The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1877-08-14 00:00:00

BLAND FORD.
THE PENCE MYSTERY.

At the Central Criminal Court, application was roade to
ririttaemtLial, trial
cal of I.'eeengne cane, on theegir,o,urld that
Justice granted the application, which was unopposed, but
said it was a monstrous one, as ample time had elapsed
Rime the committal of the prisoners V) procure all the
medical evidence.

COMING OF AGE FESTIVITIES.
The coming of age of Mr. Edward W. Berkeley
Portman, son of the Hon. W. It. B. Portman,
and grainlson of Lord Portman. has been celebrated
during the past week with considerable rejoicing. At
Girton Denham, near Sherborne, a village of which
the young heir's uncle is rector, there was on Thursday
much " goings on" as the sequestered little place in its
wildest moment hardly dreamt of. Bell ringing,
decorations, and a thorough holhlay for everyone. A
grand dinner at which there was a presentation of a
beautiful silver inkstand. A good tea for iscce 300
school children, games and sports, with fireworks and
balloons to finish up.
At Pylle, near Sheoton Mallet, on Saturday there
was a renewal of the festivities—a luncheon and a tea,
dancing, and other pastime.‘, and fireworks.
On Tuesday last there was a grand gathering of the
tenantry of the Dorset and Somerset estate, at
Viscount Portman's seat at Bryanstone. The weather
was wretched, but that lii not prevent almost
universal acceptance of the invitations. The proceed-
ings ,4 the day commenced with the presentation of
an address in the hall of the mansion bv the tenattry.
This was read by Mr. Bennett, of Pimperne, as
follows :

To &beard William Berkeley Portman, Esq.
Stn.,—We, the tenantry of your grandfather's estates
in the counties of Dorset, Somerset, and Devon respect-
fully offer you nor sincere congratulation. upon the
attainment of our majority, which we are now met to
celebrate. Ara- beg to express our heartfelt desire that .
every blessing may attend your path in life.
The occasion in remarkable, for we stand in the presence
of three generations of your much-honoured family. I
whose name for centuries has been assoeiatee with the ,
principles of freedom, justice, and literality, which have
ever been maintained by them, not only for the geed of
this great empire, hut for the benefit and comfort of their
tenantrY.
Deseeneed as you are, sir, from a distinguished line of
ancestors, may the influence of their example, and more
signally that of your grandfather and grandmother,
whew talents and service,, marked them out for the
favour of Her Meicsty and the friendship of the late
Prince Consort, ever serve to stimulate you rightly to
diseharee the many iinpurtant duties of your position.
You are entering, as it were, upon the threshold of
public life and its +Peri.iso remoneduilitiee and we hope
and feel that you will adequately sustain the eminent
reputation of your family; whilst . doing you may con-
fidently rely on the respect aud reeled of those of your
own enter and social position, lest even more in the
attachment of the tenantry of the Poet man estate.. You
will find that though the trivial relations of olden times
have paased away, the feelings of mutual connufenee rind
esteem survive in full force between a worthy I:milord
and his tenantry. Our earnest prayer is that our revered
and excellent landlord may for years be spared to no, and
your esteemed father after him, and when, in the Ninena
of time pus shall succeed to the ancient patrimony. it is
our fervent hone that there may be before you a bright
career of usefulness and happiness.
We are, sir,
For ourselves and on behalf of the Tenantry.
Your obedient and faithful secvante,
D Bennett, C. Pond, S. Gifford. C. Cox-Bartlett, C. H.
Flower, Henry Male, T. C. Colthuret, John Elwin Lewin,
John Brain, Charles Moody, William Carey, J. C.
Colthurst
Mr. PORTMAN replied as follows: Gentlemen,—l
thank you most sincerely for the kind emtgratulatory
satiresse just presented to me. I look upon it as a mark
of that good feeling and attachment which you have
ever shown towards my family and myself. I shall
prise it for the beautiful and artistic way in which it
is illuminated ae a work of art. I hope the good
feeling you have shown towards me this day may last
for years- for generation, (Omens.) And if I should
emceed to these estates-1 hope that the day may be
Lung distsest—flowl cheers)--if the day ever should
crime I hope by following the example of my grand-
fatherland hope,
good feeling which
exists at present may continue and be lasting. Gentle-
men, when, I have succeeded I will do all in my power
to make you happy and comfortable, and I shall
derive happiness from feeling that I make you happy.
(Loud cheer.)
The company then adjourned to • monster pavilion in
which (luster, of London, had laid out a magnificent
luncheon for 1.000 guests. Some idea of the magnitude
of the affair may be gathered from the fact that the
purveyor brought with him an army of 110 cooks and
waiters, consequently there was not the slightest hitch in
the proceedings. The Hon. W. H. B. Portman presided,
on his right being Mr. R. Portman. the guest of the day,
and later on in the proceedings Viscount Portman also
took a seat.
In proposing "The Health of the Queen," the CHAIRMAN
asked the many representatives of his tenantry whom he
saw from Dorset and Somerset to show by their cheers
their appreciation of her many virtues and good qualities.
"The Health of the Bishop and Clergy," with whom the
CHAIRMAN said he considered it his duty to Include
ministers of all deniuminations, followed. They might
differ in their tenements and Unit' farms but they were
all working for the same good end. (Hear, hear.) His
son and himself felt deeply indebted, he was sure, to the
many clergy who had come there that day to celebrate his
majority. The weather had been most unfortunate, and
therefore they felt their kindness more. (Cheers.)
The Rev. Mr. BERRY. rector of Pimperne, responded.
Ile had known :Ir. Edward Portman, m whose honour
they were assembled, from childhood, and his wife he had
known from a girl and of her he could only say that he
believed as • daughter, • wife, and • mother, she had so
presented herself to them that her ehildren would arise
and lie. her. Of her husband he could only say that he
had spent a whole and useful life, as they knew, from the
years he bad represented them in parliament ; and with
respect to the grandfather he was well-known amongst
them as being the best of landlords. (Applause.) The
rev. gentleman, who was rather indistinctly heard, pro-
eeed.l to express his pleasure at mein, before bon so
large an assembly of gallant yeomen, and what haul been
called the bold peasantry, their country's pride—the pride
of their county still, in spite of what demagogues
endeavoured to do to set ose clam against another,
whether or not thow efforts came from the great John
Bright or the little Joseph Arch. (Cheers.) In conclusion
Mr. Berry proposed "The Health of the guest of the day,
Mr. Portman, the heir."
There was vociferous cheering, led off by Mr. Parsons,
of Whitchurrh. -
Mr. PORTMAN when the cheering had subsided said: I COVNTT CALMT, Thursday—Before Mr. T. E. P. Lefroy.
thank you very much for the kind and cordial way in John Parsons. Yeovil, v. Sampson Osborne, Merriott. To
which you have received my health, and I also heartily recover Pls.—Plaintiff bought a sack of potatoes from
thank Mr. Berry for the very flattering way in which he defendant, who, he alleged, warranted them good. They
hae proposed it. I am very glad to see you all here to-day, proved to be diseased; hence the claim. —Judement for
and especially so as I see represented the two counties of defendant, but without coats.
Somerset and Doreet—(elseers)—and I take it as a special Ann needle, Yeovil, y. Gperec Cevalln, leather-dresser.
compliment to myself, that you have gasembled here in a Ifs., balance of amount. —When the cam had been
such force, considering the state of the weather. I sin- pertly heard defendant admitted the debt —Judgment
oerely hope that some day if I have a son—Coucl cheering) for is. • month.
—who may attain his majority, there will be . many to W. JaCkl.oll • . RON rt Brown, YeoviL—To recover pole
greet him, as there are here to-day. session of •.t —To quit in ten days.
The Rev. Mr. Cursive proposed the healths of Mr. C. Ilawkes, Yeovil, v. FOB.. nue% Dorchester—Si.
and Mrs. Portman. balance of arsount—There was a dispute as to the price
The Hon. Mr. PORTION thanked them in the name of quoted for ffi,(loo of bricks, plaintiff stating it was 36e. 6d.
his wife and family and in his own name for the very per 1.000,
hearty way in which they had responded to the least. I amount, to and defendant 61 less.—Judgment for the
he paid forthwith.
With regard to Mrs. Portman, he was proud to say he ! The following were judgment entnnionses :
thought that those present who knew her (and they were H. Brook v. Payne, Yeovil.— Balance for rent —To pay
a meat teeny) did not want him te say anything in her 4s. in • fortnight and 4e. a month, or to be committed for
pri6w. (Cheers.) And those who did not know her might 40.1. y,
take it from him that they would find in her a friend W. Welsh v. G. Bainsr.-11s.—Same order as in previous
willing and desireuo at all times to do her utmost to assist eme.
them in the little difficulties which they must encounter 11. C. Tonykine, baker. v. Charles Ortker.—Order for
in life. Her heart had ever been with the welfare of the in • fortnight and Se. • month, or 40 daya.
poorer tenants of the estate—(cheers)—she was always sem, v. George Mastaw., carve te .—To pay Se in a
willing to do all she could for the larger tenents, hut they fortnight and 8., • month, or 40 dayne r
were better able to take rare of themselves, and her Geom.-Pay. v. Walterßorrison —Defendant said be was
sympathies perhaps dwelt More with the smaller tenants, paying instalments on tan accounts, bet agreed to P 411.
litho were not able, posaibly an .to make their want., . well in • fortnight dfa • month, subject to committal for
known as the larger tenants ; and in Mrs. Portman, he 40 days.
believed, they would ever find a good friend, and one Emmanuel v. Dunkley.—Plaintiff had obtained judip
anxious to forward and promote their. happiness and meat for £8 AS. Si, and now sought a committal, hut
comfort and proepesity. (Applause.) With regard to his defendant satisfied his Honour that tbere was only 15s. 9d.
own feeling', he could only say a very few wards. He due.—To he paid 140wo instalments.
had gone • certain way on the journey of life, but he Dimond v. Dunkley.-11 1(le—To pay 10s, in a fortnight
trusted he was sensikle of the great responsibility which and Itia, a month,
MOM day or other would attach to him. --
Lord Format was received with vociferous cheering, XILDORBIZ PORT.
mad ist the course of his speech said I wish very much to
thank yen all for having accepted the invitation to come Amoy mulaae. —The anniversary services in connection
here today. We have had two objects in view—one is to with the Wesleyan Sunday school was celebrated on Sun-
istreleise to you my grandson, I wish I could say our day. The Rev. W. D. Walters, of Loadon, preached in
He becomes now responsible in the eye of the the morning from John v., 39, and in the evening delivered
c,..2-41, country for the actions of his (feel that an excellent discourse from Genesi' lii., 46 and 46. The
yea aid Nob of you will in your several avocations do all chapel was conspletely filled, many being obliged to go '
Timm 1p mid
_him in his career of life; by your advice, away unable to gain admittance. On MordaY evening •
year erisaCy communications, that you will do for public tea was held, and subsequently a meetink which
k, whim psec whim vadtstbm did for me. Was addressed by the Revs. W. D. Welter!, S.. . Balch,
mosa awn.) The saw aim' fas litie.tir ahome offer (i.hlf.apirwocwnjoht at other friends. Collections ware
which 4wcatouiwnitii3fay. Thwhei
the a=msel his beloverrife children's Weak
w. me. ellesis_eiLln the mennhe of postponed on account of the incessant rain.
Crjell.then Grip years. Baron Rothschild's Favonine, the winner of the Derby
1111 .61It
elemille. I sea quite in lffil, has snommbed to the epidemic which has attacked
PiuMmittga=sefulbsr the stud at Caftan. It is thought that the diaeae is
Ilia Ad- lova the &lin sal of typhoid fever.

I,log 11
A very handsoine Bible, subscribed for by the teachers
and children of the Blau,Hord National School. was Pre-
sented to Mr. E. W. B. Portman, by Mr. Griffiths the
toaster, and the young heir suitably acknowledged the
presentation. The book was a large one, bound in dark
brown morocco, with deep black lines, and hail • silver
chum on which wax engraved the Portman crest. The fly-
leaf lore the following inscription, very nicely olthrossod;
—" Prevented by the teachers and children of the National
Schools ti E. W. B. Portman, Esq., on the happy occasion
of the attainment of his tunjority, with the heartfelt desire
this book may he 'a Lamp to his feet and a Light to his
steps' through life.—Blandif rd, August. 1577." After tea
the children formed in precool in, and, headed by Byers'
Champion Brass Band, with • banner in front of each
school, marched to the front of Bryanstone House, where
every child was presented with a hook by the Hon. Mrs.
W. H. B. Portman. Hearty cheers were given for the
Portman family, and the children then enjoyed the
various amusements and good things provided for them.
A thousand or two of persons partook of tea in the
luncheon-tent during the evening, and other refreshments
were also provided. The weather was fine after about five
o'clock, and this enabled the large number of visitors to
enjoy themselves in the open air. The Italian Band, from
Weymouth, played some nice selections, and tbe Bland-
ford Band provided music for dancing. Prizes were given
for running, and legs of mutton were hung on gresy
poles for whoever could climb to the top, which we believe
nobody succeeded in doing.
At nine o'clock • display of fireworks by Brock, of
London, took place, but the pieces were not up to that
caterer's usual standard, probably owing to the damp
weather. The display was closed about 10 o'clock with a
piece wishing long life to Mr. K W. It. Portmxn. and the
numerous company separated to their homes after giving
some ringing cheers for Lord Portman and the rest of the
On Wednesday afternoon the Hon. Mr. and Mrs. W. H.
B. Portman entertained a large number of gentry and
clergy at a garden party at Bryanstone. Amongst the
persons present were Mr. J. C. Mansel-Pleydell, Hon.
Edwin Portman, Hon. and Rev. Walter Porton..., Rev.
H. F. B. Portman (Rector of Pylle), Mr. Spence Abbott
(Mayor of Blandforil), Rev. C. Fynes-Clint' n (Rector of
Blandford), Rev. Mr. Twyne (curate of Blandford), Dr.
Bacot, Mr. Forrester (steward), Mr. 11. Parsons (steward
of the Somersetshire estates), Mr. Cameron Churchill, Mr.
C. Flower, Mr. C. Flower, jun., Mr. F. Flower, Mr. C.
Pond, Mr. Male, of Chinnock.