The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1864-05-24 00:00:00

ANNUAL FEsTIVAL OF THE WHITCHURCH
FRIENDLY BENEFIT SOCIETY.

The twenty-fourth anniversary of this excellent
society, non numbering 95 leinelit and six honorary
members, was celebrated on Whit-Monday, by • public
prooe•sion and dinner. About 10 o'clock the members
met at the Club-room, and pr coded by a braes bend,
made up from the I werne and Bliroton bands, marched
to the residence of Mrs. Michel, their kind friend and
patroness, who always takes great interest in whatever
tends to promote the happitsees, social, and moral
welfare of those by whom she is surrounded. They
then proceeded to church, where, after prayers had
been read, • very excellent and suitable sermon was
preached by the Bee. Dr. Waters, of Bstib. who
officiated in the abeimee of the rector. The text Wee
taken front the Beelesiastes, iv., 9, 10, 12. 'The rev.
gentleman points' out the sin and evil of selfishness;
that the wan who was Of • selfish nature we. totally
unfitted to discharge his duties, inasmuch as all were
dependent on each other. The remark of Lord Bums
might be considered • very true one, when he said
that • solitary man wee either like • beast or • God—
not sufileiently raised for the companionship of man, or
else too high toe it. flit was uot good for man to be
alone iii puslise, wee it likely to be to his advantage to
be alone in the wilderness. The preacher then showed
that even from the physical construction of man the
same doctrine might be learnt. Man had two logs, two
eon, two eyes, and two arms, so that if one of these
organs were disabled, the other could partially assist,
and the less be leas felt; and so in the Christian
Church, and such societies u the one to which they
belonged, the plan of mutual help was carried out.
When the d.winles of Christ were first sent forth, they
went not each man by himself, but two and two, so
that if evil Uhl one the other mold minister to his
sufferiog conspanion. The possessor of the vital power
of t:bristiiiiiity was likely to lose its spiritual life if
separated from the communion of saints. The soldier
would fall in the br, act if he went singly, but
supported and encouraged by the 'essence of his Lein-
unions be pressed forward to the charge. In every
station of life all were dependent upon one another—
the giver and the receiver, and the liderior might often
materially help those who were far higher both as
regarded intellectual and spiritual attainment& The
rev. gentleman concluded his remarks by an earnest.
entreaty to the members present to cultivate; truly
sympathising feeling for each other; not to begrudge
the help afforded by the society to which all bad an
equal right, but to endeavour to bear each other's
bunnies, and so fulfil the law of Christ. We may
add that the sermon was short, practical, and earnest,
and one well adapted for the ocandon. The members
then proceeded to a tent emoted in • Hell near the
Bell Inn, and woo afterwards sat down to an excellent
dinner provided by Mr. H. Fodor, whom catering gave
every satisfaction. The *hair was taken by Mr. B.
Fowler, one of the trustees, and treasurer of the moiety,
and there were also payment Mr. H. Puke, Dr. Brene.
superintendent of Fiesta Lunatic Asylum, Ur. Oakley,
Its The tent wss well filled, about 80 being primes% ,
all of whom enjoyed the excellent cheer set before
them. Alter the cloth had been removed the Chairman
gave the usual loyal tout., which were heartily res-
ponded to by loud aid enthusiastic chewing.
In proposing "The health of the Bishop and Clergy
of the diocese," the CHAIRMAN said he was sure all
would heartily join with him in thanking the rev.
gentleman who had preached to theca so excellent • ,
sermon. When be called upon him a few days pre-
viously, and asked him to premeds, Dr. Waters said he
bet not been much accustomed to preach to members
of benefit societies, to *hi% be (the Chairman) replied
that a short sermon embodying good advice was all that
wes required, and he wee glad to find that hi. Aug
-
'swop bad been noted upon. As be (the Chairman)
knew they were desirous of getting out of the tent to
enjoy themselves, he should curtail the proceedings as
much as pontilde, and be thirefore trusted that all
would remain till the different toe-te had been given.
(The toast, coupled with the name of Dr. Waters, was
Hsu medially accepted and drank with loud sheers).
"The health of the Army, Navy, and the Volunteers"
w.B then given by the Cumnicam, who said that looking
to the agitated stets of foreign nations—to America, and
even as new home as the Contioent, the services of the
army and navy ought not to be forgotten. He believed
It was to the two branches of the service we were
indebted in a great lataaere for that mos we pow
enjoyed, and which he trusted would be continued; but
while he hoped this, his opinion was that it was our
duty lobe prepared, and "keep our powder dry." He
also highly eulogised the volunteers, one body of which
were now going through their period of training at Wey-
mouth, and believed that both the yeomanry and
the riflemen wouhi he found, in was their services were
required, both able and million to do their duty.
(Loud cheer..)
Dr. firtru said that by the penal-eon of the Chair-
man he had much pleasuie in propo-ing the health of
those who by their presence and kind support and
encouragement helped forward the interests of the
club. First on the t was the name of Mrs Michel,
to whom they were deeply indebted, end then Mr.
Fakes, Mr. Fowler, Mr. Keynes, Mr. Hector, and Mr.
. Buena He was sure all would join in giving
hearty cheers for these kind friends, accompanied with
beet wisher for their eoutinued health happiness.
. (Drunk with three time* three, and one cheer more for
, their falai i.e.) . . .

-Firoize. who responded, said that on behalf
of Mrs. Waal and the rest of the honorary members
he returnee his met sincere thanks. As regarded the
kind lady who mitht be said to be the patroness of
the e tab, he ea- sere theta was sot a better-bearted
end IrriPolhiglag person in the county of Donet, or
one who eudeavoured to do pester good. fie attain ly
would lave liked to have a en Mr. Maned present with
them, but he was with hie troop at Weymouth, and
there he had by his kindness got himse f a name- An
untot tuoate accident happened toe hone belonging to
~se of the mania by vein it was killed' so sooner
did Mr. Mensal hear of it than be said, " Never mind,
I will give you another." (Loud cheers.) He (Mr.
Fookes) mcadioned this to show doe when-
ever be went Mr. Manual was the aarys Wm sad
sympathising friend. As regarded himself. he also had,
and always he treated should do all In his power on
their behalf, and for the wall being of Um club.
(Cheers.)
Mr Osman proposed "Th. health of the Chair-
man." remelting that as good wine was improved by
he. pin. so th It friend Mr. Fowler every year rev.
tin co more and more cause to venerate an testeem him,
and to appreciate his kindness. (Drank with three
times three)
The essiamest, after alcsowledging the /compliment,
said that there was one thing. as treasurer of the club,
be walled to bring b•-fore ihrlll. li. should ask them
to gin him power,with the co-operation of Mr. Fakes,
an.l the red of the hosonry members, to take £5OO
ado( the s
gaving=and invest It in the Govern.
meat funds. at the Savings Bank seemed
to him to be patine too high for their bagasse. From
, ease cause or other be did not know, the interest
which used formerly to be a-ded to their amount was
rein-ed to be so added this year, and therefore though
wending to the printed statement they had
£686 19s. Pd. in band, yet with CIO added for interest
they would And thei had increased their funds nearly
IMO this year. Formerly they were allowed the..
hours to lien-act their business at the /twinge flank,
now they were only allowed two. According to the
Am of parliament tli.i were required to invest their
mosey in Government securities, by whisk he safety
was guaranteed, and they would also receive a
interest for their money. He thanked them frtri&e:
kind way in whi h they had rsc.lvet the toast, and
submitted this prop sago° for consideration, (The
proposition of the worthy chairman appeared to be well
received, and we have no doubt will be carried oat)
Mr. Fontes then proposed "The health of Dr.
Byror " who he said was the manager and bead
tra es
in of one of tb• beet asylum. in the kingdom,
who was held in the bighted teem by all
(Loud cheers.)'
In respoodiog to the last, Dr. Bram said he trusted
they would bear with him if he gant them a little
advice. His experience, as the bead of a large county
asylum, proved to him that the dindful amicilon of
the inmates was brought on in 19-20 the of the oases
by the let manna and Imprudence of the parents.
Drink was the gnat *ma of amenity. Young boys
✓W. brought into that asylum, helplees Imago, for
Hs from this canes. He therefore ajoireed all, and
especially parents, to be moderate in every respect.
Enjoy pauseless if you will, but be prudent.
The health of Mr. Oakley was also Bann and re-
sponded to, as was also that of the Ldies, and the
company then proceeded to the Geld, were dancing and
other amusements oompieted the enjoyments of the
day —We may add that the tag amount in the
Savings Bank, with interest amounts to DIM