The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1877-09-11 00:00:00

I'RF.9ENTATION TO MRS. CLIFTON.

Mr. Clifton, the redpected Governor of the Convict
Eetablieliment, some time ago was offered an appointment
superior to hi ti present poet; but, with an Attachment to blie
officers which did him every credit, Mr. Clifton elected to
remain at Portland. On ite being known that Mr. Clifton
had received the offer the superior officers determined that
he should not go away without some recognition of his
kindnese and cf the degree of excellence to which the
prison hail been brought, for Portland is acknowledged to
be "A 1" in the service. For some time it was uncertain
what form this acknowledgment should take • but not
long after they received the welcome informAion that
Mr. Clifton had elected to remain, they ascertained that
Kr. Delienhain had a large portrait of the Governor. This
appeared to lee the " very thing," for the presentation of a
textimonial wuo a little contrary to the rules, ad Mr.
Clifton remained. It was discovered that film. Clifton
had an intention of purchasing We portrait, when the
officerx determined to try and anticipate her sod make her
a present of it se a mark of the esteem in which they hold
her husband. With the greatest readineu the officers
subdcrilext and it would have been done in comparative
privacy but that thoee who got up the subscription feared
lest any officer might ruins seeing it, and, therefore. the
opportunity was given to all, and quickly embraced. The
picture is an autotype, by Mr. Debenham, is of the eine
of life, aud is surrounded by • handsome gilt frame. The
portrait is a real work of art, and the strongly expressed
opinion is that, not only does it do Mr. llehenham the
highest credit, but that Weymouth is favoured by having
such an artist in her midst who could produce so excellent
a work. It was intended and arranged to present the
portrait at the parade of officers at 12. re on Monday, but,
Mrs. Clifton being indisposed and the weather unfavour-
able, the presentation was deferred till the following day.
The weather on Tuesday afternoon was altogether so
fine as to justify the adjournment The sky was bright
blue, with only two or three sun-blazing clouds, and the
presentation took place on a beautiful lawn between the
gardens attached to the Governor's residence, and the
flelda which slope sway hence to the south east overlook-
ing the English Channel. The intense blue of the sea was
here just relieved by the Shambles lightship immediately
in front, and by numerous vessels leasing in the offing;
and to the eastward was a good view of the coast about
Lulworth. Still turning round, the white buildings of
the Prison and the officers' residences formed the back-
ground, the middle dietsnoe blazing with bold of bright
flowers, and varied with grottoes or other fantastic
erections, the material of which was the curious petrifac-
tions and fossils which are found in the quarries.
Among those who on the lawn awaited the arrival of the
Governor and his family were : —Major Horne, Mrs. and
Misses Hill, Mr. A. Hill, Mrs. Salter, Major Priem's, Dr.
Aekharn, Mrs. Askham, Dr. and Mrs. Walker, Rev. C.
Rickards, Mrs. Rickards and friend, Mr. and Mrs. Driver,
Mr. Rhodes, Mr. Mrs. IT: - Mr. and Mrs. Roberts,
lir• and Mrs. Waters, Kr. Rev. C. Williamson
Elliotv Mr. W
- -

,
(Tiealet, gr. ./eetland, Mr. and Mrs. Acott,
Mr. Weston, Mrs. Weston, Mr. and Mrs Honeybun, Mr.
and Mrs. Leas, Mr. W. T. Wallis, Mr. Kendall, Mr. and
Mrs. Attwooll, Mr. and Mrs. Stone, Mr. and Mrs. l'earce,
Mrs. Hoskins, Mrs. Barrett. dm. The body of officers
assembled facing the portrait, which remained on an
easel, veiled. Mrs. and the Misses Clifton and other ladles
haring arrived, with the Governor, who saluted the Major
and the officers.
Major [foams said: Mrs. Clifton. I have been deputed
IV the racers of this 'Establishment to perform a most