The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1862-04-08 00:00:00

OUR STEEL-CLAD NAVY.

The prow of the Merrimac has annihilated
the wooden navy of England, and the Monitor,
at least so far as the loud talk of America is
concerned, has put an end to England's
supremacy at sea. Captain Ericsson, in a letter
to a Boston paper says, "Give me only the
requisite means, and in a short time we can say
to those Powers now bent on destroying Repub-
lican freedom, Leave the Gulf with your frail
craft, or perish !' " Unquestionably we must
abandon our wooden steam ships. They are
shown to be useless against iron, and it would
be just as wicked to send out the Marlborough
to fight the Monitor or the Merrimac, as it
would be to send a crew armed only with boa
and arrows in a galley to fight the Warrior.
Our wooden navy has had its day, and served
its purpose ; but science has altered its value
and given iron the supreinacy. Perhaps we
shall eventually invent something to pierce
these ironsidea, and send them to the bottom of
the sea at a blow; nevertheless, we must net
stand still. Our reconstructed navy must be
reconstructed. We have it on the authority of
the First Lord of the Admiralty, that we have
only four iron-plated vessels afloat, and not one
of these is constructed on a satisfactory principle.
And as regards the rest of our navy, if the ships
were drawn up in order of battle, there are half-
a-dozen vessels in the world that would run them
down, and riddle them with shot, and smash
them up as the Merrimac served the Cumberland
and the Congress the other day. The Monitor
was built in 100 days, and the Americans are
building six other vessels of a similar construc-
tion, but more formidable. They are to be 35
feet longer, and the main protection of the more
vulnerable parts is to be a good deal thicker
than the Monitor's. We are promised the
launching of another ironsides in August next,
but the four others in course of construction will
be some time longer before they are afloat. The
Duke of Somerset says it takes three or four
months to get the drawings of a vessel ready.
Surely we might go-ahead a little faster than
this; for while we are getting our drawings
ready, the American Government will have
built a fleet of invincible.. Lord Hard wicke
thinks the Government ought not to "nibble"
at the matter like a minnow nibbling at a bait,
but open its jaws like a shark, and swallow the
whole, whatever the expense may be. We ques-
tion if his lordship's ideas will find very great
favour with the majority of the tax-payers.
What is needed seems to have been pretty well
found out. Large vessels similar to those in
course of construction for sea-going ships, and
our present men-of-war cut down, iron plated to
below water-mark, and fitted like the cupola
ship of Capt. Coles for home and colonial
harbours. The Duke of Somerset described one
of these ships to the House the other night.
A cupola tower was finished and erected on
board a ship. In a heavy sea it worked
admirably; indeed, the gunners of the
Excellent could not compete with it in the
rapidity of discharge. A vessel was then
moored within 200 yards of the gun-turret, and

such a fire kept up as is never sustained in ac-
tion. tight 40-pounders, fifteen 68-pounders,
and forty 100-pounders, were opened upon it,
without damaging the machinery in the cupola
in the least, or displacing anything at all with
the exception of one plate of very inferior metal.
This seems to us to be exceedingly satisfactory,
and our Admiralty we are glad to find are about
to act upon the result of these experiments.
There is no reason in the world why we should
not maintain our supremacy of the seas intact.
We have the best sailors, the beat iron, the
most skilled labour, the most perfect machinery,
and the highest capacity for producing with
rapidity great results. The expense attending
the conversion of our wooden vessels into
armour-clad batteries will not be great, and
eventually their adoption for coast defences will
be a great saving to the country. What we
have to do is to take care that we show a
promptitude, in setting about the reconstruction
of our navy, equal to the exigency of the case.

DORCHESTER.—PITCHED Color MARKET,
SATURDAY, April s.—There WEE Only A limited
attendance, but the trade was good, and dry samples
of wheat were inquired for, though there were not
many on otter. Prices were firm. Best sample.; of
barley had an upward tendency, and other
.oing
corn was quite as dear as last week. Seed, and
manures were liberally offered, and many eales were
effected.

MESSRS. BAKER AND ENSOR'S REPOSITORY SALE,
Saturday, April s.—There was a good attendance,
and a large supply of excellent stock. Beef sold a,
advanced rates, and mutton was not cheaper. Veat
in short supply, hat the prices asked were too high!
and sales were retarded. Cows and calves sold at
long prices. Horses were not so plentiful as usual ;
the best sold well. There were some Alderney
cows, which fetched fancy prices.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETINO.-A meeting of the
council was held on Monday, the 7th iest. The
members present were the Mayor, Councillors
Lock, Hodges, Devenish, Proud, Bennett, Bishop,
Mason, and Aldridge.
The CLERK having read the minutes of the last
meeting, the Mayor said that with regard to the
question of subscriptions for the public clock, lie
might report verbally that the Committee had held
two or three meetings since the last meeting of the
Council. They had not made any general canvass
of the town, but had sent letters to a few persons
to ascertain what they would give to head the list,
and at present they had obtained something like
£2lO. There were some letters to which they had
not received replies, but be hoped that by the next
meeting he should be able to lay before the Board
the result of these and also of the canvass. They
would proceed with the canvass in the course of a
few days, and the list of subscriptions would be
published. He also added that he had received two
or three communications, which he would read.
Two or three days after the last meeting he received
a letter from the Secretary of what was styled the
Mercantile Law Amendment Society, enclosing a
petition to be laid before the Council for an altera-
tion of the laws, and especially as regards the equal-
isation of the Income Tax.—Mr. LOCK said that
the precedent they act at their previous meeting
with regard to petitioning Parliament had
landed them just where he expected. They might
now expect to be inundated with letters requesting
them to petition parliament. —The MAYOR also read
a letter from the secretary of the British Museum,
for the observance of visitors during the International
Exhibition. He also introduced to the notice of the
meeting a sixpenay pamphlet on " The sewering of
towns and drainage ot houses," by Mr. Robert
Rawlinson, surveyor, who has had great experience
iu the matter. As it contained much valuable in.
formation, it was directed that a copy be obtained
for each of the members. —The INSPECTOR reported
the existence of some nuisances. Orders were made
for their removal.—A long discussion ensued on the
reading of the Surveyor's report in reference to the
compulsory drainage, and it was unanimously re-
solved that in future wherever private drainage is
carried out by the Board under the compulsory
clauses of the Act, such work shall be done by
public tender. The report of the General Purposes
Committee was read as follows :- —ln proceeding to
carry out still farther the renewal of the pavements,
according to the plan which was found to work
satisfactorily during the last year, the committee,
after a careful consideration of the amount provided
for such perposes in the estimates approved and
adopted by the Board, have arrived at the opinion
that during the present year they can newly pave
the Shirehall-lane and the west side of the South-
street and North-square, and satisfactorily repair the
other or eastern side of the same square. On the
question of material to be used, the attention of the
committee has been directed to other than stone from
the Kiuton quarries, and amongst others a &etch
stone known as the Caithnese stone, has been recoms
mended by the Salisbury city surveyor on theexpe-
rience aequired from Os use ,extensively in that city.
The Committee had therefore ordered a quantity of
from 100 to 200 tons let a cost of £2 per ton, which
it is hoped may arrive as soon as the weather gets
sufficiently settled to commence the work. It may
have attracted the attention of the Board that not
only does the pavement extending from Burnett
Gardens to South-terrace require to be renewed and
relaid at a higher level than at present, but that it
is most desirable that, in these days, it should be
widened if praticable. The Committee areof opinicn
that this could be done to an extent varying from
four to eight inches without interfering with the
cellar gratings of the houses abutting on it, or causing
any inconvenience to the occupiers thereof.
To do this it would be necessary to
take up and replace the existing iron
railing and plinth, on a line ranging from one end to
the other, at an uniform distance from the front of
such houses, and also to obtain the previous assents
of the owners. There is no reason to suppose but
that they would readily acquiesce in such a desirable
improvement, but an approval of the pro position on the
part of the Board must be expressed to authorise the
Committee to enter on a negociation for carrying it out
with the parties interested. The report was unani-
mously received and adopted, and a resolution was
passed authorising the Committee, in the event of a
further communication they found that it would be
advisable to have curb and gutter-atone of the same,
to give an order accordingly. Some further business
of minor importance was then transacted, and the
meeting separated.
COUNTY HOSPITAL.— The Lord Bishop of the
Diocese will, on Wednesday next, consecrate the
chapel, recently added to the County Hospital.
THE MEMORIAL WINDOW IN ALL SAINTS
Cm:mem—A stained-glass window has been recently
erected in this church, as a memorial of the late
Arthur H. D. Troyte, who was highly esteemed in
this parish for his many acts of benevolence and
the interest he took in the welfare of the church.
The work was executed by Messrs. Clayton and
Bell, of London, and the whole of the material is of
the best quality. We consider, however, that the
various representations are too closely crowded to-
gether, and that if leas subjects for illustration had
been chosen, the heavy appearance which the window
presents would have been avoided. The subjects
chosen are representations of Infant Baptism,
Ordination, the celebration of the Holy Eucharist,
and the Burial of the Dead. Along the base of the
window is an inscription to the following effect
"In loving remembrance of Arthur N. D. Troyte,
who fell asleep June 19,1857. Thanks be to God."

COMMITTED TO THE .DORCHTSTER GAOL —Hard
Labour: Patrick Larkham, vagrancy at Weymouth,
1 calendar month; Charles Pearce, leaving his wife
chargeable at Loder, 1 calendar month; Joseph Cox,
idle apprentice at Wool, 7 lays; Benjamin Kenway,
idle apprentice at Weymouth, 10 weeks; George
Kenniston, stealing barley and oatmeal at
Hinton St. Mary, 1 calendar month. Imprizonment :
John Horsey, drunkenness at Evershot, 7 days;
James Warren, drunkenness at Wareham, 7 days.

. ,
FORDINGTON.--Thomas Winzar, ofFording-ton,
was on Saturday charged before Major Steward and
Major-General Michel, with stealing turnip greens
from a field belonging to Mr. S. T. Harding of
Stinsford.—P.C. Foster deposed that he saw the de-
fendant taking the greens.--Defendant to witness:
"How could you see ma? I could'nt see you, and so
you could'nt, therefore, see me."—The magistrates
thought that the defendant, by the questions he put
to witness, had admitted that he was there, and he
was consequently fined 10s., including costs, to be
paid in a week.

WEYMOUTH.—AN AI39CONDING APPRENTICE.-
Benjamin Kenway, a mariner's apprentice, was
charged before J. Ayling and E. Bayly, Esqrs., two
of the borough justices, on Wednesday, with ab-
senting himself without leave from the William and
Mary. Captain Dyer, it seemed, gave the defendant
leave to visit his friends at Bridport on Saturday, on
condition that he returned on Monday. He did not
return, and on Tuesday morning the captain re-
ceived a letter from defendant to the effect that he
did not intend to go to sea again. A warrant was
accordingly obtained for his apprehension, but on
being brought before the magistrates he promised to
return to his duties, and the case was dismissed.
SMUGGLING.—On Friday morning John Prankard
was charged before Mr. Alderman Ayling with
smuggling. He was one of the men in the Aquila,
and,epacket, weighing 7lbs., of tobacco, belonging
to the defendant was found concealed on board that
vessel. The defendant was convicted on the evi-
dence of H. Ferry and G. Beckley, and was ordered
to pay single duty, £3 6s. 2d., the value of the
tobacco, 75., and costs, 12s. 6d., amounting in the
whole to £4 ss. Bd.

PRESTON.—On Saturday last Ann Hawkins, the
wife of a ratcatcher, was charged at the Dorchester
Petty Sessions, with stealing part of a fence belong-
ing to Mr. A. L. Cooper, of Whitcombe. The defen-
dant was caught in the act by P.C. Maidment, and
she was fined 55., including costs.
BETTISCOMBE. -The foundation atone of a new
church was laid on Thursday last by Mrs. Sheridan,
the present patroness of the living. A large and
fashionable company met on the occasion, but in
consequence of the unfavourable state of the weather,
many who intended to be present were unavoidably
prevented. The old church was found to be in such
a dilapidated condition, that the respected rector,
the Bev. C. Mutable, was obliged to direct hie

efforts in obtaining the assistance of friends, so as to
enable him to build an entirely new church. In this
he was fortunately so successful es to warrant the
commencement of the work. R. B. Sheridan, Esq.,
M.P., with his usual liberality, headed the subscrip•
thin list with £lOO ; R. G. Rayoard, £5O ; and the
Rev. C. Huxtable, £3O ; and many of the gentry
and leading inhabitants of the district, with friends
at a distance, came forward in the most praise-
worthy manlier to assist ; and to the honour of the
parish, poor as it is, the amount was further
augmented by the sum of £l5O, on the security of
the iates; the Diocesan and Incorporated Societies
will also considerably help forward this good work,
leaving only about .€2OO to be collected. By the
kind permission of Mr. Sheridan a bazaar will be
opened in August next in his beautiful grounds at
Frampton, when the well-disposed will have an op•
portunity of contributing to liquidate the debt.
Mrs Sheridan and Mrs. Huxtable have consented
to receive contributions of work, &c. The new
edifice, fram plans supplied by Mr. Hicks, of Dor-
chester, will consist of nave, north aisle, and chancel,
with a battlemented tower, a vestry, and a porch on
the south side. A gentleman residing in the neigh-
bourhood has offered a subscription for the purpose
of restoring the peal of bells. The spot where the
atone was to be laid was adorned with flags, and
fronting the visitors was a neat design with
" Welcome," and over to entrance to the rectory,
Salve. A large tent was kindly lent by
J. Tatchell Bullen, Es 4., beneath which,
notwithstanding the rain, the ceremony was
conducted with comparative comfort. As soon as
the party arrived from the rectory the service com-
menced, the Rev. H. C. Huxtable and the Rev. R.
S. Hutchings officiating on the occasion. The
musical part of the service was ably performed by
Mr. Moore, organist, of Lyme, who presided at the
harmonium, and the choral portions were ably led
by Mrs. Huxtable, Miss Edwards, Mr. 11. D.
\Varter, and the Misses Hussey, who also sang
Clarke Whitfield's anthem, "In Jewry is God
known" in first-rate style. At the appointed time
Mrs. Sheridan was conducted by J. Tatchell Sullen,
Eq., to the place where the stone was suspended,
and gracefully assisted the architect and
builder in living it in the proper
position a beautiful silver trowel with
an ivory handle being presented to her by the
rector for the purpose. After it had been lowered,
the esteemed patroness, in accents which showed a
feeling appreciation of the solemnity of the act,
said, In the faith of Jesus Christ e place this
foundation stone in the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." In a
cavity under the stone, hermetically sealed, was
placed a bottle containing two of the bronze coins of
the present year, and a parchment serail, on which
had been inscribed :

"Holy Trinity Chnrcli, Bettiscombe.
The foundation stone of this church was laid on the
site of the old parish chuio'i, March the 27th, 1862, by
Mrs. Sheridan, of Frampton Court, Dorset, the patroness
of the living; the Right Rev. Walter Kerr being thee.
Bishop of the Diocese; the Rev. Henry Constantine
Hurtahle, rector of the parish ; and Robert Hussey and
Azariali Elliot, churchwardens. Architect, John Flicks,
Dorchester : builder, Edward Brooking, Weymouth."
Before singing the concluding hymn, " Christ is
laid the sure foundation," the Rev. R. S. Hutchings
addressed the assemblage. On the completion of
the ceremony, the party adjourned to the rectory,
where the most hospitable arrangements had been
made for their entertainment by Mr. and Mrs.
Huxtable. We sincerely congratulate the inhabitants
of this pariah and the surrounding district on the
favourable commencement of this o:client work,
and trust that the _building will be completed in
such a manner as to give satisfaction to all, and
that the whole of the expenses incurred may be
entirely cleared off when the church is opened for
divine. worship.
_ . .

BLAN DFOrllD.—The fourth of the series of
readings in connection with the Working Man's
Club, was given on Thursday evening at the Town-
hall. The attendance was not so large as on previous
occasions, on account of the unfavourable state of
the weather. Selections from Byron's "Corsair"
were read by the Rev. A. Littlewood. T. H.
Bastard, Esq., read passages from Smiles' "Lives of
Engineers," and these were followed by E. 0.
Spooner, Esq., reading a part of Scott's "Marmion,"
and an Ingoldsby Legend. The chair was taken by
W. H. Atkinson, Esq., who at the close tendered
a vote of thanks to the three gentlemen.
The Blandford Farmers' Clubhave issued their list
of prizes for 1862. Fourteen prizes will be awarded
for root crops ; ten premiums offered for corn, and
24 prizes for stock. The mangold and general root
crops are to be viewed by the judges before the let
October, and the swedes before the let of November.
Entries for premuirns for root crops must be made
and notice given to the secretary on or before the
13th September, and for corn and stock on or
before the Ist November.

STURMINSTER NEWTON.—PYTTT SESSIONS,
March 31.—Before the Rev. H. Boucher (Chairman),
and Colonel Malet.—Mark Dine, of Ho'well, .'as
summoned by Chief Superintendent Hammond, for
selling beer without a license. Mr. Dash wood defended.
The case was fully proved by Daniel Mead, of Holwell,
who was summoned by the superintendent as a witness,
and the Bench convicted the defendant in the penalty
of £2. 10s, and costs, amounting to a further sum of
138—Matthew Rowland, orStiuninster, John Southard,
and Mary Southard, of the same place, were summoned
by the Superintendent of Pol cc for drunkenness, and
were each convicted in the penalty of ss. and costs.—
Joseph Stange, of Sturminster, was summoned by
William Inkpen, of the same place, for an assault. Mr.
Dashwood for defendant. There was also a arose-
summons, charging Inkpen and John Fish, jun., of
Sturminster, with assaulting Joseph Strange ; and the
Bench, after hearing the evidence on both sides,
convicted Joseph Strange in the nominal fine of &I.
and costs, and dismissed the cross-ituninons against
Inkpen and Fish.—George Kenniston, of Hinton St.
Mary, was brought up in custody, charged with stealing
about one peck of barley and oatmeal, mixed, the
property of Mr. William Senior, his master, value is.
Mr. Dashwood appeared to watch the case on behalf of
the prisoner, who, when called upon for his defence,
pleaded guilty, and the Bench, after a suitable caution
from the Chairman, committed the prisoner to the
house of correction for one calendar month hard
labour.—Stephen Malphns, of Belchalwell, a man of
property, and occupying a dairy, was charged with
stealing 58 pounds weight of mangold wurzel
from an outhouse, the property of Mr Edmund
Andrews, of the same place on the 28th ult.,
and, notwithstanding the prisoner having been caught
in the act by the prosecutor's son, lie denied the charge,
and elected to be tried by a jury at the sessions, where-
upon the Bench committed the prisoner for trial, but
accepted bail, himself in £2O, and one surety in £lo.
Mr. Joseph Spicer, farmer, of Haselbury Bryan, was
summoned by the Highway Surveyors of the same
place, for having encroached on a certain highway
within the said parish, and the Bench ordered the same
to be removed, and payment of costs. —Henry Cuff, of
Woollancl, was summoned by Mr. George Hopkins, of
Hazelbnry Bryan, for breach of contract,and the Bench,
after hearing the evidence, cancelled the agreement, and
ordered the defendant to pay 7s and eciAs.
WIMBORNE. —Ferry SESSIONS, April 4.—(Before
Major Portman and J. T. Baskett, Esq.)—The several
overseers attended with their lists, and the appointments
were made by the justices for the ensuing year; also
the Surveyors of Highways attended to verify on oath
their accounts. Two pemons, named Baily, for
Boveridge Heath tithing, and Hibberd, for Edmonston
parish, objected on account of insufficient rental and
inability to undertake the duties of overseers, being
incapable of reading or writing. The justices excused
the former, and ordered the list to be amended, but
confirmed the latter for Edmondston.—Charles Manna
was convicted, on complaint of the police, for being drunk
and being guilty of indecent beheaviour in a public
street, at Wimborne. Fined £l, or one month in
default.

POOLE.—CONCERT IN AID OF THE MECHANICS'
INSTITUTIL—On Friday evening a concert was held
at the Temperance Hall, of an unusually attractive
character. The object of the entertainment was to
raise funds to aid in defraying a debt which has been
incurred by the Mechanics' Institute, in the purchase
of new furniture for their library and class room;
and, through the kind liberality of Willet L. Adye,
Esq., himself a distinguished musician and a warm
friend of the institute, who bore a considerable
portion of the expense, aided also by the subscriptions
of several patrons, we have no doubt that the profits
amount to a considerable sum. The principal
artistes engaged were—Mr. Alexander Rowland, solo
coutrabassit to the Philharmonic Society; Mr.
Strugnell, pupil to Mr. Rowland; Mr. Guest,
violoncellist of the Royal Italian Opera Band; Mr.
Rendle, violinist in ordinary to Her Majesty ; Mr.
Gamblin, violinist, of Winchester; Mr. Henry
Webb, principal viola to the Philharmonic Society;
Mr. W. P. Aylward, flautist, of Salisbury; and
Mr. Boyton Smith, pianist, of Dorchester; the
whole arranged as a double septett band, under the
direction of W. L. Adye, Esq. The vocal depart-
ment was ably sustained by the members of the Poole
Choral Society. Mr. Duncan, conductor, assisted
by Mrs. Edwards, pianist, and the Blandford
Church Choir. The best and most thankful acknow-
ledgments of the committee of the Mechauics'
Institute are due to the ladies and gentlemen of the
Poole Choral Society, to Mrs. Edwards and her
choristers, and though last certainly not least, to the
kind and talented leader, and the gentlemen com-
posing the superb little band, for the treat the
musical have experienced, and the ; 6veille the town
of Poole has by their combined efforts received.
SHAFTESBURY.—FARMIIRS' CLUB AND AGRI-
CULTURAL SOCIETY. —lt is smatter of surprise that
this town, which swells strongly of the aristocracy,
and has its well-to-do farmers and opulent traders
gathered around it, that it has not, till within a
brief period, shaken off its apathy and torpor, and
began in right earnest to establish a society under
the above title. The promises of support already
received will enable the committee to offer a whole
host of good things for competition at the first ex-
hibition of the association. Among the subscribers
we notice Sir E. B. Baker, Bart., T. B. Bower,
Esq., (lwerno House) T. B. Bower, juur., Esq., W.
Burridge, Esq., (Mayor of Shaftesbury,) Rev. 11. W.
Blackmore, J'. Du Bonley, Esq., (Dorhead Hall,)
Rev. T. Evans, Rev. G. Glover, G. G. Glyn,
RI., M.P., Rev. H. T. Glyn, (Melbury,) R. G.
Glyn, Esq., C. W. Gordon, Esq., (Wincombe,)
Graves, Esq., (Charlton,) T. G. Grove, Esq., Lord
Richard Grosvenor, Rev. H. Hall, The Van. Arch-
deacon Huxtable, R. Howard, Esq., M. R. Jeffery.,
Esq., A. Morrison, Esq., Hon. W. H. B. Portman,
M. if., Rev. J. J. Reynolds, (Shaftesbury,) H. D.
Seymour, Req., A. Seymour, Esq., Dr. Shinto, H.

G. Shirt, Esq., M.P., The Marquis of Westminster,
G. NV hieldon, Esq., &c., &c. A preliminary meeting
was held some time back, when a Committee was
appointed, pro. tem , with a honorary secretary in
the person of Mr. NV. T. Bucklantl. Roles and regu-
lations for the guidance of the society, organized
" for the advancement of agriculture, and the en-
couragement of industrious labourers and servants"
were adopted. On Saturday afternoon last a general
meeting was held at the Townhall, to inter alia
decide what prizes should be offered in the first year
of the society's existence. There was a full atten-
dance, notwithstanding the humid state of the at-
mosphere, and W. Burridge, Esq., mayor, was voted
to the chair. He regretted that some ono better
acquainted w ith farming matters had not been
placed in the chair, as he considered he was not the
right man in the right place. His profession through
life had been of an opposite character, which ren-
dered him incapable of doing justice to agriculture
in all its bearings. However, he should at all times
lie willing to give his time for the advancement of the
society, and also to subscribe to its funds. (Applause.)
Before calling upon the secretary to read the list of
proposed prizes, he (the Chairman) would state that
several letters had been received in answer to the
secretary's request for support. One of them was
from Mr. Glennie, private secretary to the Marquis
of Westminster, stating his lordship would be
pleased to subscribe £lO towards the general fund.
Another from Mr. Portman, the county member,
promising £3 as one premium, or to be divided be-
tween two classes. Archdeacon Hustable had also
written for permission to offer prize 1 or prize 2.
His (the Chairman's) son had also received a com-
munication from Mr. Glyn, the borough member,
who professed his willingness to give £lO either as
one or two prizes in the discretion of the committee.
The reading of the several letters elicited genuine
marks of approliation.—The honorary secretary, Mr.
W. T. Buckland, alluded to the objects of the meet-
ing, and stated that it would be necessary to elect a
committee. The number of members who had
joined was about 142, and the funda amounted to
about £97, made up of 10s. -subscriptions ffrom
members, and the donations from Sir Henry Baker,
Mr. Glyn, Mr. Portman, the Marquis of West-
minster, and others. He had written to several
other gentlemen, and did not doubt but that the
replies would be favourable from several of them,
so that the committee would be able to increase the
prizes. Until those replies had come in they would
not be in a position to state the precise amount to
be awarded as prizes. —A committee consisting of
the Mayor of Shaftesbury, Messrs. Thomas, C.
Knight, J. D. Allen, G. Perham, E. H. Burt, J.
Rogers, W. Batten, H. Harding, Mayo,
Whitemarsh, H. Young, and E. Lush was next ap-
poiated. The secretary then proceeded to read the
list of premiums to be offered for competition this
year, but before doing so Mr. W. Batten was
anxious to make a few remarks. Ho urged that
the prizes were not to be looked at in their intrinsic
value, but as a recognition that the recipients had
eclipsed all others, and was therefore the best man.
He was in favour of prizes being given in such a
form that the possessors might hand them down to
their children for heirlooms, and as evidences that
their ancestors had been industrious in their
endeavours to secure them. (Applause.) The pro-
posed list of prizes was-then discussed seriatim, and
several amendments made. Much laughter was
evoked on reading mice 10, that to the carter or
teannonan for long service who would be required to
produce satisfactory testimonials " that he has
never returned home intoxicated during the last
three years when be has been sent to market or
elsewhere with his team." Many persons thought
that would be too great a test, while one suggested
that the certificates might be supplied by publicans.
Severalwished for a solution of the question, " What
is intoxication?" —Mr. Batten spoke in favour of the
retention of the words, and advanced for his reason
the great responsibility devolving upon the carter
in charge of horses. He maintained it was not a
question of teetotalling, but one which concerned
the lives and properties of several. Upon being
put to the meeting the words were retained. Sub-
joined is the list of prizes as amended, but still sub-
ject to the decision of the committee :-
I.—To the Shepherd who has reared the greatest
number of Lambs per cent. (not less than 90 per cent.)
with the least loss of E,,es, from December Ist to April
26th, belonging to the same master or mistress, and
whose flock is above 300 Ewes put to Tup,—A Great
Coat.

2.—To the Shepherd who has reared the greatest
number of Lambs per cent. (not less than 90 per cent.)
with the least lobs of Ewes, from December Ist to April
26th, belonging to the same toaster or mistress, and
whose flock is not more than 300, nor less than 100 Ewes
put to Tup,—A Great Coat.
3.—To the Ploughman, above 20 years of age, who
shall tlough half.an-acre of Laud with two horses,
and without a driver, in the best manner.—A Great
Coat.

—To the nest (if more than two candidates)-
s.—To the Ploughman, above 16 and under 20 years
of age, who shall plough half-an-acre, with two hor-es
and without a driver, in the best manner.—A Great
Coat.
6:—To the next (if more than two candidates)

7.—To the Ploughboy, under 16 years of age, who
shall plough half-an-acre, with two horses, in the beat
manner,—A Great Coat.
B.—To the Man who has made, trimmed, and thatched
a Wheat Rick, contatining not leas than 15 loads of
aheave.‘ in the bast manner.
9. —To the Man who has made the beat set of Wheat
Ricks, (not leas than two ricks) containing not
less than 15 loads of sheaves a piece, in the, beat
manner.

10.—To the Carter or Teamsman, who hen lived the
longest time without break of service, and is still living
with the same master or mistress, or on the same farm,
and who produces satisfactory testimonials that he had
never returned home intoxicated during the le.st 3
years when he has been sent to market or eleswhere
with his team, due regard being had to the number of
horses under his charge,—A Great Coat.
. . . .

11.—To the next,—.A Great Coat.
12.—T0 the Man, above 18 years of age, who has
lived the longest time without any break Of service, and
instill living with the seine master or mistress or on the
same farm.
13,—T0 the next

14. —To the Lad, under 18 years of sge,who has lived
the longed time withont any break of service, and is dill
living with the same master or mistress or on the same
farm.
15.—T0 the next.

the Men who shall Hoe in the beat manner,
not less than a quarter of an acre of Turnips, in a given
time.

17.—T0 the nest best ditto
18.—To the Man who shall Mow in the best manner,
not less than half an acre of Grass, In a given time.
19.—T0 the next best.
20.—T0 the owner of the best Cart Btagion.
21.—T0 the owner of the best Cart Mare, in work.
22.—T0 the owner of the best Breeding Mare.
23.—T0 the owner of the 2 best Dairy Cows, in calf
and in milk.

24.—T0 the owner of the 2 second best ditto.
22.—T0 the owner of the 2 best Heifers, under 24
months old.
26.—T0 the owner of the 2 second best ditto.
27.—T0 the owner of the best Bull, pure bred, of
any age.
28.—T0 the owner of the best Bull, pare bred, under
24 months old.

29.—T0 the owner of the best Breeding Sow.
30.- To the owner of the second best ditto.
31.—T0 the owner of the best Boar.
32.—T0 the owner of the second been ditto.

33.—T0 the owner of the best 15 Down Ewes, 2,4,
and 6 teeth (five of each), regularly kept with the flock
till within one week of the show day, and bred by the
exhibitor.
34.—T0 the owner of the second best 15 ditto ditto
35. —To the owner of the best Down Ram, of any age
36.—T0 the owner of the second best ditto.
37.—T0 the owner of the best 20 Chilver Lambs.
38.—T0 the owner of the second best 20 ditto.
All Live Stock to have been in the possession of the
Exhibitor Six Months.
39.—T0 the maker of the best 12 lbs. Butter.
40.—T0 the maker of the second best 12 lbs. Butter.
41.—T0 the maker of the best 2 cwt. Cheese.
42.—T0 the maker of the second beat 2 cwt Cheese.
43.—For the best 6 acres of Swede Turnips.
44.—For the second best 6 acres ditto.
45.—For the best 3 acres of Swede Turnips.
46.—For the second best 3 acres ditto.
47.—For the best 4 acres of Mengel/ Wurzels.
48. —For the second best 4 acres ditto.
49.—For the best 2 acres of Mangold Wurzels.
50.—For the second best acre ditto.
51.—For the hest 5 sacks of Wheat, grown by the
exhibitor.
52.—For the second best ditto ditto.
53. —For the best 5 sacks of Barley grown by the
exhibitor.

54.—For the second best ditto ditto.
55.—For the best 5 sacks of Oats, grown by the
exhibitor.

56.—For the second best 5 Sacks Oats, grown by the
exhibitor.

-------•
57.—For the best 5 Backs of Beans, grown by the
exhibitor.

-58.:4er the second best ditto ditto.
A resolution was proposed by Mr. Bennett, seconded
by Mr. Mayo and carried, to the effect that no
member should be allowed to compete unless a mem-
ber for six months prior to the day of exhibition. A
cordial vote of thanks to the chairman terminated
the proceedings—The Shaftesbury Agricultural
Society has our best wishes for its success and stabi-
lity, and that in its sphere it will be second to none
in the county. We have been present at the
christening of the lusty infant, but hope we shall
never be called upon to write a funeral oration upon
its inanimate body.
RIFLE CORPS. —A very interesting and instruc-
tive lecture was delivered on Friday last, at the
Townhall, to the members of the 9th Dorset
(Shaftesbury) Rifle Corps, by J. C. Manse!, Esq.,(A'al.
of the Dorset Rifle Volunteers. The subject was
" Musketry Drill," and the lecturer first showed
the great advantages which the rifle had over its
predecessor—the old Brown Bess—and then pro-
ceeded to give his hearers some practical hints as to
the most efficient manner of using this formidable
weapon.

GREAT TOLLER.—On Monday, the 31st ult.,
the inhabitants of this district commemorated the
opening of a new station on the Great Western line,
which will be a great boon to those in the vicinity,
as formerly those residing here had to go a consider-
able distance to any station. There will now be
three trains each way stop at Great Toiler. The
directors, who arrived by the first train, were most
hospitably entertained by Edward Pope, Esq., and a
very pleasant day 'pests " Bums to the railway"

was proposed, and hearty thanks expressed to the
directors for the accommodation they had afforded,
BRIDPoItT FAIR, Monday, April 7W—There
was but a very short supply of stock, and prieeswere
high, beef realizing 13e. to 14a per Moore. Cowr anti
calves were likewise rery dear, _ _ _

YEOVlL.—DisuessiNG SUICIDE.—MTICiI regret
is felt at tho untimely end of Mr. Job Osment, land.
lord of the Elephant and Castle Inn, formerly of the
Greyhound Inn, in South-street. The deceased,
prior to Monday, bad been in a low desponding state
of mind, so much so as to warrant the medical Wen-
dant suggesting to his wife that he should be subjecit
to supervision. On Monday evening he retired tcv
bed with Mrs. Osment, and about three o'clock in
the morning she heard a noise, and on looking dis-
covered her husband with his head out of the win-
dow. She immediately jumped out of bed and
caught hold of his legs, but being • heavy and
powerful man, she was at length compelled to forego
her deathlike grasp. In his descent it it supposed
he struck against the coping of one of the windows,
thence striking the ground with considerable force.
The screams of the wife brought assistance, and the
unfortunate man was picked up, having received
such internal injuries as to cause his death on Wed-
nesday afternoon. It may here be stated that about
two years since he attempted self-destruction by
jumping into a water cistern, but fortunately was
detected immediately after committing the rash
act. On Friday an inquest was held before Dr,.
Wybrants, coroner, and a verdict of "Temporary
Insanity" returned. Deceased was much respected
in the town for his ingenuousness, liberality, and
warmth of heart. He leaves a widow to deplore the
sad termination of bin earthly career.
MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY. —The RSV. J.
D. Elliott, incumbent of Trinity Church, de-
livered a lecture on Thursday evening, Captain
Mesaiter in the chair. The subject oilmen was
"Charles the Fifth," and it did not suffer in the
rev, gentleman's hands. The attendance was good,
and included several of the titles, of which the chair.
man is captain.
A CHANGE TOR THE BETTER. The Great
Western Railway's down train dais at Yeovil at
9.35 p.m. on week days, remains ten minutei, X(
necessary, to enable arriving at 9.32 by
the South Western Line, cud 9.35 bythe Bristol and
Exeter rail, to proceed onwards without being oom•
pelled to wait until 12.5 p.m., ere they resume their
Journey in a southerly direction.
COLYTON. MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT. A
concert, in connection with the Mutual Improvement
Society, took place on Wednesday the 2nd inst.
Mr. Loaring, of Yeovil, conducted, and the perfor-
mance passed off in a very creditable style. Several
members of the Yeovil Glee and Madrigal Society
assisted, and they were much applauded. There
was a large attendance.
TAUNTON.—THE SHEEP TN THE BARBER'S
SHOP, AND ITS CON SEQUENCES. —On Saturday the
sth inst., as a boy named Mundsy was driving a
flock of sheep through the town, one of them ran
into the shop of Mr. Phippen' barber, East-street--
beingnot with the intention of being shared, or haring
his wool cut, we presume. The animal, in being
hunted out, ran against a poor boy and knocked
him clown, by which means one of his legs was
broken and two of his teeth knocked out.

TAUNTON RIFLE& - Arrangements have been
made, with the sanction of the Captain and other
officers of the corps, for a day's shooting at the
tarAet on Easter Monday, when to give interest to
the day's proceedings, some small prizes will be
offered to the best shots, from a fund which has been
raised for that purpose. In all probability the
battalion drill will not take place till the 2nd of
June.

A—NOVEL MODE OF COUR/TINO. —At the Taunton
Guildhall on Wednesday, a labouring man, named
William Willy, was charged with having threatened
to tole. the life of Elizabeth Lock. It appears that
between 12 and 1 o'clock on the morning of the 14th
March, the complainant was disturbed from her rest
by some person knocking at her door. Upon looking
out of the window she saw defendant standing near
the door with a gun in his hand. He immediately
called out, "come down; say whether you will or
no; if you don't I'll fire the gun." He tried to
break open the door, when complainant raised an
alarm, and the defendant made off. Mr. Taunton,
who appeared for the defendant, oontended that this
was only an attempted love-meeting, but complainant
strongly denied that she had given defendant any
encouragement whatever, remarking that she would
not admit a man into her house after dark. Defen-
dant replied that he had no intention of hurting the
woman, and only wanted to go into her house as
he had many times before. A witness was celled,
who stated that he examined the gun at the time,
and found it unloaded. Defendant was discharged,
on finding sureties to keep the peace for two months,
BRIDGWATER. —ANOTHER SUPPOSED MURDER.
—On Saturday morning, Superintendent Lear, of
the borough police, received information that the
body of a new-born child had been buried that
morning in the Bridgwater cemetery, and that all
was not right. He proceeded to the cemetery,
where he found buried in a box the body of an
infant about a day old. On making further inquiries,
he discovered that a young woman in West-street
had given birth to a child the day previous. He
visited the house of the young woman (who is
about nineteen), accompanied by a surgeon, when
he found her in bed, very ill. The surgeon
ecarnined her, and she admitted the birth. The
child has every appearance of being born alive. There
are two or three wounds on the back of the head
which lend to the supposition that violence) had
been employed. It appears that two old WOOl4lll
had undertaken to have the child buried. They
were unable to keep their oonneel, and, in
consequence, the matter got to the earn of the
police.
BRISTOL—Two colliery accidents are reported
in the neighbourhood of this city. The first took
place at Paulton on Thursday evening, in a pit be-
longing to Mr. livens, and resulted in the injury of
four men, two of whom are not expected to survive.
The cause of the accident was the premature ignition
of a charge of gunpowder with which the unfortunate
sufferers n ere "boring." The second accident took
place on the following day, at Haywood Colliery,
Timsbury, and in this case a man named Thomas
Bridges has lost his life, in consequence of a fall of
stone from the roof of the pit.

MURDER AT CHISLTENHAN.—Grest consternation
was caused fib CI eltenham on Sunday morning, owing
to a young woman named Elisabeth Hale having been
apprehended by Sergeant Day, charged with murdering
her child. The prisoner (who is respectably connected)
has for some years been in the employ of a gentleman
who carries on an extensive trade as a draper, residing
in the Promenade. Some eight weeks ago she left her
situation, stating that she s as ill, and would go home to
her friends for a week or so. She went to reside at St.
Jaines's-street, and in a day or two was confined. After
remaining away from her situation &boat a fortnight,
shereturned, leaving her child in the cars of her friends.
She frequently visited the child, and it was supposed
she was very fond of it. About a fortnight ago she
took it away, observing that she thought it would be
better for its health if it was removed. Nothing more
was heard of it until Saturday afternoon, when some
workmen who were engaged in repairs at her master's
residence, discovered the body of a fine child dead,
under some stones, at the rear of the shop. The body
was fearfully mutilated. Immediately the case was
placed in the hands of the police, and Mr. Day appre-
hended the prisoner, who is now in the police station,
and was to be brought before the magistrates on Monday.