. CHM secretary the "Bait of Hope" Lodge
responded for the aldfellows, remarking that they
were in a prosperous state RA to members and friends
and Bro. Geo. Franklin replied for the Ancient Order of
Foresters.
The Ciisthits9 said he had to propose the next tout
which was that of the " Vice-Chairman.- He had dis-
charged his duties that evening very satisfactorily, had
been of great assistance to him, and he would ask them
to drink his health with musical hononrs.
. .

ir,":ll:Wiarn—r.rpos`n",irn—g .....7il:l7;fielt "rather out
of place" that evening, but if he had been of any service
to them ho was pleased.
Song by Mr. fiTesby and one by Mr. J. You, "Love
among the Roses.'
. . .

The Vice-Chairman gave "The Town and Trade of
D frches:er," It had somewhat inereased of late, but be
thought there was plenty of room for improvement
Mr. .1. BRAKE replied. Ile had been Over 40 years in
lousiness in the town and hoped when he had done he
should settle down quietly in their midst, and not de as
many others, carry the money he had made In the town
and vpenel it elsewhere—bapplausel
Bro. BARGE, then gave "The health of the Medical
I officer." Ile remarked that the prosperity of the society
depended very ls upon the medical officer. They had
the utmost confidence in their doctor a, he was the
medical officer of several other societies and knew the
whole routine of their working. He expressed the hope
that Dr. Aldridge might be spared for many years and
when he had finished he hoped they would have a. good
a successor. The toast WM received with musical honours
and "one more" for the doctor's assistant, Mr. Oliver.
Or. ALDRIDGE in responding said he felt he could
address them sm " Brether Old Friends" as there were
fumy old friends present, some of whom he bast known
for a number of years. He had been connected with the
society for more than a year, and he thanked them for the
kindness they had shown him. He felt the responsibility
of his position, but he had taken a great interest in these
societies. Many years ago when they were first started
they were looked down upon with contempt, but he felt
they would be of great benefit to the working classes, and
he and a few others had stood by them, and had done their
best to advance their interests—(applause). He looked
upon them as one of the greatest institutions of our
as they helped them to provide for the future. Many
years ago he load advorated their GUAR, he remembered
.lung ton in "old Standiales tnaltkouse "—Omar, hear, from
Mr. Drake),—and he felt that there was a good deal of
heroism in its members —a moral heroism—which was
greater than physical—and which did each of them credit
—they united themselves together for the welfare of a large
pm-hemp( the community. Its thought the •intentimt of the
-ecretary spoke wonders for the society. For :1,000 nient•
here to be able to pay £l,OOO was one of the greatest argu-
ments in favour of such societies, and he was pleased that
after paving . much they had a balance to go forward
with. He was very anxious, as their medical officer, that
no one shooild be initiated who was not healthy, hut a great
deal reste.l upon the members themselves as to the class
~f men that were admitted. A man might be brought to
him to he examined who may be of sound health tint his
conduct might not be very good. Thus the onus of finding
out his character rests with the members. To admit those
who led reckless lives would be fatal to their suCCISAA as
such men generated diseases which would show itself after
a few years, and lie urged them to bring forward no one
who was of bad habits. In conclusion he expressed the
hope that they might go on for some years together and he
wished them every prosperity—(applause).
The CHAIRMAN proposed "the Ladies" and Mr. OLIVER
responded, the company heartily singing "Here's a health
to all good lasses."
Mr. Barrett here announced that the owner of the house
had requested that the company should have their glasses
filled, and this was done preparatory. to the
VICIt•CHABOSIN proposing "The health ,•1. the honorary
Members," which was drunk in a bumper. He was
pleased that they had a good sprinkling of honorary
members in their society, amongst the eldest being Mr.
Gregory, who with the rhairman and the others were at
all times anxious to do what they could for the good of the
so&tyz-Blopnlatoset

The members and friends of the Dorchester Lodge
id the Improved Order of Ohl Friends sadebrated their
13th anniversary on Thursday evening at the Ph•enix
Inn, where their ineetinga are hell
There was • large attendance, over gi• sitting down, and
we need hardly say that Mr. and Mrs. Barrett placed on
the tables an excellent spread, including among the
vegetables roue capital green peas, and, as was remarked
by the Chairman at the close, they seemed to improve
each time of catering. Everybody was well satisfied, and
the meeting was a great success. The room was neatly
decorated for the occasion. Over the I %airman were the
words " Success to Old Friends," with the emblems of
the Order, and facing, at the back of the ViceAlmirinan,
was the motto " Unity and true friendship." Facing the
entrance were the words " Love the Brotherhood." and
opposite "Plead for the Widows."
The chair was occupied by Mr. Councillor K Burnett,
who has filled that position for three years in succession,
and he was supported on his right by Councillor Dr.
Aldridge, the surgeon to the lodge, and on the left by Mr.
Councillor G. J. G. Gregory. Amongst those present we
noticed--Messrs. J. Drake, W. Oliver, H. Barnes, J. Guy,
W. Chick, V. J. Holland. J. Voss, H. .1. Landscheit,
J. Wood, W. T. Wallis, S. Martin, C. Bryer, B. Grassby,
W. Wilson, J. Barge (secretary to the lodge), J. Harris
Vice-Chairman), /Lc.
. . .

Alter the removal of the cloth. the CUAIRNAN proposed
" the health of the Ilueen," reniarkin4 it was always the
first toast on the list in all such asseiulilies of English-
men.

In giving the " Prince and Prince.. of Wales and the
rest of the Royal Family," the CHAIRMAN said the toast
should be drunk here as heartily as in any part of the
country, a, the Prince of Wales iwnel large properties in
and around the town. The Prince's visit to India had
been undertaken for the lienedt of this country, and to
advance the cause of unity and true friendship —(hear,
hear). The Duke of Edinburgh was becoming very popular,
and was doing much to cultivate the love of music. The
Duke of Connaught was likely to become one of our chief
soldiers, whilst Prince Leopold would be one of the iirst
statesmen in the House of lords; in fact there was not a
member of the Royal Family but was useful, and doing
good in somo way or other—(applause). He gave thou
the toast with much pleasure, and it was heartily
received. . .

The Vick-Ussiamei gave the " Bishop and Clergy. and
Ministers of all Denominations." Ile remarked that
although there was no member of that body present, they
would receive the tout as heartily, and created a little
laughter by jocularly saying he would return thank in
their behalf I

"—Cnit—by Hour.so : "Theodore's Valiant Amy."
The Virs-Citsiamas gave "The Army, Navy, snit
Reserve Forces. .

The CHAIRMAN responded for the Militia, whom he
characterised as the sinews of the British arniy--(hear,
hear). Although he luid resigned his commission in the
Dorset Militia after 13 years service, it was a great effort
to separate himself from them. He felt certain that if
ever their services were required they would do their
duty, and in case of a war they would have to depend
much on the Militia—(applause).
Corporal Cutca, as the oldest volunteer preseot,
responded for that branch of Her Majesty's service. After
Id years experience he could say that the volunteers were
always ready to do their duty. Ile hop.l, however that
they would never be called upon for active service, but if
they were he felt sure they would all do their duty with
that gallantry and pluck which had always characterised
the British Army —(applause).
Song by Mr. THORNE : "Provide for a rainy day."
The CH•IRMAN e4id the toad he had to propose MS4 the
toast of the evening, "Success to the Grand Alfred Lodge
of the Improved Order if Old Friends, and of the Dorches-
ter Branch." He should not enter into statistics, but
xbould leave that for their secretary, Mr. Barite 110 had
been told that during the past year they had suffered
'ouch from nickne... but he was ploaxed that althou4h
they had paid out • large sum, they were still saving
money. He wished them every poasible success and hoped
they would each adopt the motto of the last song, sad by
joining this society "provide for a rainy day"—(applauxe).
Ile gave them the toast with much pleasure and it WAS
drunk amid tremendous cheering.
Mr. J. Beads, the secretary, replied. After thanking
them for en heartily receiving the toast he said that during
the past year they had had a very heavy pull on their
funds, but he was happy to say they had been enabled to
pay every claim, and t save money —(.ipplause). The
Order now ordered 3.2tei members, and they hat paid
during the year £2,532 N. 7,1. in sick allowances; pensions
had amounted to laZi 17s. L;• death pay to .el,tele ;
allowances for losses by live to lia. lal.; making a total
of £1,319 04. sd. This was a tremendous pull on the
number of rueinbers, hut tor all that they now hail a
capital of .C 5.520 Ss. —(applause). It was gratifeinite
know, too, that they had met all their claims at once. 3M
new members had been initiated during the year, and in
the same time they haul had 1,131 on the funds receiving
sick pay. el members hal died during the saine per xl
and 31 members' wives, making • total of lei. Speaking of
the Dorchester lodge, the secretary said that they were
only a branch of the order and paid all the money into the
general fund in London. Since their formation they had
been very prosperous, and if they had kept their teals
here they would have had a capital of about 11,5ei).
During the 13 years of their existence there had been 231
members, bat many had left the town and others h
died. Now there was the goodly number of 110, and he
hoped that if spared to meet them next year under similar
I circumstances they would have at least 214)—(applause).
They had had noise "new his xl" join them this last year,
and he hoped that these would bring others with them,
and that the next year would be still inore prosperous
—(applause). lie again thanked them heartily for so
kindly receiving the toast
Bro. STRIZT, P.N.0.F., also replied in a hearty speech.
He was one of those who helped to start this lodge, and
was very pleased to bear of their success. He considered
they were doing a vast amount of good, and they deserved
more support than they received. The members joined
these societies and paid their money in order to receive
benefits when sick, and cash one on an average received
seven days sick ine in a Year. But for all that they could
show certificates which would prove that they were salt-
supporting. tie urged the importance of the gentry
coming more among them that they might ascertain 1
particulars as to their mode of working. It was not 1
enough for the Town Councillors to come and dine with
them once a year and pay their subscriptions, and then not
to come neer them for • twelvemonth. He invited them to
come to their lodge meetings every fortnight or every
month, so that they might aid them by their intelligence
and giving them advice, and in doing what they could to
help them on—(applause).
Song by Mr. WaLus: " You'll remember me."
The Vice-Clumsier proposed "The health of the
borough member, Mr. W. E. Bryiner," who, he remarked
had done much good in the town, especially by giving a
donation to the hospital, and money for coals to be
distributed among the poor—(applause). The toast was
received with three times three.
Bro. Lueas then sans a patriotic song entitled "The
at Delhi."

Mr. 0.. J. GRZOORT was exceedingly obliged for the
honour they had done him in drinking his health. lie had
been an honorary member from its commencement, and
he was so of all the other societies in the town—(applause).
'fig heart and soul were in the interests of all the members
—(applause). They had had • good deal of sickness. yet
had a good balance in hand, and this was very gratifying.
Ile had as often espresso' his views with regard to these
societies that he did not think it would Ise necessary for
bin, to reiterate them that evening. he could only express
the wish that he might lie spared for many years to meet
them on such occasions as the present, and he equltl assure
them that he should be always happy to give them advice
or,to render them any assistance ho could —(applause).

Song by Mr. Heath.
The VICE4CHURN/0, gave "The Press," and it was
acknowledged by Nte.i.o.r. Bradley and Franklin as repre-
sentatives of the Clarnaide. and Raprest and Tel,grout.
Mr. MAII.OI proposed "The Visitors," and Mr. Brainy
replied in • speech of some length, lie said he hoped their
Vhairman as • larger would attend their next meeting
and explain the Friendly Society's Act, and point out any-
thing he might consider defective therein. The speaker
roundly condemned the Government for interfering with
these societies, and mentioned what he considered to
he defects in their measure, averring them was
ton much " red-tap." about the whole matter and
stating that poor widows were being continually robbed
of their shillings in order to procure necessary certificates
before receiving their funeral allowances, lie said they
should each stand hard against interference on the
Part of any Government with their funds, as the inoney
was theirs ; the Government had never contributed a
fraction t.43Mild, their support, and why should they
interfere with them? lie looked upon lawyers and doctors
as necessary evils —(Latighter)—and remarked that the less
they had M Is with them the better, and with this most
agreed ; but the speaker was growing " warm," his
remarks were rather lengthy, and it was too late for •
longer speech on that occasion, an.l the gentleman from
" the land of ,tone" war requested to resume his seat,
which he wittintiy did, amid cheers.

The ell URN tN then proposed the "unit and Hostess."
. nrieh praise could not he Ivestowsol on Mr. and Mrs.
Barrett for the excellent "spume they had ',two.' heifer°
them. and it .cnted no if it was better each time they
estored —(applaUta
Mr. MRRITT respuided in a neat speech, an.l
"i bir Next Merry Meeting" was shortly alter Oven by
the CH 11RY tri, who remarked that he 'lid not think they
could have a better motto for the close than that at his
back. " Success to 014 Friends." He gave theta that
with mach pleasure. and we need hardly say that the
worthy president retire.l amid tremendmis cheering. which
a wag toll no he distinctly heard at the town pump, and
whirh we deal for a moment doubt.

The pleasure.' of tho evening were c mtinued till '
uudit.anl then ended the 13th and most successful
anniversary of this useful friendly society.

OWNERS OF LIND.

The following ho a return of the owners of land
I' "Aaeviiii.: 2000 acre,' and upward'', or with a rental of
I:2,000 per annum, in the county of Direct in tars,
extracted from the return prexented to Parliament by
order of Her Ilajenty.

Estimated
Owner. Address. Acres. Rental
Bunke*, E , Egon of Studiand .• • 2.005 1.103
&mikes Wslter R. Kingston Lacer 10,1)'5 10,951
11...1f0ni, Doke of Woburn Abbey 3.112 3903
Emi.Rer• Ssl Creels Grange, Wareham 2,039 3.229
Itn.uncker. F. Ringwood . 2,111 1,302
Rrytuer, E. W. Dorchester I,SII 5,192
Bullock, GT. East Coker •• • 2.199 2,524
Colcraft, John Hales Corfe Castle ... 4,510 4,503
Cainbridge, If. P. Weymouth ... 3,7115 1,931
Churchill, G. Wimborne ... • 2.1q4 2.217
Hamer, I.:ap• LS.W.D. Grosvenor-square 2E15 2,715
Digby, Geo. D. W. Sherbome Castle ... 21.451 32,312
Dras, Caroline S. E. Charbarou2h Park.. 5.533 .I,llr.
Drag, J. S. W. S. E. Charborough Park._ 6,300 7,A4
Drag, Miss Charborough Park... 2,0:13 2,443
Duchy of Cornwall . . . 3.193 7,399
Egginton. Mrs. Here Regis . . 5,301 2,7*1
Eldon, Earl of Code Castle 11,1321 9422
Guest,Sir Ivor 8., 14owlais,MerthyrTydril 12.030 17,443
(Sundry, Josh. Bridport EMS 2,5124
ilainbro, Baron Illandford . • • 5.231 5,5 d
lianibro, C. J. I'. Milton Abbey 3.3191 3,1111
Henley, Lunt Watford Court, Rugby 2.338 2.4123
Hoare. Sir It A. Stourhead House, Wilts tell 3,152
Ilchester, Earl of Mellniry House ... 15,981 10.515
Ker-Seyiner, Mrs. E. H., Hanford . 2.235 2,916
Mansel•Pleydell, .1. C. lAngthorn 1,435
Marriott, SirW.H. S., Down House, Bland-
f ord _ 3, WI 3,955
Oglander, Sir H. Parnham, Bamminster 3.959 4,113
Portman, Lord Bryanston 7,793 2.470
Rivers, Lord Rushmore •• • 21.912 11.032
Salisbury, Marquis of Hatfield 3.115 2,1122
Sandwich, Earl of Groevenorequare 5.12r1
Shaftesburv, kart of St. Oiles's House ... 13.579 12,530
Sheridan, It. R. Frampton 11,104 12,7 r,
Sturt, li. G. Critcheil . • 11,211 10,073
Trenchant, H. L. D. Lytchett Rairavers 2,531 3.107
Wel.L Edward Josh Lulworth Castle .. 15,178 13,071
Westminster, Dow-
ager Marchioness Motcombolioass 8,711.1 21.465

Williams, Robert Littlebredy 3,733 5.800 TIIE PRINCE IN INDIA.."
Wynford, Lord Park-place,
_StJames' 4,810 3.311 I The Prince of Wales and the Itgyal Nut.
Yeatinan, :Sarah Stock-Gaylard 2,0111 2.901) exciting smart in Nepani. At the 774,11164
itw.iers of land of one acre and upwards, 3400 ; number chase a wild rosnie delthedi wan capt
of acres, 571,757: gross rental, .M 7 ,341. Owneri of b-ss tigers and one panther have been sh.d tits inai" ri; "r•
than one acre, 7191; acres, 101 ; groat rental, .£ll7,:sitt log under the 13rince s ride. ILI Roy- Hight, 41'
Eitiinsteil extent of cumin .04 or waste land in the , the party are well.
minty, 13,751 acres, waken.; a grsnd total of—owners,
1101E1; acres, 547,110 ; and cm., rental. .C.:55.311

MAMSTR.ITES AND THEATRICALS.
In the Crewe, division of the e,einiy of 'labs.,
mazistrates seem ‘letermined to sweet, atca..
thea.
At the la 4 Nantwich swishing they refos,,( to littlest'.
theatre here, and had at the same time before them
11.4loway then manager, fur perr,rining pis). sitszim
licenre.
case wow .16111iwo/N1 on MI llbllerstAwli that the otroww WaS lint 10 relWilel. T/w
they considered that such entertainments were alai ~.
ducive to morality. Notwithstanding this en
defendant continued the play two days. Luger, atej",.;
Saturday he was recharged. 'the defence was that, sisS;
ferenoe to the desire .4 the tuagistzate4, the m.o. s
withdrawn and a miscellaneous concert substituted
order to raise funds to leave the town with.
imposed a penalty of .C 2 and costs, or twentyrons-i;i;
imprisonment with hard labour.

AGRIKLER TO THE REV. FLAVEL COOK
Veil-1 do like pluck—and thaw in 2,141:10the441
your mistook.
I do admire conzistency—zo well done Merster
I likes • man Ls ea upright, downstraaight, and joota
Blunt,
And as never licks hes words back when bee once ,ed
'No, I wuut."
A man as sticks to what ho thenks es proper, right, and
true,
E 4 tha stuff thay miade tha martyrs on dree hundmlyean
Acin spwite o' ledge and jury, WI comic out
strong,
Ta 1...3re° a man ta do a theng lies conscience zw*
wrong.
Tes a rummy zort o' doctrine, ef tha inference we dray
As a man mid get tha impel by tha pressure o' tha lid.
But he as goes Is laayers vor tha siavin of be. soul.
Ull rind at last, l'spect, tha grist es skeersly wutli the
towL
A Isayer es a necessary evil ef you will,
But alias let tha one as vust employs un jucy tha
Tiake my advice— till off yer sticks, and baulk tLic other
chap.
Then no iuivrisoninent for debt—l vvoodnt paay a ran_
Ten true you II loose yer Hein, vor that I shooden care,
Vor evry honist man nil zaay, your, &led in tha spur.
Let this Waver paay she bayers, and webby then tai
vind.
El he doant believe in divils, as he'll hey ta chaange
mind.

MARRIAGE LICENCES,
When some future Buckle or some Tame yet unises
diseournes on English civilisation in the nineteenth
century, the philosophical historian will have, it Is to he
feared, a great deal to say concerning the wanton and
prodigal luxury which marked our age. It may be that
among the charges of extravagance brought azainst es
will be that of having *pent, during the year 1475, ..•lue.
thing like .I=l.lloo on articles of • virtually ornamental
nature, termed marriage licences. There were no fewer
than 10,585 of these curious matrimonial permits iseied
in the course of the last twelve mouths. and it., duty
upon them amounted to £5.427 ; but the licencc .
whole—parchment, seal, affidavit, the Primate's
and all—costs two guineas and • half. Special and genera
licenses must be procured through personal applicana
by one of the parties concerned to • proctor and either
the intending bride or bridegroom must have resided for
at least 21 days in the parish or district where it is pea
nosed that the marriage shall be soleinnined. If either
lady or the gentleman be • minor an extra fee of V.( a
guinea is charged. An extra special license cannot is
obtained except by the ionising of the archiepi..opal
and, as • rule, in only granted to the nobility, the jai:es,
members of Parliament, and other persons of .11.tiorti,a
This ultra-refined luxury coats 1.15 guineas, and entitlesthe
holder to be married when ansi whet,- be ple.a.„.itho
in any church or chapel nituated rpgja.d. ,in
private residence of Benedick or Bear's, pmvidel thst
time nuptial ceremony is performed by a clerk in holy
orders of the Established Church. It is scarcely necessary
to observe that no British subject resmiren the penal..e
of his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury in order to get
married, but it may not be inexpedient to point out that
in nine cases out of ten the money spent hi the purchase
of marriage licenses is so much cash wholly and hopelessly
thrown away.