The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1871-01-31 00:00:00

I

THE DORSET COUNTY EXPRESS AND AGRICITLTURAL GAZETTE, TUESDAY, JANUARY 31. 1871.

Sao& &net frogs as Oroarrs the brat maw of
provost* disolop9ahnent.

Mire Rivers showed herself to be an sooomplished
act,ess, and won golden °Anions. The other characters I
we, v ry well personated, end there was great applause ,
when the curtain felL The fares was cast as follows :
Mr. Motley de Windsor, Captain Onchterlonv ; Mr.
Whitewash, Mr. Burnett; Mr. Fergusson, Captain i
Newell Thwaites. Mr. J. R. Slade; Pawkins, Mr. S.
de. L. Ceo.or ; Agatha de Windsor, Miss Kate Rivers. '
Captaiu Ouchterlony represented the retired soap
boiler most amusingly, and Kr. Burnett achieved a
decided success as the learned advocate. The humour
of the piece was well sustiined throughout. On Friday
evening comedy wee the entertainment provided, when
the lack seats were crowded, while those set evert cc
reserved bad hut few °mutants. In the comedietta
"
Mr. and Mrs. Honeyten (Captain
Newellnelianapdpysg rar'..
isi!Ri vers) greatly diverted the house
with their laves and disagreement.. The one act farce
"Urgent Private Affairs," produced most amusing
Icnetretemps through • little jeslou.y. The parts wore
thus taken :—Dentatus Butts (Dentist. and Loyal
Hammersmith Volunteer), Mr. de. L. Lacy ;
pojkingberne (of the some gallant Corps). Mr. F. G.
Slade Joe Jamhalle (a Confectioner's Sheenier.),
Captain ouchterlony ; Mr. Belisha+. (a Solicitor),
Captain Newell ; Mrs. Dentatus Potts, Miss
Kate Hi ; Miss P•slkinghorne, Mies Louisa
Thorne ; Sally Vries. Miss Rosin. Power. Then
air. Lacy sang in character " Benjamin Bunk."
and. being wildly reared gave "A special man's the
bobby." The performance eenaluded with the scream.
lug farce " A Dion quiet day," east as follows :—CA.
ewP4ool nde,lirr. IT.Mr. B.
de Bernard,
Leo' Mr.
;
Brimstone,ig a Burnett;el rr. Timothy Captain
. N
R. Blade; Mrs. Laura Brimstone,
Miss Kate Rivers ; Redly, Kin Louisa Thorne; Susan,
Mir Recipe Power. It was an exceedingly lively
affair, and took well. The dressing each evening was
excellent. Mesas. Nathan were the costumiers and
Mr. eltekton the perruquier. A capital band was pro-
vided hy Mr. Robinson and their performances between
the acts wore first-clams.
Me. BOTTON SMITH'S ANTRAL (lONOSICT.—Orice •
year. at leer, Dorchester has a concert to
which the term "grand " may be not inaptly
applied, via., when Mr. &lyric Smith gives his
anneal anciert ; but, too often we fear, it is his
experiense that Le Jew ne erg pas re chandelle,
for the attendances are sully dienroportionete to the
cost. This year be engaged Milli Sinclair. a new
soprano who has won golden opinions in London;
and the Royal Italian Opera Soloists Union—
s body of instrumentalists' unsurpassed as each
in the °Gantry ; therefore, it wss to be hoped.
a large audience would assemble, as much
for the sake of the musical stimulus to be obtained as
for the pocket of the respected caterer. But, the pro.
gramme, though it included popular selections eminently
calculated to display the excellencies of the 1
artistes, failed to take" with the general public, and
coitsequently there was but a thin house, and the whole
affair was ray. The reserved rata were tolerably
well filled, though we missed many fan usually seen
at our best concerts, and the attendance of padre from
the country was unusually limited; but the other plume
were only sparingly rempied. However, those who
were present highly enjoyed the oreertand cannot soon
forget Its salient points. The programme opened with
Roseini's overture to "II Barbiere and the rowed of
sweet sounds the instrumentalists produced was unlike
anything heard within our recollection in Dorchester'
Mr. J. Hutchins then played as a bassoon solo, '0
ruddier than the cherry," the love-smitten giant's
celebrated song in Acis and Galatea, with a piccolo
obligate by Mr. Radcliff. This was a magnificent per-
formance, and the quaint phrases of the air found be-
fitting expression(on the bassoon, which in this case was
a fine instrument finely played. Miss Annie Sinclair
next appeared. With prepossessing appearance and
lady.like manners she at once created a favourable
iropresaion. Her TOWS us of singularly even quality.
and she bee great power and compass ; her vocal gifts
re well arrested, and she his also histrionie talent
of • high order. The "Jewel song" in Faust she sang
mod charmingly, and was greatly applauded. A selec-
tion from "Le Favorite" was then played with grand
elect. Mr. Boyton Smith followed with Weber's grand
sonata in C, and the three movements, allegro, adagio,
and presto gave ample rope for displaying the rare
abilities of Mel Boyton Smith as a pianist. He elicited
the admiration of all present, and was very heartily ap-
plauded. A olarionet solo by Mr. G. Tyler was one of the
hest performer:rot its kind that could b. heard.and he
obtained the first mare of the evening. repeating the last
phrase. Miss Sinclair then gave " Let the bright
seraphim," the great soprano song in Samson, and
the veteran Mr. T. Harper played the trumpet
obligato. The fair vorlist achieved immense
surer, and of coarse the obligate was faultier.
Enthusiastic applause ensued, and there were per-
sistent efforts for an moors, but in vain. A quartette
from "Lenin." road the first part about ten o'clock.
After a brief interval the instrumentalists gave a also-
tion from Puritani, with • solo for each of them.
Ihie was • splendid performance, the richness of tone
produced by each instrument and the style of playing
being most telling. Mlas Sinclair gave the caverns
from "Day Freiachlta," "Softly sighs," exqnisitely ;
the varying phrases of the air being given with all the
power of • true artists. Having recently heard this
sung at an amateur concert, we were etruck with the
difference in the two eases—the amateur appeared over-
powed by the song, while Miss Sinclair had complete
mastery over the music, and treated it as she
would—a grander conception of &fine soma can scarcely
be imagined. Mr. Radcliff gave • flute solo, Ferro's
"Marie Stuart," eartally, and showed his com-
mand over the instrument by the clever although
old devise of keeping going simultaneously the air and
a variation. Gonnod'e medttation on Prelude No. 1, by
Bah, for Tree and all the instruments, was • fine
performance. Then Mr. Boyton Smith appeared in the
double character of composer and performer, giving
his celebrated fantasia on Irish airs in brilliant style,
to the immense gratification of the audience, notwith-
standing the lateness of the hour. Miss Sinclair
gave a pretty little song in praise of the four seasons,
entitled " Marjorie's Alinanaok," in charming style, and
1,1421 rapturously tarred. 11104 "Th. Old Clock," with
crustal plqaaney. Finally, %conies post-horn galop,
. Mr. C. Harper playing the horn mellifluously and
grandly, brought the concert to • aloes.

CONTRACTS FOR THE BOSCAWEN.
ALLEGED FRAUDS TO THE AMOUNT OF £193.
GOURT-MARTIAL.
. for
ships in Mill Channel tiquadron and in the home porta,
ot
Aeß r:ifavalijoHfC:rieruviir tesra assembled
t chip Duke
eDi eThuakr dem of i°
s rWaetienl n Portsmouth,
board ogit o
on eharses of fraud connected with the supply of fresh
beef fron private contractors.
The Court Wan composed of the following otllisers :
Vioe-Admiral P. P. Wellesley, C. 8., President; Capt.
G. B. Rice, Her Majesty's ship Asia, aide-de-aamp to
the Queen ; Capt. G. Hancock, Duke of Wellington ;
Capt. Flemish, Agincourt. Captain Wells, Minotaur;
Captain Perry. Orontes; Captain G. J. Blake, Royal
Marines. barrister-at-law, officiated. by special Admiralty
appointment as Judge Advocate,
Mr Martin. paymaster of Fier Majesty's yacht
Victoria and Albert, acted as prosecutor, assisted by Mr
Rowsell. (ruin the Admiralty, and Mr Eastlake, Judge
Advocate to the A I iniralty at Devonport.
The Court opened shortly before 10 a.m., and the
members having b-en sworn and other formalities gone
throcith, Samuel Vine, ship's steward of Her Majesty's
ship Boum:seen, at Portland, was plaoed on his trial on
the following charges :
First Charge—For that be, the said Samuel Vine,
ship'. Ntewaril belonging to Her Majesty's ship
Buseseen, MIA b-ing • per Jon subj. ot to • The Naval
Discipline Act, DIGS,' did on the let day of Oetober,
!817,0in,ato,
frioal
thefzeajiyudrieceprowel
ngtotoodHeonr(rlyerW"illdiamaaAvalrliddgise,
i
paymaster of Her Majesty's ship Boamwen, that 5411 b.
of fresh meat hail boon received on thst day on board
the said ship. at Portland, for the ship's company,
well knowing that a smaller quantity only had been
received.

'Second Cuarge,—Thst be did, on the 4.h day of
October, 1870, fraudulently represent to Henry William
Ai lidge, payniaater of Her Majesty's ship Boseawen,
that 0451 b. of fresh beef had been received on that day
on board the aaid ship. at Portland, for the ships
eompany, well knowing that a smaller quantity only
had been received,
"Third Charge—That he did, on the 7th day of
October, 1870, fr.udently represent to Henry William
arlidge, paymaster of Her Majesty's ship Boseawen,
that 1,5301 b. of fresh beef bad been received on that day
on bowl the said ship, at Portland, for the ship's com-
pany, well knowing that a smaller qtuuitity only had
been received.
"Fourth Charge.—That he did, on the 17th day of
October, 1870, fraudently represent to Henry William
arlidge, paynisater of Her Majesty's ship Boseawen.
that 8851 h. of fresh beef had been received on thnt day
on board the said ship, at Portland. for the ship's com-
pany, well knowing that • smaller quantity only had
been reevived.

" Filth Charge.—Thst he did, on the 25th day of
October, 1870, fraudently represent to Henry William
lir'Wife, paymaster of Her tlejesty's ship Bossawen.
that 488Ib of fresh beef had been rewired on that day
on board the mid ship, at Portland, for the ship's com-
pany, well knowing that • smaller quantity only had
been received.

" Siath Charge.—For that he, the said Samuel Vine,
did, on the lit, 4th, 7th, 17th, and 25'h days of Oct.,
1870, and on several other occasions, haute and Anat., to
the prejudice of good order and naval discipline, fraudu-
lently conspire with another person—to wit. one James
Curt', to defraud our Lady the Queen, of large sonic
el mow."
Mr Bailee, barrister of the Western Circuit, instructed
by Mr H. Ford. solicitor. of Portaea, appeared, by per-
mission of the court. se the prisoner's council.
_ . . . . .

_
Mr. Charles Swinburne King, clerk in the Acoonntant-
General's Ikpartment of the Admiralty, produoed to
the Court the contraots entered into with the
Admiralty for the supply of fresh beef to (fee Majesty's
ships at Portland, the temporary receipts fJr fresh
be..f supplied to tier Maj,ity's ship 133,e/urea in
Ootober feat, and the monthly certificate° for fresh
beef for the months of July, August, September, and
October last. . . .

Ur. Henry W. Arledge, late paymaster of 11.M.5:
Bosoawen, deposed that he was paymaster of the
Boacawen between July and December hut at Port-
land. The course for demanding fresh beef for a crew
of one of Her Majesty's ships in • port where there is
a contractor is that • demand one form, No 73 (pro.
ducei), is signed by the captain or the commanding
officer of the ship and sent in to the contractor. In
obtaining meat supplied from day to day, after the
first supply has been made, the contractor is informed
by the ship's steward of the quantities required for
further use. (Produced the form of temporary receipt).
In granting monthly receipts, they are prepared by
the ship's steward, and taken by him to the paymaster
of the ship for his signature. These monthly receipts
are signed by the senior lieutenant and the paymaster.
On board the Boseawen there is no Muter or Navigat-
ing Officer. I did not furnish the Senior Lieutenant
with any means of testing the quantities stated on the
receipts, with thekaatual weights received on board:
No one was sentryon board the liose.awen by the
contractor to receive the temporary receipts.
The ship's steward. the prisoner, furnished me
with the accounts of the meat received, In the tem-
porary receipts. before the prisoner filled in the
quantities of meat received, he presented them to me
for my aiguature. I was not aware from my own
knowledge whether the quantities stated in those
receipts agreed with the actual weights received on
board. It was the prisoner', duty to enter the quart.
titles of meat received on board in the weekly account•
boot, and the number of contract book, and also on
the papers produced, when presented for signature to
myself and other officers. All particulars with regard
to the quantities of fresh beef received on board the
Sursawen I received from the prisoner. The receipts
produced (mentioned as to dates in the charges) are
in tho prisoner's handwriting. The quantities agree
with those stated on the monthly certificates before
the Court. On board the Boscawen. men and boys
going on short have are plated on • list furnished to
the Paymaster's °flips by the ship police, and the as•
sistant paymaster then sends • check note" to the
steward, and their provisions (those on leave) are
stopped from that note. If men are absent on leave for
td hours or lees their provisions are not stopped. To
the best of my belief the provisions of those men are
issued to the messes. What is paid for as "savings"
is paid at the end of the quarter. Toe Admiralty
Order of the 29th of September, 1870, relating to the
payment for savings to boys, authorises the payment
for savings for froth beef. (Questions put by the
prosecutor as to the effect, that would be produced
by this Admiralty order were here objected to by the
prisoner's counsel upon the ground that the order
spoke for itself.)
In answet to further questions by the prosecutor,
the witness said,—When the order came down to the
Bososwen, the prisoner remarked, ia conversation,
that the order would make a considerable difference
to the boys' fund I produce • written statement
handed to me by the prisoner at the time of his
arrest. (Objections were hero raised by prisoner's
eonnsel to the statement being read on the ground of
privilege, or as to the manner in which the otatement
had been obtained by the witueas from the prisoner,)
. . .

Examination reannisd.—The statement WWI.— obtained
under the circumstances of the Admiralty solicitor sod
. _

the prosecutor going on board the Bos-cawen on the
7th of January, when the steward (prisoner) gave me
the book containing the statement referred to, saying,
" That was his explanation, and he should band that
in." He gave it voluntarily. I did not know the
ciontents at the tinie,

By the Court,—l had remarked to the prisoner that
the Admiralty solicitor and the prosecutor were coming
on board the Boecawen to make some inquiries con-
cerning fresh meat. The prisoner was at that time
under arrest, but performing his duties. I had asked
the prisoner whether the vouchers were coorreot which
I had signed, and be replied they were. He gave me
the book containing his statement or explanation then.
I bad spoken to him on the subject several times
before. At the time the prisoner gave me the book I
did not know the actual form of the charges now
made rimiest him. Rumours wars current of other
ships' stewards being then under arrest relative to
matters connected with the supplies of fresh beef. The
prisoner was pieced under arrest on the 24th of Dec.
last, with orders that a strict watch was to be kept
over him. A fortnight afterwards he gave me the
written statement, entirely as a voluntary sot on his
put. The reasons for giving it me he gave as an
explanation of what he bad been doing, as simply
for the benefit of the boys' fund. I considered he
gave it me simply as a means of oonvinaing me, as
his superior, that he had always efficiently and honestly
performel his ditty, and also to clear him from all
blame if any inquiry were made.
Cross-examined by the prisoner—When the book
was shown to the Admiralty solicitor and the prose•
actor they kept it, with ray permission ; otherwise it
was my intention to have returned it. [cannot recollect
promising that I would return it. I said, "If you
I have done anything wrong you had better not send a
statement like this in." You told me. in reply, that
what yoa had does was for the benefit of the boys
fund.

The Court here reed that the book containing the
prisoner's statement was not priveleged and might be
read. This me does. and detailed the facts leading to
the inquiry, and also contained • confession by the pri-
soner to making an arrangement with Cards, the meat
contractor, to receive 63. per pound for meat received
short of the quantities stated on the receipts, but that
this arrangement was made by him, the prisoner, lately
for the benefit of the boys' fund.
By the Proseoator : I understood the prisoner to
express a wish for the statement read to be handed to
the prosecutor, The prisoner did not see the Admiralty
solicitor or the prosecutor at the time they came on
board, nor did I tell him that he could see them.
Cross-examined by the prisoner: I do not Viink it
was my duty to see the meat received on board the
Boseswen weighed. It was not my duty as paymaster
to see it weighed. I could not do it consistently with
my other duties- I depended upon the amount given
me by you, as the steward, for the oorrectness of the
papers I signed. I have examined the weghts on some
oceasions when there has'been a difference between
the contractor's aerostat and the ship's aoconnte. Some-
times beef has been seat on board with the weight
marked on each quarter, and at others the weight of
the whole qaantity has been marked on one small
nine of paper. Meal intended for other ships
has also been sent on board the /3,,,cawen.
Meat received on board is re-weighed, and the
weight is not copied on the receipt given; from
the tallies attached to the meat. Meat sent by
mistake is retained on board, but much inconvenience
is caused when wrong quantities are sent. The
daily demand for meat from the contractor is generally
made verbally, quantities being generally stated.
Other persons than the steward have always been
present when meat has been received and weighed.
The boys fend on board the BOOMIWOD is for the purpose
of supplying them with different food from the ordinary
rations, and for the purchase of bats and balls, Its.
It is formed from the savings- When the boys went on
Christmas leave I was told, and also the prisoner, by
the Commander to check the boys in their messes, but

not to allow it to appear on the book. I am told that
I have given the contrsetor receipts for vegetables
greater in quantity than have been received on board.
The balance of the produce of the vegetables was
arranged with the contractor, I believe. The °woman.
der gave me £6 to place to the boys fund, which I did.
In those oases the siontractor. I conclude, must have
given them receipts for greater quantities than he
delivered, (Cautioned by the President Hist be was
not eorapelled to make any answer that might crim•
imam himsalf, the witness replied that he believed such
to be the custom in training shipe but he had not
had any lengthened alpecionas in nail gips). With

regard to the receipts for vegetables, I found it was
customary for the contractor to substitute pearl barley
for some vegetables not so well suited for making soap
accumulating
he
üb° ble savings. I had told
the contractor that I declined to have anything to do
with such arnangemente. The prisoner so' me that
he lied received some money from the boys' fund, and
utmlatirg. froml cannot
the n
vorigg as,
how long the 26 was
I replied
th at I would report it to the commander,
which I did. Very recently the prisoner told me that
the amount was £193 A few other questions of an
truitn;,ortant character closed the prisoner's won-
examination of this witness, and the former then
handed in to the Court a certificate of character
signed by the witness, and approved by the captain of
the :ffiscewen, which testified in the strongest terns
his opinion of the prisoners" honesty and efficiency as
ship's steward of the Bowsaw= from January, 1870, to
January, 1871.
Re-examined by the prosecutor-11 WIN on the 30th
of December that the prisoner told me he had
received it. I had signed his sertifisate of character
previous to the 30th of December. Referring to the
order given by the oommander as to checking the boys
when on Christmas leave, the commander, after con-
sideration, decided that they should be checked., and
ordered me to write en explanatory letter to Mr.
Rowsell. It was the duty of the persons who
saw the beef weighed on board the Sammie to sub-
sequently gee the figures entered in the steward's
book. I did not see the beef weighed on any of the
days referred to in the sharpie- I was surprised to
find when I was first in the Rosisawen that articles
were supplied to the contractor in lien of vegetables
and was informed, upon enquiry, thes it was cus-
tomary. When the prisoner brought me the receipts
to sign for the vegetable contractor he did not say they
were incorrect.
By the President: I am not aware that °fliers were
appointed on Board the liouswea, in accordance with
the Admiralty instructions, to see all meat received on
on board. I have seen it myself, and have seen it
myself, and have called the captain's attention to it
an being very good. I pieced the implicit confidence
in the prisoner as the ship's steward, and his state-
ment to me as to meat received was my oaly surety
as to the correctness of the receipts I signed.
Was any arrangement made with your knowledge by
which a loss quantity of meat was received on board
than that for which receipts were given f—No.
By tbe Court: I understood the prisoner to lay that
be bad received the £193 for savings from the boys. I
am not aware that there was any amount on board the
ship of this sum mooing on. I was surprised to
fled so large a ruin tarn up so unexpectedly.
I thought 1 had better not make farther
inquiries of the pri.oner, as he was then charged with
certain °Haloes. Boys from the BOW AW(111 do not go
on 'herl leave, and, therefore, their provisions weld
mit be bailed during any 48 hours' absence. The petty
officers who saw the beef weighed on hoard the Boa.
oswen would learn what the weight should be from the
prisoner or tie men who brought the meat off to the
ship. Siec the Almiralty order of the 29th of Sept.
last I hue p aid sa•iugs oil fresh meat. The savings paid
under teat order I paid to the commander, who has
the management of the boys' fund. I believe I paid
savings on fresh meat in the month of October last.
During the year I was in the Boseawen the prisoner
never paid me money received by him from the con-
tractors for beet and vegetables.
Joseph Wood, the next witness called, in answer to
the prosecutor, deposed,—l am foreman to the eon-
trsc.or for the supply of fresh beef to Her Majeaty'e
ships at Portland. In supplying the Bracewell I
received the order for the meat required from the ship's
etewerd. The meat we. weighed before it was sent on
board. I received temporary receipts only for Decem-
ber last The monthly receipts were sent to Mr Curtis
(the contractor) by post. I had no means of knowing
whet quantities of meat were signed for in those receipts.'
I made entries of meat sent on board, and produce the
book. It contains correct entries, made every evening,
of meat delivered t 3 the Boseewen. On the lst of
October there was sent on board no meat. On the 3rd
for the Racer, tender to the Bucawen, 2761 h of beef ;
on the 4th, 352ib for the Boatsmen, and the same day
33711).; on the 7th, 1,0951 b., end 17th, 6041 b for the
B,,scawen ; on the 25th, 1,0491 b for the Boseawen. I
had seine conversation with the prisoner about this our-
plus meat. Ile said he thought it very strange Mr
Curtis amid not come and settle with him, as it was •
long time since be saw him. On several occasions he
said this to we. The prisoner gave no explanation of
his meaning beyond the surplus meat. I saw
prisoner at Mr Curtis's office on the day before
Ciiristmu. The prisoner then asked me whether I
had given my books up to the Admiralty. I told
him "No," and be then said, " I thought you
would not be so foolish as that, as it would be a
very serious thing," I told him Mr Curtis had
the books. A steward belonging to the Hercules,
named Isaacs, was present at the time. and Mr. Prise,
the prisoner's fatherindaw, Prise said the steward's
affairs had nothing to do with him, but he was anxious
to know what had been done with the books. I replied
that 1 had given them to Mni Curtis. I am not sere
whether his name was Pries or Rica I saw the
prisoner on board the Boaciawen during this month. I
saw him in his cabin. He called Mr. Curtis • brute,
and said that all the stewards would be hang through
him, and he (Curtis) would have to send the beef
"good." or it would be sent bask. He inked me where
the bo3ks were, and I then told him the Admiralty
had got every book that I had bad. He made no
reply, and I went away.
Did you not uy as recently as last night that the
prisoner did make an answer.
The prisoner's counsel objected to the mode pursued
by the prosecutor in putting this question to his own
I witness.

fhe prosecutor defended his position by reference to
Siinstona on Courts-martial. in relation to an unwilling
_ .

The witness hiving been directed to withdraw from
the court at the commencement of this controversy,
was now recalled, and, after having had the last three
questions and answers reed over, his etamination in
chief was closed, and the Court then adjourned.
The proceedings of the Court promise to be of an tin.
usual duration, there being eight other ships' stewards
under arrest and for_triaL _

Ou Wednesday, James Curtis, brother of the con-
tremor, stated that the contractor's book showed a
smaller quantity of meat delivered than the vouchers
given bv the prisoner. Witness paid prisoner 50s. per
hundred pounds for the surplus meat, which he under-
stood to be meet saved in consumption. He had paid
to prisoner tll/3.
The case was again adjourned.
. . . . . . .

On Tonna,' to olerks from the Admiralty proved
that • diffiireuoe of 77421b..representing in money,
was found between the quantity of meat paid for by
the Admiralty and that initially received. The oboe
woo again adjoarned.