The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1870-11-22 00:00:00

OPENING OF WAREHAM CORN EXCHANGE
AND TOWN HALL.

Tamiday last was an important day for Wareham,
When the new Town-hall mid Corn-exahauge waa opened
for public business, under the happiest auspices.
This new and handsome bottling is situated at the
corner of North and East streets. A clock turret,
boldly corbelled out at the angle formed by the two
fronts, with moulded and enriched oak hood above the
main connote, supported on stone corbelled shafts,
protects the two died faces, and haa an open framing
for bell, and a high and tapering roof, which forma •
oonapieurnoi and picturesque feature. Nearly the
whole of the ground floor is occupied by a lofty and
well lighted corn exchange with It, entrance from North.
street. A second entrance in East-Arcot, opening into
a spacious lobby, will give ewer, by a broad stone stair-
case, to the suite of rooms on the first floor, arranged as
a Town-hall occupying the east front, a magistrate's
room, and a large and well-lighted reading-room.
Especial attention has been given to the ventilation of
the several apartments, and on Tuesday, when the
qualities of the Town.hall were put to a severe test in
this reaper'', it answered admirably. The whole of the
work has been well and effectually earned out by
Messrs. Hobbs, Beer, and Best, of Wareham, from the
&nip's, and under the supaintendance of Mr 0. R.
Crickmay, architect, Weymouth. The total oust of the
building is £lB3O, of whieh £1250 has beau subscribed,
and • loan he. been obtained of £5OO, leaving about
£loo to be provided. The building committee, with
the good help of the hon. sec. (Yr. Freeland Filliter),
having suomeeded admirably the. far, we may antici-
pate they will are long "mown the edifioe" by freeing
it from all debt.

The Mayor and Corporation aseembled at the Corn
Exchange at ILA/ a.m., and from there walked in pro-
cession to the residence of the Mayor (S. Bennett, Meg.),
at Booth Bridge, in the following order :
Kingston brae hand.
Borough Colistablia (Mr. W. Jenkins and Mr. J. Briale.)
The Sergoant at Illes (Mr. J. Frampton).
The Ez-liayor (W. Banjul, Kal.)
Aldermen J. Penton, T. Randall, and J. A. l'auton.
The Torn Clerk (Freeland Pilllter, Esq.)
Councillors and Building COMMILWC : Maws C. Vcarecy, C.
U. td, F. llanliallsay, J. Poynter. 11. J. Penton, J. S.
Drew, C. W. Selby, 8. W. Bennett, T. L. !Worcs.
Tradvanen and inhabitants of Wareham and neighbourhood ;
314,“1,. J 11. Beggs, F. Nem W. Spicer, W. Lucas. C. Beale,
Andcreni T. Redman, J. J. Bate., C. W. Card, G. Klll., Veatumn
(Poole),Dowden. tiakley, Hooper, Boer, than, llolgo, W. Baker,
!Wulf, W. Crocker, J. W. ?ribbing, A. J. Bowey, Ac.
- -

•
The Mayor having joined the procession, they returned
to the Corn Exchange.
The borough authorities wore their official robes,
and the committee were distinguished by tricoloured
renettes. Ou the way the bud ploy,Al, and the proces-
sion attracted general interest. On entering the Corn
Exchsogo, the Mayor said " I declare thin Town-hall
and Corn Exchange open for public business." Upon
this there was general and hearty cheering. Three
times the company hurrahed out of loyalty for the
Qu:sn, and .hen there was vigorous applauss in augury
at success to the new building.
The Corn-exchange is a light airy room, and it was
decorated with handsome mottoes. On the wall
oppooto the entrance was a large bearing the
Warrham arms having underneath " ',Vardar!' Town.
hail rebuilt lo,0," and surrounded by the aspiration
"Prosper Thou the work of our hands." This was done
by Mr. J. Welsher, of Curie Castle. On the walls were
the following sentiments, "Lung live the Mayor and
Mayoress,'" Prosperity to the Town and Trade of
Wareham," " &mess to Agriculture," "Goa speed the
ploudh," " ducoess to the hoof and horn," "Mucous
to the flock and fleece," " Suecess to the growers of
corn, with the blessings of plenty and peace."
The opening was not allowed to pass without • glass
to pledge in honour of the day, Messrs. J. A. and H.
J. Penton liberally sent severaleases of champagne and
sherry, and the company were now invited to drink.
Cheers were given for the Mayor and Mayoress, and
The ex-Mayor (W. Daniel, EN.), then addressed the
assembly, saying it was not originally intended to make
any speeches on that 000asion, but be could not allow
so Important an event to peas without asking them to
drink, "Sues... to the new Town-hall and Corn
Exchange." He isminded them that last year they
did him the honour of Inviting the Mayoress to lay the
foundation stone. Ever sines that day he had taken
unabated interest in the [undertaking, end he songratu•
land them no the UMW' with welsh it had been
surrisd out—(applause). . _

Mr. Selby proposed the health of Mr. Alderman J.
Panto, making mention of his liberality.
Mr. Panto, acknowledged the compliment. He con-
gratulated them on the Increasing prosperity of Ware-
ham, and said they had done a good thing in erecting
that ero•thmt Corn &change. Althoagh younger and
more energetic men had carried out that work, he had
taken great ehitereet in its program, and be regretted
that his health was sash as to asassitss• him to
reliaiumh his duties se Alderman.
Mr. F. Manhalleay prosed the health of the en-
Mayor. who bad honours* discharged the duties of
his ofßoe.
Mr. Daniel reformed thanks.
Mr. J. H. Bagel proposed the health of their respected
Tows Usk (Freeload Balker, Faci•Habogs/*

Mr. landsll, as chairman of the committee, replied,
mentioning the difficulties lit starting the movement,
and stating that he collected £9OO himself towards the
work Ile was glad that the merchants had taken 18
of the new stands, and with reference to the old ones
said a few years ago a lady who came to the town
is rotas for Sesame, seeing them standing outside the
hall, alter carefully asamining thew. inquired, "Are
those washstands to be sold this afternoon r—(latuh-
ter.) 11e suggested that now they should be put up to
auction as washstands In cettelmion he hoped the
new building would tend to increase the prosperity of
the town.

Mr. Daniel proposed the health of the Mayor in
eulogistic terms. Thrice mooessively had he been ap-
pointed chief magistrate of the borough, and in that
capacity had won universal approbation. Of him it
might be said owisa OSUMI Wpm dicer&
The Mayor acknowledged the compliment.
Mr. Filliter prepaid the health of Mr. G. It. Crick.
may, the architect, expressing catidwiticc that be had
been the means of introducing Mr. Crickmay to Ware-
ham, and congratelating that gentleman on having
gained the praise of all who had seen the building and
of the eminent evehitest referred to by Mr. Ferrer—
(volatile). He west on to say that Mr. Minas'
humorously alluded 40 • watsr-eart being provided
some years ago for Wareham. He hoped Mr. Mensal
did not intend to saw about it, for he appealed to the
tradesmen present whether that was not a very meat
eoures of comfort to the town—(ebeen). It so happened
that he (Mr. Finites.) was Mayor that year. It was said
"Small beginings had great endings," and they all
knew that the oommenciemeot of that Corn Exchange
was • bumble affair, but the result was what they
now saw—(eheers).
hyr„ criakmar returned thanks, expressing his satis-
faction that the building met the requirements for
which it was intended, and to hear the remarks of Mr.
Ferrer, 'appalled by an architect of eminence, who
spoke as to the epgrseza.cs of tlui building and its being
satisfaelory proof of Übe skill of the arehitect who
designed it. There were some diflimillies to be met.
Opposite views were upeeseed as to whether the Corn
Szebange shook' be On th• upper storey or Site lover.
For Mardi be never bed but.., opinion on the subjecit
vI,. SbuhVie On -p timid boos the proud

was a genth man who lid everything in hie power for ' flee, and the Town-hall and other rooms above, and
e lieren,h erei for the etheltaant, of lb tea.. no I t. ie•.7 i.ow that every one approvel of the sirranee men
re let h eirleeet. They hal experienced ir leen-silty ',n.'. very eatisfactere. The ch ft eicelty wa. ei to
on tie erel evasions in coenection alit' th ie the (fern Exebastee, fir many at id !fee- meet
awl lie was sure they would all join with him in di wk. be • groat flood of light and there could bo nothing like
log the heath of their worthy Town Clerk —(e'leeri, a top-ight. However, they now found sufficient light.
with one more for Mr. Filliter cud family, an ene fur and he was gratified with tee result. Ile congratulated
them n altogether). Werehani on the important improvenemt thus made in
Mr. Frillier mad be was extremely pleasee to receive the tows. and hoped it WWI one of line), steps they
such a merk of their consideiation and go lie WOUli take in tee right &notion. Or his way to the
referred them to to tee mottoes on the wells, as ex- teen were in my acres of land ore nnaultivat-d, end,
pressing his feelings in reference to that Occasion• on serving here, he saw running awoy. irid being mean'
The proceedings then ended. while a very great nuiernee, that which would render
After the openine, the steeds, which have been pro- that laud prodnetive. He could not help remembering
vided by Mr. J. Beer, were drawn for by the ruercheuts that in speaking thus he ass raying what Watild be
who will attend the market, and eighteen were taken. regarded by mane as treason ; hut he moved about a
PY'vellll others will be addee. Basin.no wan then begun, great deal in to u world, and felt that architects and
and there seems every pron in of Wareham becoming engineers &RUM be pioneers of progress, so he did not
a good corn-market. hesitete te tell tb em what he really to derived. Ware-
Mr. F. Beggs made the first purchase of corn in the hem had taken several steps in the right direction,and
new building. he hoped it would take the one he Wad indicated and
Throughout the afternoon the Kingston rind played an any more—(applause).
in the town, and the old borougn had quite a lively Mr. Daniel pro:weed the health of their worthy
aspect. Town Clerk and Hon. See. of the Building Committee,
At four o'clock there was • dinner in the Townhall, Mr. Freeland Filliter. He did not believe that any
The Royal Aems—ro-dniereted—wei 0 Pieced at the man in the town desrved better of the inhabitants than
upper end, and had a handsome appearance. Under- Mr. Filliter—(appleuse). Fartunately he had the
neath them was hung the tablet corinuang the follow tneand ai well as the will to help them in every goo I
ing excellent sentiment, " Let mercy go wit Marin, work—(applaus-), lie referred to the ancestors of Mr.
atm 1656. Severed agricultural mottoes edurned the Filliter having occupied the positieu ef Towncleric ID
sides of the room. The Mayor (S. Bennett, Esq.) pre. the borough, and said that none of thorn °Quid exceed
sided, supported on the right by the Hon. Mr.
he Frboro
relanuilabF_tilliat;prlainusteTl interest they took in behalf
Evelyn Aehley, Alderman Penton, Mr. W. o
Pike, Mr. J. H. Penton, Mr. G. It. Orickmey Mr. Fatigue returned thanks, and &eel that about a
(Architect), Mr. Freelind Filliter ( I own Clerk), httodred year.' ago his ancestors for normal generations
and on the left by Mr. J. C. Manuel, Mr. I). W. eserer successively hell the office of Town Clerk of Wareham,
(Reoor ler), the ex-Mayor (Mr. W. Dond). the Rev, S. and lie wee pleased to occupy the same position. lie
B. Taylor, AlJeetnitri Randall. The vice-chair was then mentioned that he had reoeivad a letter from Mr.
occupied by Mr. John Angel Damon. The geueral Diaz, saying he could not attend the dinner but would
company inclueed —lir It. Damon, Mr. C. Selby. Mr Pend some game, and letters explaining non-attendance
J. F. Hodges, jun., Mt H. W. Hodges, Mr C. Card, from Lord Eldon, Mr. Floyer, the lion. W, H. B.
Mr T. I. Skeins, Mr C. Beale, Mr J. W. Tribbett, Mr Portman, Mr. Bond, Mr. Gowen: Bond, Mr. W. CA.
G. R. Criokiney, Mr R. Hill, Mr R. N. Howard (ex- craft, Mr. Gerard Siert, Mr. Lefroy, Mrs. leonine, Mr.
mayor of Weymouth), Mr J. Whittle, Mr 'l'. W. S. Babbiegton, and the Rev. kle, Pearce ; and also the
Resent, Mr W. Besant, Mr W. Beath, Mr J. Davis,Mr following letter :
Bartlett, Mr Raymond, Mr J. Demon, Mr F. Bsgp,
Mr W. Hodder, Mr J. Hooper. Mr. J. lithgow, Mr J.
Beer. Mr G. Hobbs, Mr W. Crocker, Mr. J. Bennett,
Mr W. Spicer, Mr Dowden, Mr J. Sly (Dorchester),
Mr Marshall, Mr J. Legg, Mr H. Richards, Mr O. Bea-
combo, Mr T. Hunter, Mr H. Taylor, Mr Richards Mr
Spooner (of Aseoteformerly of Bridour th Mr J. S. hates,,
Mr C. Hill, Mr H. Best, Mr J. Shepherd, Mr Dagdale
Mr J. Curtis, '
Mr J. S. Drew. Mr J. Sorallield, Mr J.
Kent, Mr Yeatenen Mr E. J. Harding, Mr S. Sly
(tendon), Mr. Webber, Ac.
After dinner the Chairman proposed the loyal toasts,
and they were cordially drunk.
Mr. C. W. Card sane "God bless the Prince of
Walea• Kiss Poynter aortonspenying on the piano.
The Chairman then gave The Bishop and clergy and
ministers of all denominations," coupled with the name
or the /Lev. 8. B. Taylor.
The Rev. S. B. Taylor, In responding, thanked the
committee for the accommodation this hall would
afford for the meetings of the clergy and ministers of
of all denominstions,and for the neutral ground it would
give to all Here churchmen and dissenters could meet
without scruples of conmdenee, and here Tories and
Dissenters could shake hands and drink one another's
health, and learn to discern something good in those
from whom they conscientiously differed. He also
thought it would be a benefit to the public generally.
With better rooms they might expect to have a better
class of lecturers, larger assemblies, and those who met
here would take away end diffuse more widely than
hitherto what was useful and "things honest and of
good repute." There was an old proverb " The M 0.0211
to do ill deeds, makes ill deeds dons," and ho thought
the contrary held good- that with good rooms and •
good working committee, the mean, of doing good would
011Q90 gocel to be done. He knew that a lady well-known
in Wareham for her energy and goad sense had been
working with others to gave a high-class concert, lied
the yonng people of the town had been practising all
the winter to give some help when the Town-hall was
finished. No doubt they would also have some good
lectures. He hoped as many as possible would attend
these entertainments, and so help in paying off the debt
remaining. A (mein of false shame might deter seine
who felt they could net afford first-Masa seats from
coming at all, but Inc hoped they would not withold
their help from any such feeling of false vanity. Don's
let them leave paying the remainder of the debt to the
" wiling horse," but remember that those who gave
little were much better than those who did not give at
all. In conclusion he thaukep them for the fr endship
he had received in Wax-chasm during the three years
he had been here and said that he ehould always feel
an interest in it; prosperity, wherever he might be—
(cheers).
The Chairman proposed " The Army, Navy, Militia,
and Volunteers. As to the former, he hoped the
Government would take • leaf out of the book of the
Kiog of PichiSia and Count Bismarck ; the nary, they
were told, was highly efficient, but he believed the
taxpayers wanted it to be superior to any other in the
world ; the volunteers, ten years ago, sprang up lite
mushrooms, and prevented invasion: he thould like
to see their numbers doubled, all of them armed with
the beet weapon, and not put to • single farthing's
expense to themselves. He mentioned with great
heartiness the name of Memel, represented to-day by
one formerly Captain in the yeomanry, and Captain
Farmer for the Volunteers—(choers).
Mr. Meerut said that he left the Yeomanry because
he saw the old fogies were about to be weeded out.
Threat& circumstances be had not lived at the home of
his fathers in Purbeck, but he was much touched by
the cordial reception they had given him. For 31 years
be had wined in the Yeomanry, but had never been
called out except on pleasant ooussions. With reference
to the defence of this country, he said we newt mainly
depend on our navy, and he did not believe a foe
would ever be able to land if we had a good navy with
our coast defences. He hoped if ever the yeomanry
were called on they would be able to render similar
good service to that done by the Uhlans of the German
army. In conclusion he said the lut civic feast he was
at Wareham was at the institution of a water cart—
(laughter) ; he was glad Wareham was progressing, as
shown by to-day's premeditate and congratulated them
all on the venous uses to which the new buildings
would be applied.
Captain Fairer replied for the volunteers. He said
at the time of alarm in this country the French
Eniperor said to a friend of his "If you want peace arm
yourselves." That was very good advice, which Itia was
thankful was taken. The Dorset volunteers were
ready to do all required of them, and had worked well
together for ten years. The result had been the public
generally had become familarimed with military affairs,
and be anticipated a time when every mail should be
called on either by militia ballot or something of that
kind to work in the defence of our country—(cheers).
The Chairman proposed the health of the Lord
Lieutenant and magistrates of the county.
The Hon. Evelyn Ashley returned thanks, and main.
Wired the usefulness of the "great unpaid."
The Chairman Ind gave the county members and
the member for the borough (Mr. Drax)—(applause).
Mr. Pike said when the Duke of Malakoff came to
Wareham the Corporation ipreeented him with an
address, and he, mistaking the crier, with scarlet cloak
and Docked hat, to baths chief magistrate, bowed Whim
very profoundly saying, "At your service, my
lord I"—(laughter), When the mistake was explained,
the Duke said, "Then why does be weer the finest
clothes r—(laughter). But he must say the serer did
his duty with great eclat, and with very great credit to
himself. However, he was not going to introduce that
officer to them, but the Reisorder—(cheers)—who very
lusidly explained to them Um laws, so that they could
not break them ignorantly, and was • gentleman they
all very highly esspected—(oheers).
Mr. Ferrer said if in the discharge of his duties,
whether dressed in fine toggcry or not, whether he had
• cooked hat or • forked tail, if he only deserved the
praises Mr. Pike lavished upon the crier, it would give him
the deepest satisfaction. If be did but do his duty
with credit to himself, he did not think any Englishman,
whether Recorder, Mayor, or crier, would seek greater
praise—(appleassi). So long as he weld be of any use
to the borough, it would be to him a source of
great plea/rare. In conclusion, he cougratalated the
Corporation and the town on the success of this
building.
The Viee-Chairman gave "The Mayor and Corpo-
ration," and Mr. Bennett responded.
Mr. J. H. Beep gave "The health of the Lord and
Lady of the Minor, " makieg mention of the respect in
which Mr. Getterea ha held at the Poor-Law and High-
way Boards, of his public Panicle as • magistrate, and
that as Lord of the Manor he heel never been known to
Issue execution against • poor tenant who could not
pay his rent at quarter-day ; Lady,Oarolice %LI well-
known for her deeds of charity, and Loth were
greatly beleved—(applausi.)
Mr. Ferrer proposed "The Building Committee and
mows' to the Corn Exchange," especially congratulat-
ing them on the lightness of the lower room. Ile rather
trembled for the reputation of Mr. Crickmay when be
undertook to give them • good Corn Exchange under
the Town-hall. but he had succeeded admirably, and •
friend of his (Mr. Ferrer's) who was here receutly—one
standing as high in his profession as an architect as any
one in England—said the building was • very decided
credit to the architect (Mr. Criokmay)—(appleueee He
congratulated the committee on having so well com-
pleted the budding, and wished them the 'awe lOICCuaI4
financially.

91h Nov., 1870.
Marlhorruigh House, Pall Mall S.W.
My Doer Slr,--1 am dmirod by the Prin.) 01 Weteeto Ibenk
you both 1, Ilionelf and for Prince Albert Victor for the
trouble you hate taken in needing the notice of the celebration
1,1 the oncolug of the Cero Exchange at It-embalm ; sad I
remain, cry truly )oun
W. KNOLLYS.

To 1. Flatter, Dm., Wareham.
Tho health of the Vlee-Chairolan was proposed by
Mr. Boggs, sod acknowledged.
Several other touts of a oomplimentary character
followed.

During the evening some excellent songs were sung
by Mr. J. Poynter, Mr. F. Marshallsay, Mr. J. Sly
(Bindon), Mr. J. Andrews (Dorchester), Mr. T. A.
Hunter, Mr. Gillman, Mr. IL Best, Mr. C. W. Card,
and Mr. W. Spicer. the accompaniments being played
by Miss Poynter and gill Yearsley.
Time happily was the new building inaugurated,
and we trust it may be the beginning of • new era
of prosperity for Wareham.

An enquiry is made, who Mr. Ashley is, and what
office he holds? The simple truth is, that when Mr.
Edwin Nicholetts,o(Bridport—late treasurer of County
Court Circuit Xi —sliesl, Loyd Palmerston, first lord of
the treaaury,and who presided where Mr. Gladstoneidoes
Dow, saw fit to nominate his own private secretary
this same Hon. Evelyn Aahley, second son of cultism
lordllientenant, the siui shdteabury—to the honour.
able salsa vacated by Mr. Nieholetts : and this, worthy
gentleman who married • daughter of Sir Waiter
Itashleigh a few years back, is held in great esteem an
respect by the various Registrars of county courts in
his circuit. The Registrar of the Wareham court—Mr.
Filliter —as the town clerk of Wareham, sent Mr.
Ashley an invitation to attend the opening dinner,
which he did all the eel honour to accept, and by his
presence, speech, mil name, added oonsiderable weight
and gave much satisfaction to the meeting. It should
be mantionod that b was mainly through his recom-
mendation that the first oommissioner of the Board of
Works listened to M. Miter's application for aid, and
gave £25 towards the building—a clmation right well
bestowed. Mr. Alliby also ranks wi lithe very best of
the Dorsetshiro magistrates, and is a hard working
berrister-st law.

In continuation of the festivities in connection with
opening the New Core Exchange and rownh a piiblio
tea and cionveriaziose wu held on Thur.d.iy eve leg,
which waa a signal income, Mr. W. Spicm...•ii natal
the affair, ably seicoaded by a committee c insist ni of
Mews- F. Beggs, F. ilarahalleay, J. Poynter, J.
Whittle, J. H. Tabbett and W. J. Davey. It five
o'clock a goodly number sat down to partake of the
"Social Cup," which Mr. Spicer excellently provided.
The tables were iee3rated with II mere and gr .11.0
plants, kindly lent for the occasion. Tea over, some
capital songs were given by Messrs. Mairsi.allsay,
Hunter, Hibba, Poynter, Card, and Spitler, v.riod by
recitations by Mr. T. Ilibbe in 1/6eset, and Mr. W. J.
Davey, in Cornish, dialect. Toe Misarc Yea/cloy and
Poynter ably accompanied on the pian. At the close
of the entertainment, Mr. Buga proposed a vote of
thank, to Mr. Spicier and the ladies and gentleman wile
had asdated him in providing so pleuant and evening's
enjeymeut. Mr. Selby hultably seconded it, and hearty
cheers were given for Mr. and Mrs. Spicer and for the
ladies ; also for the Mayor, who kindly granted Ow till
for the evening. The contre of the Esohange was then
cleared, and dancing commenced, there being a large
gathering of those likeing the graceful exeroise. J.inea's
iluadrillo band provided amain and dancing was kept
up till an early hour in the morning.