The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1865-04-04 00:00:00

TgE OROPOSib dint( ficHbOts.

The TOWN CLIRK having read the minutes of the Use
meeting, read the following report :—" The committee,
at a very fully attended meeting, have gone into a oon-
bideration of the important question referred to them,
namely, that of providing a new and enlarged Corn
Exchange, and better accommodation for the markets
generally, and they have anxiously considered whether
the object which all have in view can be best obtained
by the acquisition of a new site for the Exchange, or
by an entire re-arrangement of the present Markot-
house premises. After a full dismission of all the dr-
cumetanees, it Wda thi opinion df a majority of the com-
mittee that it was desirable that any additienal market
accommodation should be provided on the site of the
present corporate property, adjoining the Guildhall,
whilst the opinion of the minority was that the mein•
pation of such site for a Corn Exchange would prevent
any adequate accommodation for the sale of meat and
other articles of consumption as well as any enlarge.
ment of the market area, if such should be found neces-
sary hereafter, and that on that account a new site was
preferable. It Will rest with the Council to determine
between these conflicting opinioils, and if the former be
affirmed, how far it will be desirable to make the fe-
arrangemnt of the whole market premises a subject of
open competition."
The MAYOR said the committee had taken this subject
into their very serious consideration, and after having
spent some hours in deliberating upon this matter, had
resulted in the report now presented.
Alderman ENSOR moved that the report be received
and entered o the minutes.
. . .

Mr. FROUD t We should not be bound by it on either
side, should we/
The Matoß : Oh, no.
Mr. Alderman BNISOR Said, patienCe and perseverance
were twid 'ridden which he did flatter himself he
poilieased south nall ahem of. It was 14 montha ago
sidle that clubstlon cede before the notice Of the Genral
Purposes Committee, when Mr. Mondey Was instructed
to prepare a plan, which had been presented. That
AM not approved of; other plans had been produced,
and other situations suggested, but up to the present
time nothing had been brought before the Council
which had been considered available. The objection to
the plan which he had produced was that there
WWI no frontage, and three or four farmers, and
also , some at the members of the Council
preOrred hating. II frontage in the Main street,
He then amended. that Plan; arid it A future dry
prepared and presented another Ohei but still theta
was an objection to it, and it was considered that some
other site and plan were preferable. Although this
matter had been for 14 months before the notice of the
Council he had not seen anything which had superseded
the plans he had laid before them. He thought that
whatever plan might be adopted that the farmers,
merchants, End dealers tom:meted with the corn and
seed trade of the town should have their interests at'
tended to, and that their oonvenienoe should be °dn.
I suited. He maintained that • Corn Exchange, accord.
ing to his plan, 65 feet by 30, could be built at a cost of
£6OO, front which a revenue of about £6O a year would
be obtained, whereas if £3,000 were laid out no more
' than £6O • year would be realized fdr tile outlay.
Mr. GAGNE considered Mr. Ens& was incdrfece, and
not justified in making each a statement.
Mr. COOMBS ioluired of Mr. Ensor how it waN that
these entree bad tercel so materially. When he first
brought the sebj before the Cettricll he gate them to
understand that the income of the Corti Exdiringe
would be doubled; now he seemed to be of opinion that
it would coarsely make any difference.
Mr. Erma said whereas by the present Corn
Exchange the Council only derived £3O a year, by
having a new one they would make £6O.
Mr. BISHOP inquired how Mr. Ensor purposed ob-
taining the other £6O
Mr. Elation replied by the incressed,attendanoe at the
market, and by placing placards about the wens if the
Exchange. Another source of revenue could also be
made, and which he had no doubt could be made to '
pay, and that was by having standings upon which
farmers could place pint or quart samples of seed or
corn.
Mr. BISHOP said that was a subject which had been
before disousaed, and it was considered that no ad- '
ditional soiree of income would arise from Mr. Ensor's
plan on that Point. lie aontidered,that an additional 1
source of income could be derived if the ripe& ter the
Exchange were increased so that additional standinrs
might be'plaoed therein, and also a room erected avail-
able for different purposes.
Mr. Cooling .aid he believed the committee recom-
mended remodelling the present market. Had that
report been received?
The MAYOR :It has been received, and entered on the
minutes.
Mr. Efewor remarked that the Council were now in
somewhat the seine Position as if the report had not
been read.
Mr. ENSOE said be considered they Were fio* ill the
same position as if • word had never been said on the
subject.
Mr. COOMBS did not think such was the case, because I
they had the report of the committee before them, in
which they recommended the retaining of ths present
site and the remoddling of the markets, so that the
question of moting into another site was now shut up
if the report was adopted.
Mr. BISHOP reminded Mr. Coombs that there Was a
clause in the report by which they had another
alternatite.
Mr. STEELE inquired if any ettortli had been Made to
obtain another site, as he had heard out of doors that
such was possible. If such could be obtained he
thought they should put their shoulders to the wheel
and have • Corn Exchange worthy of the town. As a
proof of what other towns were doing in this respect he
alluded to the new Corn Exchanges which had recently
been opened at Devizes and Basingstoke.
The MAYOR said at the committee meeting that
subject was very fully discussed, and more especially
the site which had been conridered by many persons as
being most preferable, namely that of the George, but
on a division that was overruled by a majority of one,
it being considered that the present site might be made
available for all the requirements of the markets. He '
must confess that the George site had always appeared
to him as being the most eligible. It was in a good
situation, with • good frontage, and plenty of room,
and a site which was in every respect adapted for • Corn
Exchange. It had, however, been decided that the
present site of the Coin Exchange should be retained,
and it was considered that by a different arrangement
of the market this step would be satisfactory in all
respects. The owner of the Geore, Mr. Williams, had
been most anxious to meet the Council in every
way, and had offered the site at a very reduced
rate. In a conversation he (the Mayor) had
bad with him, Mr. Williams had informed him that
anything he could do to promote the object the Council
bad in view, he should be only too happy to do.
Mr. STRILIC considered that it would be a great piece
of neglect if the Council did not secure the George site.
Mr. VERNON said if he were Mr. Williams he should
be very glad to dispose of the property at • cheap rate,
as he should like to have an Exchange opposite his
!bank.
The hfatoß considered it was most unbecoming in Mr.
Vernon co make such • remark • Mr. Williams had no
personal motive at all in the metier. He (the Mayor)
contended that no such motive had ever entered Mr.
Williams's mind as had been imputed by Mr. Vernon.
Mr. VERNON replied that no one slid so. He
only said that if he were Mr. Williams he should be
happy to dispose of the property ala low rate, for he
should like to have an Exchange opposite his bank.
Mr. COOMBS remarked that he did not know who
would be so foolish as not to wish to have • market

opposite his plaee of busdtises. The Council seemed to
be wandering, and he shonld therefore move that the
report be adopted. He was in favour of the George
site, but having been beaten in committee, and as it wan
no use rolling this matter over and over, be was induced
to make this motion.

Mr. RAYNE seconded the proposition, and remarked
that he thought it would be the height of imprudence
to lay out £B,OOO fdr an Eachange.
Mr. Coomits : I do not say that.
Mr. HAYNE : I think It k‘ottld, when you can get
the same for £6OO. From what I heard from dealers
and farmers on Saturday, I think they will be well con-
tented with Mr. Ensor's plan. . . .

Mr. GALPIN said he snp'posed he must now take the
last opportnnity of expressing his deep regret at the
Council coming to the determination which they had
arrived at. He was sorry that such a great opportunity
had been lost in improving the market, and also the
town in general. In committee he agreed with Mr.
Coombs, but as they were outvoted he now fell in with
the report of the committee, otherwise it was of no
usAr ask them to take the labour which they had done.
A et, however, they had nct seen anything Which
wort d afford additional accommodation in the present
site. After some further observations he alluded to
what had been done by the inhabitants of Basingstoke
for erecting a Corn Exchange, remarking that the one
which had been lately opened was 95 feet long. 57 wide,
and 33 in height, This it appeared was something like
what Dorchester requirod if proper accommodation were
to be provided.
—_.. . . . .

Mr.rVZIINON reminded Mr. Oalpin that Basingstoke
was a town of far greater importance than Dorchester,
for there • large cheese market was held.
Mr. Bissrrr replied the cheese market was at
Bishopstoke not Basingstoke.
Mr. VERNON said Basingstoke had not only a good
oorn market, eat it was only about 40 miles from
London, and tlierefore the market was of far greater
importance than Dorchester.

Ml. LOCK considered the Council had now arrived at
a point from whence they could proceed. As far as
markets were concerned the Council were all actuated by
one wish, that was to provide as good a market as
possible for all attending it. With regard to the site
he had no hesitation in saying that the premises in and
about the Townhall were quite sufficient for all the
purposes required, and he thought the best way would
be to mvite plans and specafications for laying out the
market to the best advantage.
. . . . .

Mr. ENSOIt : And take down the Towohall.
Mr. Look continued that by re.arrangiog the poultry,
vegetable, and butchers' markets, there wonld be
sufficient room between the Townhall and poultry
market to provide sufficient accommodation for
the purposes desired if economically and properly
laid out: but by simply converting this vacant piece of
ground into a poultry and corn-market. leaving the
butchers' and vegetable markets in their present con-
dition, would be a great act of imprudence Thinking,
in committee, that the space in and about the Townhall
was sufficient for all purposes, was the reason whioh
induced him to take the course he had in voting in
ftivOut of this site. Having done that be felt it to be
his duty to advOcate the subject further, and he thought
they should invite plans and specifications from
architects and others who would be willing to give
them such for laying out this space fOr the butchers'
poultry, vegetable, and corn markets.
After some further discussion the report was received
and adopted, six voting in its favour, four against, and
two remaining neutral.
. .

Mr. Locx proposPd that plans and specifications be
invited for re-arranging the present markets most
economically and usefully, and that a premium of 20
guineas be offered for the best plan, and five guineas for
the second best plan.
Aldefulan &MOB asked who was to instruct the
architects who mien be Willing to send in plans as to
what was wanted? How wad it possible for any man,
except he lived in Dorchester, to kno* what was re-
quired? He might not know that there was a evil
market in the place. The Council must give in-
struotions as to what they wanted. . . .

The MATOR remarked that any person intending to
tender would make himself conversant with their wants.

Alderman ENSOR said they would, of course, apply to
the Town Clerk or Surveyor.
The CLEM said he should not like to instruct any one
on the nnittxr, unless the Council passed a resolution
stating what was wanted because, when the plans were
brought forward, the Council *odd be very likely to
find defects in them, and it might be said the Town
Clerk instructed us.

--
Mr. Coomite : Would you not Oats that a room of
certain dimensions be provided for • Corn Exchange?
Mr. BISHOP : A strong room, offices, and a library,
are also wanted._ . . .

Mr. GSLPIN : We must wait till some one is liberal
enough to give no a site.
, Mr. COOMBS : I think it should be a situ qua non
thit the Corn llxufiange be on the ground floor.
Mr. GaLlitri i Would it not be possible to extend the
frontage in North-squire tour or five feet further into
the street.

The CLERIC said he thought not. They could not
deprive the publio of any rights they had got.
Mr. GALPIN remarked that a few years ago Mr.
Curtis's railings projected further into the street than
the present buildings did. Four or five feet would make
a very material improvement.
The Cl.ana mid if the land had been dedicated to the
nubile, it did not matter whether it had been done few
years or many.
Mr. COOMBS remarked that atnongst the plans sent in,
the head and shoulders of one might be best,and the body
and legs of another best. By a union of one or two
they might get great advantage.
Mr. VERNON : DOefl Mr. Look's motion mean that
the present buildings are to be palled down
Mr. LOCK said he should give the architects the fall
space to arrange in the best way they could.
Mr. VERNON said if he understood Alderman Bogor
aright, be (Mr. Fasor) would bring his proposition
forward for altering the Corn Exchange at • cost of
£6OO.

. Alderman IgNBOll said that his plan would give suffi•
dent tdom fdr the farmers and others, and could be
carried into (dent fot f. 600. When they met to receive
plans, he should put that one in competition with them.
Mr. GA.LITN considered that Alderman Boxer ought
not to do that. Mr. Coombs and himself had waived
their opinions in deference to the majority of the com-
mittee. _ . .

Mr. VERNON said he did not understand that their
vote in committee consented to the pulling down of the
existing buildings. He certaualy should not vote for
that. _ _

The Atom said it did not necessarily. He
sugsfested thai a committee of the whole Council
receive and consider the plans.
This was generally concurred it by the Council.
The motion of Mr. Lock was altered to the follow-
ing :—"That the consideration of the market accommo-
dation required, in detail, be referred to the General '
Purposes Committee, and that they be empowered to
invite plans and specifications, with estimates of cod,
for carrying out the same efficiently, and to offer 20
guineas kir the beat plan, and S guineas for the second
best,
Mr. Galante: Suppose yoa 110 not adopt any plan
that is sent in?
The Mayon : You have decided 60 awry out the
alterations according to the best plan.
Alderman ENSOR : One might present a plan that
would cost 0,000 to carry out, and that might be the
best.
Mr. QsLYIN said that in the advertisements inviting
plans; Sao. they must enter into detail with regard to
the area ei the ground, the size the Corn Exchange was
reqtiited to be 'c. ,If they did not, the result would
be that committee after committee would be called, and
in twelve months' tone they would be in the same
position as now.
Mr. LOCK remarked that if they settled the plan of
the advertisements now, the question would be dis-
posed of.
The Mayon said he thought that now provision
dhould be made not only for a thoroughly good Corn
EzehaniN adapted to the requirements of the agri-
culturists, and such en arrangement of the markets as
should enable the tradespeople to have opportunities of
showing their goods, together with geed ingress and
egress to the several markets, but that t*o additional
rooms should be provided—one for a record room and
the other for an office for the surveyor.
Mr. VERNON: If we have the market aooommodation
spoken of what will be the use of the existink Town-
hall: Cattld not we apply it to the purposes of the
root:is the Mayor has referred to?
Mr. COOMBS said the Townhall would be used for the
same purpose as at present.
Mr. VERNON asked if a better wont were provided,
would meetings be held there? He believed that
gentlemen advocated a new room, on the ground that
meetings would be held in it, which would make it pay.
Mr. Cooties said then they would get a class of
meetings they did not now have.
Mr. VERNON said he did not think that; and, if not,
the,Tewnhall wottli be of no use at all.
Mn MISHor said that there were certain applications for
the ttse of the Townhall for such purpos.us as they could
not with propriety grant it; but, which appliotions
could be entertaioed in referetnee to the Corn Exchange.
In so far, therefore, there ocrtdd be an increase of
revenue, without any diminution of the present revenue
fr m the Townhall.
The motion proposed by Mr. Look vu again altered,
after which it stood thus :—" That plans for the carry-
ing out of the old Market House site within and behind
the Guildhall, with specifications and estimates of cost,
be invited by advertisement, accornpani,d by the offer
of £2l as a premium for the plan adopted, and £5 6e.
for the seoond best plan, with an intimation that such
plans proVkle a Corn Exchange containing an area of
not less than 3.000 square feet, and additional public
office accommodation, as to which information may
be obtained of the Surveyor.'
Mr. FROUD seconded the proposition.
It was submitted to the meeting, and carried stem die.
IMPROVEMINT OF TMI MARKET-PLAC/L
Mr. COOMBS proposed, Mr. GREGORY seconded, and
it was carried unanimously, that Mr. Tooxi be asked if
he would exchangh a portion of land with the Corpora-
tion in order that the Marketplace might be made
aquare,his reply to be sent to the General Purposes
Committee.
FONDS FOR Till ALTERATIONS.
Mr. GALPLN proposed that the money m cessary for
the enlargement of the Corn Exchange, awl the re-
arrangement of the markets, be raised as a separate and
distinct fund, instead of being taken out of the ordinary
borough fund, and that the payment be extended over
a series of years from the proceeds of the markets
themselves. If that were not done the £4OO or £5OO
now in hand would be absorbed, and other matters in
the borough that might require immediate attention
would have to be postponed.
Mr. VERNON : Suppose you do not raise enough from ,
the Corn Exchange to meet the demands, how would
you raise the necessary amount then?
Mr. GALPIN : That would be a matter for further
consideration.
Mr. Barmen seconded the proposition.
The hisroa, In submitting the motion to the meeting,
remarked that the proposition was an important one,
and one that he thought they would all agree with.
It was carried unanimously.
DORCHESTER DOOMSDAY BOOK.
: A letter was read from Mr. Ship, of Blandford,
asking ?Or the loan of the Doomsday book in the posses-
sion of the Corporation.
1 The MAYOR remarked that it would be wanted daring
viait of the Archselogieal Institute.
r. COOMBS suggested that MT. Ship be allowed it
a month, with the understanding that be imme-
ely return it if asked to do so before the expiration
hat time.

The CLERK was instructed to return an answer to the
letter to the above effect.

JOHN BROWN AGAIN.
A letter, amusingly worded, was read frorn John Brown, a person who distinguished himself during the
sth of November disturbances, asking the Council to render him assistance. He referred to Mr. Vernon as able to Rive them any information respecting him.
Mr. VICHNON explained that some time ago he met
Brown, andlafter asking him how he was getting ea,
told him that if he could get a sufficient sum to procure
a chest of tools be would give him a guinea to buy a
bench. He gave him a paper, and told him to tee ths
mayor. Afterwards Brown told him that he had not
used th• paper to get subscriptions, as the Mayor had
promised to do it for him.
The MAYOR denied having said be would do that.
Mr. GALION remarked that whatever the Council did
it must be as private individuals.

Mr. Coosra; said he proposed that the Town Clerk be
requested to take charge of John Brown's welfare. (A
laugh.)
The subject then dropped.
_

_ .
LOCAL BOARD OF FIRALTIL
The Council then resolved iteelf is a Load Beard
of Health. The report of the Surveror, Mr. Jeremiah
Jowett, A. I. C. E., was read. We learn that on
Monday, 6th March, a spring was tapped that filled the
ohambera and the well in half.anhour. The pumps
were worked for 50 hours in succession. At the end of
the first half hour, the water was lowered 21 inches,
and it remained at that level for the rest of the time.
When the pumps were not working, they and the
greater part of the air vessel were submerged. This
would have prevented any repair being done that might
be required. The pumps were therefore lifted. It WWI
found impossible to fill the resersoir before doing that.
A diver from Portland, after considerable difficulty
and danger, loosed all the bolts excepting two, which
had to be broken. The pumps, air vessel, and auction.
pipe were all lifted together. It was found that in
cutting away the bolts at the back of the pumps, the
bottom had been cracked and two pieces broken out.
It was thought that could be repaired. After working
night and day, the pumps were started March 25th.
Early on Sunday morning he was knocked up and told
the pumps had almost ceased lifting. The men bad all
gone away, and were unfit for work. He set to himself
and in six hours started the pumps. On the 270 a
March he went to London, with the knowledge
of the Mayor, and ordered a new bottom
to the pump!. The pumps continued king.
On Thursday morning the Pump' eeeee4
and all their efforts to start them again were
The supplemental pump was set to work, and
supplied the town with 85,000 gallons a day. The new
bottom valve box was received at three o'clock on
Saturday morning, since when they had been constantly
at work, and he hoped to hate the main pumpa at work
on Tuesday, April 4th. HO was very lorry that the
town had been ineonvenienced. It could not have been
otherwise; and had he not stuck to the work himself
night and day, instead of being a fortnight, it would
have been two months.

In answer to s question the Surveyor said soothes'
supplemental pump could be worked, which would
supply 180,000 gallons of water per day to the tows,
which WU about the extent of the consumption.
Mr. Geuoiti moved alit the Surveyor be Instructed
to prepare a plan for supplemental pumping which
would remedy the inconvenience that arose from a
simile!r accident to that which had fast occurred. He
suggested that Mr. Jowett get the beet advise possible
to enable him to propose such an arrangement. If thee
were not done the inhabitants would feel that they
must provide a water sepply for themselves.
The SURVEYOR said that another supplemental mansp
could be provided for from £l2O to £l5O.

After s'ome oonverntion upon tbe urgency of making'
provision for a supply of water for th• town in case of •
similar accident to the recent one, a supplemental pump
was ordered to be provided under the superintendence
of the General Purposes Committee.

PROPOSED -FOUNTAIN IN !SOUTH-STREET.
A letter was read from William Manfield, Esq„
inquiring if the Council would supply an ornamental
fountain, should he erect one in the garden in front of
his residence in South•street, with water for two or
three hours in the day, free of charge, he providing all
necessary pipes.
Mr. VERNON inquired if water for • fountain could
not be obtained by paying for it.

Mr. COOMBS saidat pr ;sent it could not,
The MAYOR remarked that now they had an abundant
supply of water, perhaps some arrangement °paid be
made. Mr. Manfield had certainly effected • great
improvement in that part of the town, with which the
inhabitants were much pleased.
Mr. COOMBN said the Board could not supply the
Fountain with water unless the garden were throw.
open to the public.
Mr. GALPIN thought they might give the water If
Mr. Manfield would allow the public to go there during
the time the fountain was playing, at whit* time also the
rifle band might play there.
This appeared to be the general feeling of the Bowe.
The subject then dropped.

THE TOWN PUMP.
The MAYOR read the motion of which Mr. Andrews,
who was prevented attending, had given notice : That
inasmuch as th• inhabitants of the borough have
during the past week been unable to obtain a supply of
water from the waterworks, it is essential to the
comfort and cleanliness of such inhabitants that the old
town pump should be restored, and pot into prod
working condition, and that an order be made for that
purpose.
Mr. COOMBS inquired if, supposing the pump were put
into proper (audition, the water would not get foul
unless constantly used.
The SMIVRTOR said that was the reason the handle
was . taken off.
_ _ _

The Council seemed to be of opinion that it was not
necessary to put in order the town pump as there was
now plenty of water to be obtained from the reservoir.
The subject dropped without any action being taken.
The CLERK stated that he had reoeived be copies of
Baron Liebig's report on London sewage.
There was no other business before the Board.