The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1862-07-22 00:00:00

FORESTERS' DEMONSTRATION AT
DORCHESTER.

On Monday last thit anniversary meeting was
held of Court Progreee, in conneetion with the Ancient
Order of Fernier's. The brethren met at Wollaston
field about half-past ten o'clock, and marched direct
to All Saints Church, preceded by the Dorchester
Rifle brass band and the Dorchester drum and fife
band, and accompanied by flags and various insignia
of the order. The members joining in the procession
were from the following lodges : Conrt Progress,
Dorchester; Court Plume of Feathers, and Court
Sailors Hope, Weymouth; Court Perseverance,
Portland ; Court St. Austin, Cerne Abbas; and
iCo rt Amity, Poole. Nearly 200 members were
po ent. The service at All Saints Church was
conducted by the Rev. J. P. F. Davidson,
who preached an excellent sermon from Col. hi. 15:
"Brethren, whatever ye do, do in the name of the
Lord Jeans Christ." After Divine service the
brethren again formed a procession through the prin-
cipal streets of the town, returning to Wollaston.
field to dinner, where ample accommodation in a
booth had been provided for the occasion. The
dinner MAR provided by Brother Host Loveless, of
the George Inn, and consisted of the usual old
English fare of roast and boiled bad, mutton,
lamb, turkeys, geese, dre., all served up in
excellent style. The chair was taken by Thomas
Coombe, Esq., supported by R. N. Howard, Esq.,
of Weymouth, the Be,. J. P. F. Davidson, Dr.
Good, Mr. Rumsey, Mr. T. &sent, Mr. Thomas
Bennett, Mr. F. Bennett, Mr. Greening, Mr. Drake,
Mr. Seward, junr,, &c., &R.
011 the removal of the cloth the Citenatex pro-
posed "The Health of the Queen." He said he did
not mean to offer any remarks to induce them to
drink the toast, loyal as he knew they all were, and
he merely gave them an opportunity of drinking
the health of her whom they all loved. (Drunk
with three times three.)
The CHAIRMAN next gave "The Health of the
Prince of Wales and the rest of the Royal family."
Band—" Rule Britannia."
The CHAIRMAN next gave "The Health of the
Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese," with which
toast he begged to couple the name of Mr. David-
son, who he understood, had that day given them
an excellent discourse, and who, for the aid he had
given this demonstration, deserved their best
thanks.

The Rev. 3. P. F. DAVIDSON returned thanks
for the toast Piet proposed, and the very kindly
way in which it had been received that day. The
stirring seen* before them had carried their minds
back to the days when Forestry was the pride and
glory of Ragland, Of course the times had greatly
changed since then. Although they bad still great
principles and great duties to carry out, the way in
which these things were practised in these days
were in a more legal manner than formerly. It
was formerly considered one of their fundamental
duties that they supported the weak and those who
were unable to support themselves, even though they
employed lawless means to accomplish that end, but
the Foresters of the present day performed those
duties in a way which must commend them to all
lovers of their species. Be had during the past
week looked over their rules, and he saw
nothing in them but must meet the approval of
Christians everywhere. Ile would not detain them
long, but there was one thing to which he wished to
allude. There was an objection raised by some
against these convivial meetings. They imagined
that they were not quite in accordance with the
principles the members professed of suoconring and
supporting the orphan and widow and those of their
brethren wha were in affliction and distress. Now
whether these meetings were for good or for evil, he
thought depended upon themselves. There was
nothing unlawful according to the Scriptures in a
convivial meeting, provided everything was con.
ducted in a right spirit and in a proper way.
They were told that whether they ate, or drank,
or whatever else they did, they were to do all to the
glory of God. If they did this—if they carried
out in all their proceedings the principles of their
Order, then they would show to those who objected
to these meetings that there was nothing in them
inconsistent with the principles of the Christian
religion. From what he had seen of them that day
he felt the greatest confidence in the part he had
taken in their proceedings, and if at any future time
he could do anithing to promote the interests of
Forestry he should be most happy to do so.
(Cheers.)
Mr. THOMAS Betoterr, the vice chairman, next
gave "The Andy and Navy, and our brave Volun•
teen."
_(Chna.) _

The Citssestair said that the Army and Itravy
could speak for themselves. The volunteers were at
present untried, but should the day unhappily arrive
when they should be put to the test, he was sure he
might say for them that they would do their beet to
emulate the army and navy in their duty to
their country. The toasts had hitherto been
somewhat foreign to that day's immediate proceed-
ings, and he was now coming a little nearer home.
It was one of the fundamental principles of SUCCOSA
of that society that they should always be able .to
present a good medical report, and he would there-
fore now ask them to drink to the health of their
very excellent medical officer. (Cheers.)
Mr. GOOD briefly acknowledged the compliment
paid him, saying it was in accordance with his own
private feelings, as well as for the good of society
generally, that he desired to see the prosperity of
Forestry.

The -CHAIRMAN next gave a toast which came
home to all present; it was, "Success to Forestry."
They had already been told that one of the principles
of Forestry was to aid and support the weak and
the distreesed • so that those who were in station
and power should not oppress them. There was now
no longer a Lord Tom Noddy to press down the poor
of England. This hallowed and sanctified their
their cause. and he trusted they "mild long keep
the principle in mind—to succour and support the
widow in her affliction and distress, to relieve the
sick, and provide for the fatherless children. All
honour, he said, to the institution that teaches man
independence, that enables him to provide against a
rainy day, and that brings man into communion and
fellowship with his fellowman. He begged to pro-
pose the toast he had named, coupling with it the
name of Mr. Morley, of Cern' Abbas. (Cheers.)
Mr. Muntav, in acknowledging the compliment,
said he had looked forward to that day with a great
deal of solicitude and pleasure, and expressed his
happiness at being present; and for this reason,
among others, because the Court Progress stood
sponsor for the Court at Corns Abbas when that was
tirat brought into existence. He pointed out the
numerous advantages connected with the Order,
which, according to the latest published accounta,
noir numbered 280,000 members. He pointed out
that the society was bawd upon a sure and
safe foundation, and that while its members
were loyal to their Sovereign, they benebtted
net only themselves but society at large. In this
district they had now 48 Courts and 45,000 members,
and during the past year had supported ho leas than
88 widows and 176 fatherless children. If then, for
only this reason, the society merited the esteem and
support of every one. In conclusion, he proposed
the health of their excellent president on that occa-
sion. (Drunk with three times three.)
The CHAIRMAN, in rising to aeknowledge the com-
plement, said I thank you very much for drinking
my health and for placing me in the chair to-day.
If at any time you think I can do you any good,
command me. (Cheers-)
Mr. Smut, the Secretary to Court Progress, said
that the beautiful new banner cost something like
£23, the whole of which, with but a trifling
eucieption, had been defrayed by voluntary contri-
butions. He begged therefore to propose "The
Health of the subscriber/Ito the banner," with which
toast he begged to include the name of Mr. Howard,
who was a subscriber—a good Forester—and a firm
and fast friend to every good cause. (Cheers.)
Mr. Howann,'in an able speech, returned thanks.
The Cuarnm.ur next proposed "The Health of
the Visiting Brethren." With this toast he included
the names of Mr. Mundell of Poole; Mr, Morgan of

Weymouth; Mr. Mann of Jersey, and Mr. Street,
of Portland. _ _

_
The gentlemen named severally returned thanks,
and Mr. Street* who spoke last in a very humourous
strain, proposed "Oneness to Odd Fellowship, and
other kindred societies.' _

The CHAIRMAN, as an Odd Fellow, acknowledged
the compliment, and proposed "The Health of the
Officers of Court Progress and committee of man-
agement of that day's proceedings." (Cheers).
Mr. Snug in acknowledging the toast, said that
their Court now numbered upwards of 100 financial
and honorary members, and that they had already
upwards of £l2O in the savings bank to fall back
upon in time of need.
"The Health of the Vice-Chairman" was heat
given and acknowledged, after which some toasts of
a minor nature were given, and the proeeedinge in
the booth were brought toe close.
The sports in the field consisted of those com-
monly approved of by the public stanch rural gather-
ings in the present day. The far-famed Aunt Sally
had an unusual number of admirers, and her pretty
face received numerous hearty salutes. Bowls were
indulged in by the more athletic, and kiss-in-the-
ring and the merry dance were largely patronized.
A large number were present, and one and all
seemed to enjoy the holiday to their hearts' content.
We sincerely trust that the present is but the
beginning of good days for the members belonging
to Court Progress.

WEYMOUTII.—THE CIVIL WAR IR AMERICA.
—On Friday evening the 'Rev. W. Adams, who has
lately returned from the Southern States of America,
deßVered a lecture at the Literary Society's room on
the Civil War in America. The audience was not
large. The lecturer, from what we could gather from
the few remarks he made on the subject, is a'native of
Somerset, although he had resided in America some
years, and has at least • portion of his family
married and settled there, He gave a brief descrip-
tion of the several States pointed out on • map,
where battles had been fought during the present
contest, and where armies were now concentrated.
The North, be said, was a manufacturing, and the
South an agricultural people, and that it was to the in-
terest of the North, in a financial point of view, the
Union should be maintained, while it WM equally to
the interest of the South and to ogland also that the
separation should take plaos. He was by no means
an advocate of slavery. He held that the black as
well as the white man should keiree. But tbis was not
ewer of slavery or non-alivery. President Lincoln
never had made that a rallying cry, and the North
would guarantee to the South the retention of the
" institution" unmolested, if they would but return
to the Union. The Northerners had no love for the
slave. They would not associate with them, and it
was not unfreqnent to see written on their public
carriages" no blacks permitted to ride." But if they
had no love for the slave, they had great love for
the "Almighty dollar." They were opposed to
free trade, and the chief cause of the present quarrel
was, they wished to compel the Southern States to
take their manufactured goode,•or pay them 35 per
cent. on English manufactures. The South wished
to trade with us direct on terms of reciprocity, and
this was what the Northerners were determined they
should not do. That the Southern armies would,
eventually be victorious he had the highest confi-
dence. They deserved, as he was sure they re-
ceived, the sympathies of the majority of English-
men, from:the fact that they were composed, in • far
greater degree, of oar race than were the armies of
the North, a great portion of whom were mer-
cenaries. The rev, gentleman was listened to with
great attention, and at the ClO/13 of the lecture re-
ceived a hearty vote of thanks from the audience
for the information he bad afforded them.
BLANDFORD.—The members and friends of the
temperance cause made a grand stir here on Wed-
nesday, the 16th instant. The procession formed in
the Flocks, and headed by the Whitchurch Teetotal
brass band, and the fife band of the Bth Dorset,
perambulated through the town and market-place,
and then proceeded to the Corn Exchange to par-
take of • plentiful supply of tea and plum cake,
which was served by the female memben of the
society. Owing to so many of the teetotal friends
coming from the country. it was necessary to have
two parties. At the first sitting 550 had tea, and
at the second 480. After tea both bands proceeded
to the park, kindly lent by Mr. Williams, where
dancing and kiss-in-the-ring were commenced in
good earnest by our young friends, the bands play-
mg alternately. It was decided by the committee
that the party should leave the park at seven, and
adjourn to the Corn Exchange • but, as it was '
crowded by that time, the bands jtayed in the park,
and thus afforded pleasure to many who otherwise
might have been at public-houses. The interior of
the Corn Exchange presented a very gay appear-
ance, being well decorated with mottoes, 860., done
in a masterly manner by Messrs. B. Carter and It.
Blanchard, and also with a large collection of ever-
greens from Mr. Gill's nursery; also a choice
selection of finchiss and balsam' from the gardens
of A. Davis, Esq., (1.E., kindly lent for the occa-
sion. All paned off well. The younger children
were drawn in a car gaily decorated with evergreens.
The motto, "Water, God's gift to man," was
placed over the town pump, and was much admired,
as were many others, most prominent amongst
which were "God bless our widowed Queen,
"Union is strength," and "Experience makes us
firm." At the public meeting the chair was taken
by W. C. Fincham, Esq. The Rev. J. B. Charles,
the Rev. Mr. Knell, Mr. Jackson Mr. Cotterell,
and Mr. Norton addressed the meeting, speaking of
the evils of drunkenness, and urging on each indi-
vidual member of the temperance cause, and
especially the ladies, to use their beat efforts to in-
duce fathers, mothers, brothers, husbands, and
lovers to become teetotallers. Mr. Gatehouse and
Mr. T. Nesbitt enlivened the meeting with temper- ,
anee melodies.

BROADWAY. —The mortal remains of the un-
fortunate Dr. Puckett were interred in the church-
yard of Broadway, on Tuesday, the 15th inst. A
large number of villagers joined in the funeral pro-
cession. Great excitement is still manifested in the
village, and the feeling against the murderer is very
strong. Many parties from a distance have, during
the past week, visited the scene of the murder.
WAREHA M.—Our volunteers set. Brapected on
Saturday evening, het by Major Hurne4 Colonel
Mansel, Adjutant Barrett, Captain Thresher, and
Lieutenant Welsford were also present. The men
mustered pretty strongly at 7 o'clock p.m., in the
field opposite Bedwall House. They were undo*
the command of Captain Patter, Lieutenant Lacey,
and Ensign Bond. Although Captain Ferrer has
been away from his company for seine time, he has
evidently been drilling elsewhere, as he proved him-
self to be remarkably well up in his work when
putting his men through company drill, skirmishing,
die. The inspecting officer expressed himself as
highly satisfied with the Wareham corps
STALBRIDGE.—Canosier MATCH.- --Srunwrin-
BTen NIWTON ii STALBRIDGIF. —This match, which
has been looked forward to with some interest, came
off on Thursday, and was played on the ground of the
latter in Stalbridge Park. A more charming spot for
cricket cannot possibly be imagined. The ground
was in excellent condition, being selected on an
elevated portion of the park, which contains upwards
of a hundred acres of fertile pasturage, with such
trees as this and similar old domains can only boast
off, and is surrounded by a wall three miles in
length. The park being on very high ground com-
mands as Ike an inland view as can be imagined. To
the North may be seen standing out in bold relief
King Alfred's tower and Stourton domains;
gradually veering round to the West may be
distinctly seen Glastonbury Tot; and still further
in the distance the steep and fiat Holmes in the
Bristol Channel while due Week extending for many
miles, is the rich and fertile Vale of Blackmoor, and
to the East, a noble range of hills terminating in
Purbeck. With a fine day there was sufficient attrac-
tion in nature, independent of the match between
the Sturminster "Vale of Blackmoor Club," and the
atalbridge "Westminster Club," to bring numerous
spectators. On this same spot of ground, during the
past century have the county matches been played,
and here too the Toxopholites amble in strong
force at the County Archery Meeting. Wall might
it be a good , spot for the two creek dubs in the
county to stand up in battle array, not with the
sword,'or with any wish to cause bloodshed, but to
engage in our national game of wielding the willow.
But to the business of the day: The "Vale Club"
having won the toss.sent their men first to the wickets,
whilst their opponents as quickly took their part of
"leather hunting." The Sturininister men batted
very carefully, the sharp and true bowling of
Doddington and Hiscock rendering it quite difficult
to get a heavy score, and at the fall of the last wicket
the moderate number of 49 was the wore. The
Stalbridge then took their place at the wickets, and
though they too played carefully, it was soon evident
they were not a match for their opponents, being
soon disposed of for 30 runs. The Sturminster, in
their second innings, added 68 to their score, leaving
the Stalbridge 87 to tie. In this they faitwi.
Al the fall of the last wicket the laurels
were handed over to the Sturminster men with 45
runs to spare.' The fielding of the Sturminster men,
even by their opponents was acknowledged to be
excellent, whilst the bowling of Immo and Clough
was first-rate, only one man (Hiscock) in the second
innings being able to stand any time against them,
or to score double numbers, whilst, as the subjoined
score shows very few runs were got off their bowling.
The batting of Malet Esq., was much admired.
An excellent cold collation was provided by mine
host of the 'Lion Hotel," whilst the thanks of the
clubs are due to Messrs. Seymour and Long for
their arduous duties an umpires.
Srunrrigena.—" VALE OF BLACKNOOR CUB."
let Innings. 2nd Innings. .
Solway, b Eliseo*
Isaac, Esq., b Hiscock
Dasewied, Eq., b Robinson
-_ lialet, Zaq., b Doddinaton
Clough, b Doddington
Capt. Littbibales, b litseeck 6 b Doddington
Daynien, Esq., b Doddington
Swaffield, b ditto
Creech, not out
Hamer, b Doddington
fibqrt, b ditto
8 Byes ....
!Mei