The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1862-11-18 00:00:00

gZonterseushire.

YEOVIL. STEALING A WATCH. —At the
Borough Magistrates Clerks' office, on Wednesday,
before the Mayor, and J. R. Mayo, Esq., Caro-
line King; of Back Kingston, was charged with
stealing a watch from the dwelling-house of Joseph
Lawrence, baker. It appears that prosecutor and
his wild left their honie to go to their bakehguse.and
locked the door of the house, but left the key in it,
and. were absent about an hour-and-a-hali, and when
they went back to look at the time they found the
watch was gone. The prisoner had taken the watch to
Middle-street, and had given it to a woman to
pledge, offering her 6d. to do so. Mrs. Moan took
tho watch to the pawnshop, but could only get 7s.
upon it.—The prisoner was brought up on Friday
and sentenced to six weeks' hard labour.

ACCIDENT.—An accident, which at one time
threatened to be of a very serious character, took
place on Monday afternoon. As a boy was leading
a horse and trap, the property of Mr. Bradley, of
Sock Farm, near Tintitihull,.dowii Hendford, a large
umbrella which was in the gig fell to tie ground,
which caused the horse to take fright, and thre*
the boy down who was leading it. The poor fellow
caught one of his legs in that of the horses in
endeavouring to stop it, and be fell under the gig,
one of the wheels going over his left thigh and one
of his arms. The pony finding itself without a
driver, dashed away at a furious pace, and seeing the
stable gates of the Choughs Hotel open made for
them, but the gig came in contact with the gate-
post, the consequence being that one of the shafts
were anapt off, and a wheel completely smashed.
The pony, however, escaped unhurt, The poor lad,
we are glad to state, met with no broken
bones, but sustained severe bruises from the gig
going over him.
THE DENTY ORPHANS.—We are glad to state that
upwards of £lOO have been already gathered in for
the support of these orphans, and a large amount is
still expected to come in. We have no doubt
that a considerable sum will be raised for them.

Pouce..— A returned convict named Henry
Vickery, was brought up in custody, at the magis-
trates' clerk's office, before Captain Messiter, on
Monday, charged with stealing 511bs. of mutton
and a pound and a half of suet, the property of
Mr. Hayes, a butcher, of Puddemore, on Friday
night. It appeared that the prisoner stole the meat
from prosecutor cart, and came to Yeovil, where
he happened to meet with P.C. Gilson on Saturday
morning, who found the meat in a parcel under his
arm. The prisoner was committed to take his trial
at the ensuing sessions.
TowN COUNCIL MEETING. —A meeting of the
Town Council was held on Monday. Present:
Robert Tucker, Esq., (ex-mayor) in the chair, and
Aldermen Mayo and Greenhorn, Councillors Raw-
lings, Whitby, Cogan, Hill, Raymond, 'Harden,
Milborne, Bodenham, Neil, Cox, Good, and Geake.
The first business was that of electing a Mayor for
the borough, in the room of W. Bide, Esq., who, from
ill health, was absent.—Mr. Hill said he begged to
propose a gentleman who had been for many years
in the Council, and who, he had no doubt, would satis-
factorily discharge the duties—Mr. Rawlings.—The
motion was seconded by Mr. Goode.—Mr. Rawlings
declined on account of his age, and said he would
rather pay the fine than serve.—Mr. Hill said he
must persevere in his motion. He did not think
Mr. Rawlings would experience so much difficulty
as he anticipated.—Alderman Greenham thought
Mr. Rawlings was a person in every way qualified
to 611 the office, but for the reasons which Mr.
Rawlings had given the Council, be should not vote
for him. He therefore begged to propose a gentle-
man who had been familiar to them ever since they
had been in the Council, he meant Mr. E. Whitby,
a gentleman every way well qualified to discharge
the duties of Mayor.—The resolution was seconded.
by Mr. Raymond. After some further conversa-
tion Mr. Hill withdrew his motion, and Mr. Whitby
was unanimously elected Mayor. —The Mayor
elect briefly returned thanks for the honour con-
ferred upon him. He would do the best he could
to fulfil the duties of the office, arid he must rely
upon the assurances of those gentlemen who had
promised him their support.—Alderman Greenhorn
proposed a vote of thanks to the late Mayor, for his
services during the past year. In doing so, he re-
marked that they owed Mr. Bide many thanks,
although from unforeseen trials and circumstances,
he had not been with them so often as they would
have wished, but he had always given them advice
and counsel. He was sure they would join with
him in expressing a hope that his health would
improve, and that God would yet spare him for
many years to come.—Mr. Rawlings briefly seconded
the motion, which WM carried unanimoualy. The

mkt hilliness Was that of appointing committees for
the ensuing year, when the following gentlemen
were appointed :—Finance Messrs: Bide; Cogan,
Rawlings, Budenham, and Cox. frill:movement :
Messrs. Milhorne, Mayo, Good, Hill and Mardeti.—
Sanitary Messrs. Raymond, Geake, Tucker, Green.
ham and Neil.—Some rather stormy discussion took
place relative to the repairing of the road at
Kingston, from the Duke of York to Kingston-gate,
the surveyor, Mr. Vining, applying for £2O for that
purpose. It Appeared that about three years ago a
resolution to the effect that the road should be re-
paired Was carried, but tip to this time the repair
was not made, as the surveyor said he had attended
to tither thipgs Which he thought was more needed.
M the road was no in a very bad state; he inten-
ded making the necessary repair, and applied for
money for the purpose.—Mr. Hill thought gfantlug
money for such a purpose would be a very bad pre-
cedent, and that the repairs should have been
carried out earlier. Such a matter ought to be
freely discussed, as there were new members in the
Council who did not know what took place three
years ago. He did not see any necessity for re-
pairing the road.—Mr. Vining said he had been
their surveyor for two years, and during that time
had saved the Council much money; making great
iniproverrients, in consequence of which they had
not to rail* Bet tentafie thought he should not have
been opposed luso triffingiantattar.—in eonserpicnce
of a resolution by Mr. Hill; foi the effect that rio
official he allowed to speak unless re.luested to do so
by the Mayor, the surveyor remarked he hakl id
nothing except in his own defence.—After dome
further remarks. Mr. Hill gave notice that at the
next meeting of the Council he should move that
the resolution passed three years ago, authorising
the surveyor to do the work in question, should be
rescinded—Mr. Rawlings expressed his approval of
the plan for the proposed clock turret furnished by
Mr. Benson, of London, and Mr. Marden moved
that tenders be invited for the erection of the
thfret, on receipt of specifications from Mr. Benson.
Mr. Ftill bedondeil this proposition, which was
carried.—The Clerk infcirmad the Board that Mr.
Benson's estimate was as folloirs ?—krection of
turret, £160; clock, £175, and bells cleo. /'ho
Board shortly after broke up.

MAJORITY OF THE PRINCE OF WALES.
On Monday Captain Messiter, in honour of the
coming of age of His Royal Highness the Prince of
Wales, entertained the members of his corps to a
sumptuous banquet at the Townhall. On so auspi-
Claus an odcasion many of the leading tradesmen of
' the town had etpresse4 a wish to silo* their seal
and loyalty to the Pritice of Wales; it was deter-
mined the banquet should be (Menet/ to all, and the
hall was well tilled. The room was iery tastettflly
decorated with flags, and over the Chairman's fleaU
was placed the Prince of Wales's feathers, and th 6
following, printed on calico, " Our motto—Loyalty
to the throne, and defence of our country." Captain
Messiter occupied the chair, and was supported by
the Rev. J. Mallock, chaplain to the corps, Rev. J.
Elliot, Dr. Thomas Moore, the Mayor (E. Whitby.
)lsq.), Greenham, Esq., Honorary Assistant
Surgeon Torlikytts, Dr, Warryi Ensign Watts, and
the following membere of thill carpi/ration—Me/ism
Hill, Penny, Cox, Neil, Marden, Gesiie; Melbozne,
Bodeobam, and Cogan. On this occasion the distri-
bution of prizes at the recent rifle shooting took
place. Vie silver cups were of a first-rate descrip-
tion, and that presented by Israel Rendall, Esq.,
was a handsome chaste silver pint, beautifully exe-
cuted, inlaid with gold, and having the following
inscription :—" Presented by Israel Randall, Esq.,
of East Coker, to be shot for by the 16th Somerset
Volunteers, and won by Sergeant William Melborne,
October 14, 1562." The ladies' cup, value twelve
guineas, was a splendid prize, and consisted of a
t*o,handled silver cup inlaid with gold on one side,
having a Shield tot engraving, with a union wreath—
the rose, shamrock, and thistle. On the opposite
side was a beautifully carved figtire of a kneelffig
rifleman, with target, &c. This cup vide of a Vert
chaste description, and the workmanship was beauti-
fully executed. These cups were supplied from the
well-known firm of Messrs. Hancock and Cox, of
Middle-street, and did great credit to those gentle-
men. The supper was provided by Mrs. Bonen, of
the Chough's Hotel, and comprised every delicacy
of the season. Ample justice having been done to '
the good things provided, upon the removal of the
cloth,
The Casiantar,in giving. "The health of the Queen,"
said they *ere assembled that night to show their seal
sod loyalty to the Queen, and to celebrate the majority
of His Royal Higlinesa the Prince of Wales. (Cheers.)
The majority of a Prince o Wales was an event not
of common occurrence. They ordy read of thirteen
Princes of Wales in history, five of Whom' only bed
attained their majority, and of his four predeeessors
only one had lived to places queen upon the throne of
England. (Applause.) The very large meeting which
the Chairman saw around him convinced him of the
loyalty of the town and neighbourhood of Yeovil. He
then gave " The Health of the Queen," and he as
stirs that no words of his could induce them to drink
the toast witb the oordiality which it deserved. He,
however, othild say that there was never • time when
they could drink ihe health of the Queen with more
cordiality than at the present, when they saw how
Queens were scattered about, and deprited of their
thrones without scarcely a minute's notice, and there-
fore they ought to be very thankful for living under the
rule of so good • Queen. (Cheers.) [The toast was
drunk with three times three.]
The CHAIIIMAN, on again rising, said he had another
toast to propose—" The Health of the Prince of Wales
and the rest of the Royal Family." The present Prince
of Wales was the first one who had been born on a
Lord Mayor's day, and was of great promise and accom-
plishinehtt, and bid fair to sit upon the throne with
credit to himself Mod hOncrur,to the country. He was
about to be married shortly, and he (the Chairman)
thought not from any motives of state polieyi but that
he would have a wife of his own choice. Alluding to
the presence of the Mayor, the Chairman said he wae
quite sure they were all glad to see him, He was quite
an infant, only having been born a few hours sinee,and
he hoped that on such a chilly night he would not take
cold. (Laughter and cheers.)
,The CHAIRMAS next gave "The Bishop and Clergy
of the Diocese." in doing which he remarked that their
bishop was well known as a christian and a good Masi-
newt than, aid he had won the respect and esteem of all
who came in contact With him. The clergy were a body
of gentlemen who generally discharged their duties in •
most exemplary manner, and mixed with them in their
social gatherings, thereby often preventing them from
saying what they would sometimes wish was unsaid.
The Chairman ooupled with the toast the name of the
Rev. Mr. Mallock, the chaplain to the corps. (Loud
cheers.)
The Itev. Mr. MALLOcir said as his name had been
mentioned in connection with the toast, he rose to re-
spond. In doing so, however, it was not necessary for
him to go over the whole ground, and explain why
the healths of the bishop and clergy were so well re-
ceived. 'The bishop was in public life well known to them,
and the clergy daily gave proof, with but few excep-
tions, of the good they were accomplishing. (Cheers.)
As chaplain of the corps, he had been out with them,
but he mast confess he had gone out with fear and
trembling, with so many young men surrounded with
such great temptations, but they had all returned
scatheless, and in future his should go forth with enjoy-
ment with them. (Cheers.) He had head from the
drill inspector that the 16th Somerset Rifle Corps was
second to none, and he believed it was their second
year, but he felt assured that at the cry of danger in
any part of the kingdom, they would be as ready to
obey their officers, as they were to accept the invitation
of their worthy captain that night. (Applause.) Re
would now sit down, almost overwhelmed by their
kindness, but he could not do so without tending his
thanks for the kind reception he had always received
from them, not only as • body,but as from man to man.
(Great cheering.)

The Rev. J. ELLIOT, incumbent of Trinity Church,
in answer to loud and continued calls for him to rise,
said he felt much flattered at thus being called upon,
and for the manner in which they had received him.
Mr. Maßock had told them of the deep interest which the
Bishop and Clergy and ministers of all denominations
manifested in their welfare, and he was quite cure
they were convinced of that fact Be (Mr. Elliot)
thought it was the duty as well as the privilege no
ministers of the gospel to meet their lay brethren lof
all occasions likely to promote their general welfare,
and rerhaps no occasion offered them a better oppor-
tunity than gatherings of this description. (Cheers.)
How many circumstances were there mingled together
to merit their gratitude and joy. They were reminded
of the majority of the Prince of Wales, who, if God
spared his life beyond that of his mother, would some
day occupy the throne, though far distant, he hoped,
that day would be. (Cheers.) They had never had
a better monarch, and they might never look upon
her like again. From all the antecedents of the Prince
of Wales they had reason to believe that he would be it
worthy successor of his mother from the good example
which the Queen and his late father had set bins. It
was his father's wish to make his son a great and good
'king, and if there was any truth in the expression
" Train up • child in the way. he should go," they
might believe that he would be indeed a king worthy
of this great country. (Cheers.) On one occasion
when the Queen was asked to what she ascribed her
greatness, she replied not to her army or navy, but
to her Bible, and he would endorse the sentiment that
it was by the Bible that this nation owed her greatness.
(Applanae.) Alluding to the rifle oorpe movement, the
rev, gentleman said it bad risen up is the sound prin-
ciples inculcated by the gospel, long might it reign,
and he hoped the Yeovil Rifle Corps would maintain
that proud position which it at present occupied.
(Loud cheers.)
In proposing "The Army and Navy," the CHAIRMAN
said both services had always done their duty and
were now in • very eflicent state, and he had no doubt
if they should be required they would prove as effiicent
as ever. The toast was acknowledged in appropriate
terms by Colour-Sergeant Groves of the Coldstream
Guards, and also by the drill-instructor to the corps,
Sergeant Montgomery.
Mr. E. WHITBY, the Mayor-elect, (who on rising
was enthusiastically received) said he simply rose to pro-
pose • toast, and they would soon see his reason for so
doing. The toast he was about to propose was that of
"The Lord Lieutenant and Magistrates for the County
of Somerset." They would see as it could not some
from the chair, the chairman had given him permission
to propose it. In the arrangement of a well-organised
county like this, there ninst be a good many links in
the chain, and the Lord Lieutenant and Magistrates
formed very important ones. (Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN, hi response, said that although be
told them Just now their Mayor was but an infant,
they saw now he could make a good speech, (laughter),
and he thought they could augur good things from his
Mayorship. It had done great credit to the town in
electing Mr. Whitby as Mayor. (Cheers.) The Lord
Lieutenant was a man of capital business habits, and
was admired by all who came in contact with him.
The Jpngistratea were MEI who willingly gave their

time for the performance of their duties, and the beet
reward was the appreciation of their fellow-aubjects.
(Oh eers. )
The Cuaritsralr again rose to propose "The Healthe
of the Mayor, Magistrates, and Corporation of Yeovil."
Their Mayor was • gentleman of great promise, and
ndt only of great promise, but he would have duties
to discharge which woad do him credit, and an
honour to the town. (Applause.) The magis-
trates were gentleinen Who evinced much good sense in
all they did, and the corporation was composed of
gentlemen who transacted the business of the town in a
manner which did them great credit. (irimbsuse.)
The Marott, who was received by the Corporation
standing, said.he felt much relieved in standing wp to
address them, after the remarks made by the Chair'
man in regard to his recent birth. He was only a few
hours old in his birth, and was a young Mayor, and
scarcely broken in. (Laughter.) The harness did not
seem to fit, and they must excuse him. He had been
uriapeetedly called upon to meet them, but hadid so
with a grigat deal of pleastree. It was a pleasing sight
to see military teen torttl civilians meeting together,
and as Englishmen they &Mit all feel a great interest
in His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. (Cheers.)
He had great confidence in him when he looked to
his mother and his father, and thought that being
brought up under the direction of such parents
there was everything to hope for. If the
Prince of Wales 08036 to be king of this country,
(though may God grant that the Queen might live for
many years to come,) but when such an event did miter,
he .spected great things from him. (Applause.) In
conclusion the Mayor thanked the company for the
kind Manner in Whieh they had received thc toast.
GatrutitAk briefly returned thanks on behalf of
the borough magistrates, end Mr, Milborne on behalf
of the 6orpotation.
The CHAIRMAN again rose and said he moat
call theit attention to the prize list. They all
knew that prides Were Very attractive parts of
drill, no much no indeed that it Was neeessary for the corn-
mending officer to take care their other duties were not
neglected. The 16th Somerset Rifled had greatly
improved in shooting and he was lunch pleased with
the progress they had made. (Cheers). The ladies' and
gentlemen of Yeovil had been very kind in giving away
prizes and this year they had no less than seven pre,
senteci to them. The first prize was a claret jug, pre-
sented by himself and 'won by Ensign Watts, with some
excellent shooting, The Ensign had proved himself a
Ar•Avvrte aool steed, shot, and for that prize he shot
veil well. The next prize was a long Enfield rifle,
presented bY tnaign Watts and Hon. Assistant Surgeon
Tomkyns. This pride Was sharply contested for, and
after some excellent shootilfg was won by Corporal
Jennings. Somehow or other, the corporal had •
happy knack of keeping in reserve a bull'. eye, and
when the contest came pretty close he generally pet
it in. (Laughter). The next prize was a useful but not
expensive prize, it was a muzzle stopper and eight pro-
tector, and this was won by Sergeant Cox, The next
prize, the most important one, was that given by tbe
ladies of Yeovil, and many thanks were due to them
for it. (Cheers). He could tell them that the, could
tot forward the volunteer movement better than by
giving prizes. It induced the men to attend to their
drill, and be thought the tidies could not spend some
of their spare cash in a better manner. They were
deeply indebted to them for it, and they would drink
the ladies' health, With heart and mind. In shooting
for this prize there was a very keen eontest, hut the
cup was fairly won by Private Oliver. The next ptise was
given by Israel Rendall, Esq., of Coker, and was a
silver cup. They were much indebted to that gentleman
for giving each a present, and he would be tety glad to
hear that his prize WPB won by Sergeant Milborne, £2,
presented by H. Batten, Esq., who had very kindly
come forward to help them, was won by Private
Vineent The next prise was one given at their last
shooting Match, the gold champion medal, to be won
two years in succession, and then to become the property
of the champion. It was a tety cations thing how this
prize floated &boat, and it was very sektora that the same
man won it two years following. Corporal Jennings
won it last year, but lost it this, and this showed
that there was no certainty under the sun. (Laughter). ,
This prize was won by the same gentleman who won
the cup, but after all it was only half a prize, as
it mutt be 3808 two years before it could be claimed.
He hoped that it would be contested for next year.
The Chairman had a prize called the "consolation"
prize, and it was one to console those members of the
corps who bad been beaten. The prize consisted of
the following sums : £l, 16e., and 10e. The first prize
was won by Sergeant Raymond, whom he believed
to be a very good shot, and if he was going into the
back woMle of America he knew of no man he would
sooner taken then the sergeant. Private Woodman
carried off lie. and Sergeant Wadman, 10e. The next
prize the Chairman said was one which was not con-
tended for at the target, but it Was an important one.
It was a prize given by their excellent chaplain foe the
most regular attendance at drill during the year, and
was won by Private Maidment who had not been
absent from a single drilL (As the captain distribtited
the prizes the recipients were loudly cheered.)
The CHAIRMAN gave "The Donors of Prizes," coup-
ling with the toast the name of the asaistant-surgeon,
who appropriately returned thanks.
The MATOM said he had • very important toast to
propose, and he would not keep them long in suspense,
it Was the health of Captain klessiter. (Great cheer-
ing.J He had seen what the 10th Somerset volunteers
10mM do, and he had also heard of the excellent manner
in which their captain had spoken of their shooting
at the recent contest. He hoped that they would
never be called upon to perform a nrore serious duty
than that of shooting tot prizes, but of One thing he
felt certain, that Captain Messiter's wen would be
second to none if ever they were called out.
(Applause.)
Captain idESHITER, in response, after thanking them
for the manner in which his health had been ptoposed,
said he was not aware that by any act on his part he
had deserved so much warmth as they had shown in
receiving the toast. He was very grateful for their
kindness and be hoped he should always study to
deserve it. He was happy to say that he and his
family presented the picture of • happy family,
(Laughter.) They did not have any angry words and
nothing went wrong, and he was proud to command
their corps. (Cheers.) They mustered 101 enrolled
members, and he hoped mapy who were not at present
members of their corps, seeing what jolly fellows they
were, would come forward, take the shilling, and belong
to the 16th Somerset. (Cheers and laughter.) There
was one drawback which had occurred during the year,
and which he was very sorry for, he alluded to the death
of Sergeant DentY, throegh hie over-anxiety to render
asalstanire. The poor fellow had left three children,and
he hoped they would soon find an asylum to please them
in. Large sums of money bad been raised for them.
This was the only drawback they had met with, and
when they considered it was purely accidental, he
thought they would agree with him that one accident
was not sufficient to allow it to be said that they were
careless. He hoped as that was the first Resident it
would be the last.

Mr. GRIER/IMAM proposed the health of the 16th
S. R. V. He had much pleasure in congratolating Capt.
Messiter on having such a fine body of men under kis
command, who were ready at the call of danger to coos
forward and protect their Queen and their hearths and
homes. (Applause.) He believed the volunteer move-
ment had "diseome one of the institutions of the country,
but at the same time he thought It must be supported
by civilians. In connexion with the toast he coupled
the names of the officers and privetes. (The toast was
enthusiastically received.)
Loud calls were made for Ensign Werra, who said
be rose in obedience to return thanks on behalf of the
16th S. R. V. for the manner in which they had reoeived
the toast. The rifle movement had been established
three years, and he thought it was a sufficient answer
to those who said the volunteer panic would be like
Jonah's gourd, which sprung up in a night and withered
in a night. (Applause.) He, however, would compare
the movement to the oak, which the older it grew the
further it implanted its roots in the soil. (Cheers.)
Long may it flourish, and has long as he was oonnected
with the corps they might depend he would do his
utmost to uphold its honour and maintain its prosperity.
(Loud Applause)
The CHAIRMAN said they had been told that the
rifle movement required • great deal of support from
civilians, but from the favourable report which had
been presented from the committee who had considered
this question, he thought they should not require much
support. However, he hoped the honorary members
would still continue to assist them with ions.
The Clutameit then gave "the Suconesh Candi-
dates," which was asknowledged by Ensign Watts and
Private Oliver.

In responding to the tout of "The Non-ataimis-
cloned Officers" proposed by the Chairman, Colour-
Sergeant CHAFFIN said be thanked their Captain for
the complimentarr terms in which he bad proposed
the toast, and also to the gentlemen present for the
hearty manner in which they had received it, and it
would stimulate the non-commitsioned ordure so to
endeavour to discharge their duties as to merit their
approbation, which he was proud to aity had always
been accorded to them whenever an opportunity pre-
sented itself. (Cheers.) The compliment which bad
been paid them on this occasion would be engraved on
their memories, as a pleasing reminiscence in after
life. and would be a proud refection that they, on the
memorable day on which the majority of the Prince of
Wales was commemorated, stood beforrsthem bathe non-
commissioned officers of the loyal lath Somerset
Rifle Volunteers, approved of by their Captain, and
applauded by their comrades, in the presence of the
Mayor and Corporation, and so many of their fellow-
townsmen- (Applause.) He thonght they might now
venture to consider themselves qualified to stand
forward in defence of their Queen and country, their
hearths and homes, and the institutions of England;
and with God's blessing, in cOnjunction with their
brethren in arms throughout the United Kingdom,
serve as • powerful auxiliary to Her Majesty's regular
forum, lending a great moral support to their states-
men and diplomatista, and empowering them to take
that place and precedence amongst the other nations of
the world which, as a great commercial nation, England
was entitled. (Cheers.) He thought that if there was one
cause more than another why this country stood in her
present proud condition, it was from a sacred obser-
vance of the Sabbath-day, from the Queen to the
humblest of her subjeota, and which was not to be
found in any other country. In ooneaquenee of this
the happy results were that their ministers and states-
men were bleated from above with enlightenment and
wisdom, prudence, and sagacity, which enabled them to
avoid the shoals and quicksands, and to guide the
helm of state triumphant into the harbour of safety.
(Applause.) They could also boast of a sovereign, who
reigned, not as tyrants reigned, but on that throne of
thrones—the hearts of • happy, contented, brave, and
united people, (Cheers,) The gallant sergeant con-
cluded by again thanking the company for the manner
in which they had received the toast, and in return
begged to drink to all their very good health!.
Several other personal and complimentary toasts were
given and responded to, and the company did not break
up until the " smell hours." We must not forget
to mention that the band of the corps was in attendance,
and discoursed sweet music at intervals throughout the
evening. Several excellent sores were also sung, and
the affair passed off with harmony and good feeling.

CREWBERNE.—Rrrui CONTEST. The return
match between fire members of the Crewkerne Rifles,
and a like number a the Somerton corps took place at
the range of the former on Tuesday. The weather was
fine, but cold, and there was a strong wind blowing to
the left of the target, which in a great measure 111:my
amount for the shooting being soared, so good as

le usual. The Crewkarne men made the most point. at
I the match at Somerton, but this time the laurels of
victory wee won by the h'omerton
.Corps, but only by
nine points, and • great des .1 of excitement was mani-
fested throughout the day, as thethecofiutesetr, was so
keenly disputed. The range were 200, 500, and 600
yards, with five rounds-at et 'oh range. At 200 yards
the
total
number
of poi.* and bits made by the
Crewkerne Rifles were 82; mull .the Somerton gentlemen
moored • corresponding number. At poo yards, bow-
ever, Somerton gained. II pointy, scoring A total of 70,
whilst Crewkerne made (may MO,. Is us at 600 yards, the
latter made 2 points more thaw
run np • score of 47, Somerton beast ' 45. It will thus
be seen that the total number otpmen s. and hits gained
by the Somerton corps were ITT, irk 'lst that of the
Creakerne was 188. After the aft West was over
Captain Matthews hospitably entertain*, 'd the firing
party to • sumptuous dinner, and a near" evening was
spent.
Tat Ring Coate. —Sunday last bales' oe, ' majority
of the Prince of
an
f Warteeseie .rtee we, i hed h
,theCrewkeerne litlliza,f:eradedy
ttohecirhucrchahp' where
lain, the Rev. J. 8. Stubbs. The afgpa, trance
of the corps was as usual good, but their umbra cer-
tainly bespoke "active service," and looked sea the
worse for wear, it having been in use for three yea's.
We hope to gee them with new uniform ia the spiry
as Obey certainly need it.
MIAA/024A5Y MAITING.—A meeting was bell en
Thursday evening at the Wftleyan Chapel, brit owing
to the weather benur very unfavourable the attendance
was but moderate. The Rev. J. Browusdon addressed
the meeting, after which Mr. Nicholleon read this
report, which showed that noises than £137,000 atan
spent annually by the Wesleyan Society for minion-
grim alone, and of this sum more than £l,OOO was-
collected by children, and the society bad exceeded ita.
usual income by nearly £l,OOO. Mr. Nielmilson then,
alluded to the support given by Government so the
greet Indian feast which was held every year at.
Mysore, on which occasion the natives would suffer
the greatest punishments in order to receive favour
from the gods which they worshipped, which togetber
with prohibiting the Government schools, he son,
demned as a blot ou this country, and a shame to a -
flovernment at the head of a Christian land. He
further stated that it was an actual fact that in Bir-
mingham the gods of the nations of India were made
and sent out for them to worship, and that °Mimes
when a saimleanry left the shores. of England he would
Nall in a veseet laden with gads as • cargo. Mr.
Williamson, late a maenosary in India, hot returned
from ill-health, gave screwy very interesting accounts of
his travels, and told very pleasing facte in connection
with his labours, earnestly pleading the missionary
cause. Owing to collections **eh were made 011 the
previous Sunday, at this media% imily El 7s. 9d. was
gathered.

SMITH PETHERTON AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETY.
The ploughinW match in connection with Ude misty
was held ou Tnesday, under the most favourable el,-
cumetanoes. The competitioli took place in a ffiell
kindly lent for the 00CRAkfre by Mr. Ranh, of Seavinr-
ton, and was in every respect well adapted fog the pur-
pose. The ploughing was very good, and kr superior
to that of former years, and the judges, had great diffi-
culty in making their awards. The competition was.
very brisk, there being five competitors in the ast class,.
seventemi in the second, and eighteen in the third.
The judges were Mr. Hooke, Crewkerne - Mr. Paull,
Ihninster ; and Mr. Chapman, Dellirsgton, Ihninster.
The dinner took pleas at the Crown Inn, South Pettier-
ton, and consisted of the choicest of viands, and did
great credit to mine host and hostess ef the Crown,
in fact nothing was wanting, and the wines were of the
best description. About 60 gentlemen sat down to the
good things provided, C. N. Welman, Esq., discharging
the duties of chairman. whale Mr. J. Naish acted as
vice. There were also present W. Blake, Req., Bridge
House • J. T. Micheletti', Req., Crewkerne ; Yen.
Prebendary Coles, Bev. Mr. Bond, W. Perm, Req.,
and Messrs. G. Chapman, J. Paull, M. Hooke, ha., ice.
On the removal of the cloth
The CHAIRMAN, in giving "'Ph. Health of the Queen,"
said be was sure they would feel deep marrow for the
trial *high had befallen Her Majesty since they last
met in that room, and expressed e hope that she would
live to reign for many years- to come ever a prosper
and contented nation, (Cheers.) He than gave "The
Health of the Prince of Wales," remarking that be
was glad to hear that the Prince of Wee estate '-
nearly double from what it was at the time when ho
first became so. The Lord-Lieratenant of this county
and others hid been trustees for bin, and he lisped the
Prince of Wales would spend his mowey judiciously,
and that be might have a long and happy life, set as
king of England, but as Prince of Wales. writhed wiles
he became king he might reign as happily as his mother.
(Cheers.)
The Cauumssr, in giving " The Army and Navy,'"
said he had to propose to them the toast of • body of
men who had always done their duty in the hour of
danger. The army had had many opportunities of
distinguishing itself, and had done so in the Punjaub•
and in the Sikh war, and latterly in the Crimea. Since •
then, however, it had distinguished Mae)/ at Delhi and.
Luoknow. The navy during his time had not had many -
opportunities of distinguishing itself, but it was under-
going a complete transformation, not of men but of
ships, and he hardly knew what state it would be in if
it was wanted, but this he *paid say that " hearts of
oak" would ever be fownd reedy to face danger,
whether fighting with the Arnurtreag or .Whitworth
guns. (Cheers.) With the tort he would couple the
name of Captain Stuckey.
Captain STUCKEY said as there was neroilleer present
of the higher branches of the service to Mani thasks,
they mut be content with the small report of • rifle-
man. lie was not able, perhaps, to make as good •
speech as an officer connected with the regular service,
but what he did say came from his heart. (Chests.)
The army was in a most efficient state now, although
, it had been to sleep for many years, but when it wmi
caned to go to the Crimea, it did its duty well. Alla-
' ding to the service to which he belonged—the Volun-
teers—the captain said the volunteer movement hull
been a great success, and he hoped that as it had coin-
nienced so well, it would go on and prosper. (Cheers.)
He always had great pleasure in inviting them, but
whilst gathering around that festive board, they should
remember the suffering people in the north, who
were in want of relief, and they should try to make
them happy by sending them money and clothes, and
in doing all they could to alleviate their distress.
(Cheers.)The BATSMAN said that all bodies of christisne be
was sure would agree with him in saying that there
were no more worthy a set of men than the clergy,
. and he would propose The Bishop and Clara of the
Diocese," ooupling with the toast the name of the
Rev. Mr. Band, the vicar of the parish,
The Rev. Mr. BOND, in acknowledging the toast of
the Bishop and Clergy, said he had to return thanks for
the cordiality with which they always received him, as
also for the enthusiastic war in which they had drank
the health of the bishop and clergy of the diocese. If
anything would make him • ready speaker' it would be
to return thanks for the honour they had done him,
but at the same time he wished he was better able to
, respond to the toast, but as his name had been men-
, tioned in connection with the taut kin would not
scruple in responding to it. Their bishop was too
popular • man to require mush comment from him.
They had beard sometime ago that he was about to be
taken from them, hut he had not been, and be hoped
they should have him among them for many years to
come. (Cheers.) Adverting to the good which the
Bishop was continually doing, Mr. Bond said he took greet
interest in the schools rat Battersea with whisk le wee
connected, and they were remarkable for their elkineacy.
Another great charecteristie in his character, was the
amount of moral courage which be possessed, which was
greatly needed in these days, and another tharacteristis
which he thought made their Bishop so porrilar, was
his even temper and the generous spirit in which he
carried out every thing that he did. (Applause.) In
fact he did not know of a man who was more popular
than the Bishop of Bath and Wells. He (the Bishop,),
took great interest in Battersea, and last year he,
preached to the navigators there in the copes air, and
this year upon the oceaaion of the Royal Agricultural!
Society's visit to Battersea Park, he preached to the,
herdsmen there on a Sunday. (Cheers.) He thought.
all these thing would endear the Bishop to them. With
regard to the clergy, he hoped they would always give.
them credit for doing their hest in the work with whieb.
they were entrusted. (Cheers.) In conclusion, he,
again thanked them for the honour they had done to
the tusk.
The Bev. Mr. BOND again rose, and proposed the
"Lord Lieutenant and Magistrates of the (aunty of
Somerset."
J. Bram; Foq.' said in the name of the magistrates.
be rose to return thanks for the compliment. It was
alive,' a great pleasure to them to feel that their
services were appreciated, and he hoped they would
still continue to be so, and that the magistrates would
never fail in giving support to the public generally.
(Cheers.) He thought there was no body of men who
endeavoured to act more ooncientionsly than the magis-
trates, and as long as that was so the county would not
require stipendiary ones. (Applause.)
J. BLAKE, Esq., in proposing "The Health of the
Chairman." said he was sure they would drink that
most cordially. (Cheers.) Their chairman bad come
some distance to be with them that day, and although
be was a comparative stranger amongst them, yet he
was a large landed proprietor, and he believed the field
where the ploughing took place was his propertY•
(Applause.)
The CHAIRMAN, in reply to the toes!, observed that
he was in Londso last week, and in one of the club-
houses he saw Punch, and on looking over that paper,
(Laughter.)
he saw ten persons wanted, one of which wag that of •
man, who in proposing the toast, did not vilalrthe same
had fallen into better or more able handl. L
He was like that man, and he knew his imperfections,
but at the same time he came there as he Wished to
please them. Their ploughing match bid dime them
credit that day. The Chairman, in oonoluelon referred
to ae old book in which he said that it was written, that
South Petherton was a country worth seeing. That
was 70 years ago, and that time having pissed away he
thought this country was worth seeing now, and in
spite of the advances made in other parts, Booth Pether-
ton hail advanced more, and he coogratulated the corn-
pany upon the improvement of the place from the days
of Author Gunn. (Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN again rose, and said he bad another
toast to propose before the distribution of prises took
place. He saw present a gentleman who was • member
of a learned profeesion, arid one which was very usefuL
He therefore begged to give "The health of the legal.
profession," coupling with the toast the Dame of J. 1'
Nicholette, Beck of Crewkerne. (The tout was enthu-
siastically. reoeived.)
J. T. Nicnoirrra, Esq., in response, said : Their
kindnes, almost overwhelmed him, and he thanked
them most heartily for the manner in which they bad
received the toast. He thought it would be • good
thing for them if they met oftener. (Cheers-) It was
well known that lawyers were proverbly modest men,
and therefore be should not say anything in their
praise. (Laughter.) He lied no doubt some of them
present had had dealings with lawyere, and had always
found them good sort of men, therefore he should not
say more about them than that those gentlemen which
had not been so fortunate bad better come to them.
(Laughter.) Of all other professions he should like
that of farming, for they studied the ground and
sciences so that they might be enabled to make great
gain, and they made calculations of their stock and
crops, what it would out to feed and grow, and the
result was they realised large profits from their busi-
ness. And besides all this, fanning was a IstalahY autt*

.ki.

potion, and year after yeer inventions were being die-
'covered which made farming produce more profitable
than aver. He then alluded to the milking machine,
and said he did not care what machine they had HO long
as they did not have • mechanical lawyer. (Cheers and
'laughter.) Mr. Nicholetts concluded by proposing
'prosperity to the South Petherton Agricultural Society,
smd expressed • wish that it might he more prosperous
each year, and that the Society might still he the con-
etantencourai.er of skill, and reward the agricultural
labourer. (A pplanae.)
W. PERREN, Esq., said he IHAS very sorry in looking
around the room to find so many better able to return
thanks than himself, sitting so quietly upon their seats.
Be could not allow the toast just proposed, the niost
important one of the evening, to remained unanswered,
and therefore he would return thanks as well as he
could. However, he thought hecould claim this advan-
tage, that be conld remember the Society from its
eornmeesterrient, although he was then a boy. (Cheers.)
Mont thirty-two years ago this Society emanated
from the Bath and West of England Agricultural
Seciety, and had been nurtured with great care and
anteetaon. Other societies had gone to the ground, but
this one still held up its head, and although lie did not
envy any other society he was proud of their's and
expressed a hope that it might be many years before
they heard of its death. (Applause.) The object of
their Society was a good one, being that of encouraging
the labourer, and in endeavouring to increase the fruits
of the land ; and every man who could make an increase
of one bkde of gram was • benefit to his country.
(Cheers) This Society deserved the support of every
one in the neighbourhood, and their secretary would
tell them that its funds were in a good state, and so
lon g as they could look around that room, and see
their Chairman, who came from a great distance (Lees-
port) to support the Society, he thought the fact
ananred well for its ?tame success. (Much applause.)
The CHATIVIAN then proposed the Vice-Chairman's
'health, and Mr. Naish briefly returned thanks, after
which the distribution of prizes took place.