The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1858-02-02 00:00:00

13 orsetobire.

BLANDFORD.—In honor of the royal marriage, a
tradesmen's dinner was got up on Monday week at
the King's Arms Inn, by Mr. J. Lewis, and one at
the Black Bear Inn, by Mr. James Strickland. Both
were served up in good style, much to the satisfac-
tion of those who partook of them. They were toler-
ably well attended by many respectable tradesmen
in the town. Throughout the day the town was en-
livened by merry peals from the church bells, and
the national colours were to be seen waving from the
spire.
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STURIKINSTER. —A shocking accident occurred in
this town on Saturday night week to Ann Strowd,
71 years of age, wife of I,lr. Henry Strowd. The
poor woman, who was in the house by herself, fell
into the fire, and was fnghtfully burnt before any
assistance arrived. Mr. Turzewell, a surgeon, was
quickly on the spot, but his skill was of no avail ;
tile poor woman lingered in great agony till 3 o'clock
on Sunday, when death put an end to her sufferings.
An inquest was held on the body by William
Hannen, Esq., coroner, at the Crown Inn on Tues.
day, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was re-
turned.

WINFRITH..—Caution to Servantc—A serious acci-
dent from fire occurred at the residence of Mr. John
A. Damen, New-house Farm, Winfrith, on Saturday
morning week. Mrs. Damen had been confined
only a few days, and the nurse, it is supposed, in
her attendance during the night by some accident
must have dropped a spark upon the bed clothes or
furniture, which, after some little time, ignited,
and the whole of the furniture was in flames at
once. Mrs. Damen, with great nerve and presence
of mind, rushed from the room with the infant and
gave the alarm. Mr. Damen, who was sleeping in
an adjoining room, at once hurried to the fire, and
with the assistance of Miss Damen, the nurse, and
servant, subdued the flames just as the ceiling was
igniting, and the fire breaking through the attics.
A few momenta more and noticing could have saved
the whole of the premises. The nurse was much
burnt in her efforts to subdue the flames, and has
been ill ever since. Mrs. Damen, although very,
much alarmed, will not feel more serious effects it is
hoped from the fright. The accident occurred about
4 o'clock in the morning.
STALBRIDGE. —We are glad to announce that
E. A. Harris, late pupil teacher in the girls'
National School, Stalbridge, has gained a Queen's
Scholarship, at the recent examination.

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SHAFTEABURY.--A robbery was committed in this
neighbourhood on the night of the 16th ult., in a
house occupied by Mr. Moore. A sugar tongs, des-
sert spoons, three bottles of brandy, and other
articles were stolen.

WHITECHURCH CANONICORI73I.—The Rev. Ed-
ward C. K. Bearcroft, 8.C.L., curate of Twerton,
has been appointed to the sole charge of White-
church Canonicorum-cum-Stanton St. Gabriel, near
Bridport. On Sunday week the rev, gentle-
man preached his farewell sermon at Twerton
Church, selecting as his text for the occasion, Acts
xx. 32. During the period that Mr. Bearcroft has
held the curacy of Twerton, he has gained for him-
self the affection and esteem of all who knew him. His
retirement from the parish has caused the most un-
feigned regret, and has likewise called forth many
expressions of sincere attachment and good-will to.
wards him in his future sphere of labour.
Woorrox FITZPAINE.—Monday, being the nuptial
clay of the Princess Royal, Mr. J. Swatheld, the
respected occupier of Wootton farm, in this parish,
entertained at dinner nearly 40 men, women, and
boys, who had worked for him during the past year.
The dinner was provided by Mr. and Mrs. Holley,
of the Coach and Horses, Cliarmonth ; and was held
at that Inn. Mr. Swaffield attended, and dined with
the labourers.

HAMWORTIIY.-o(m.—During the past few weeks
a number of men have been actively engaged in lay-
ing down large pipes for conveying gas from the
town of Poole across the water to the Hamworthy
side. We understand that the gas is to be conveyed
into the Architectural Pottery, and that the railway
station and its approaches are to be lighted with gas.
_ _

BEAMINSTER. —Fire.--On Tuesday evening last,
about eight o'clock, a fire broke out in Little-street,
at a house in the occupation of the owner, Charles
Bowditch. The property being thatched fell an easy
prey to the flames, which, by the active exertions of
some men appointed by the owners of the adjoining
property, were prevented from extending to neigh-
bouring houses. It is a wonder the fire did not
spread as the wind was rather high, and we are
without efficient fire engines. The house and furni-
ture were both insured, the former it the West of
England, and the latter in the Unity Fire Offices.
Igo cause for the tire is assigned.
On Monday our beautiful peal of bells were ringing
out, nearly the whole day, as loud as their iron
tongue could speak, long life and happiness to the
illustrious wedded pair, who on that -day formed a
lifo-long alliance.

FAREWELL SUPPER.—On Tuesday evening a sup.
per was provided by Mr. Corby, of the New Inn,
for a number of the tradesmen of the town al
friends, who entertained as their guest Mr. Jhn
Horan, late assistant surgeon to Mr. James I)ailiel, of
this place, on the eve of his departure to fill a similar
situation at Donhead St. Andrew, near Shaftesbury.
Mr. Horan'. health was ably proposed by Mr. Swat.
ridge, and most feelingly responded to by Mr. H.,
who has left here with the best wishes and sympathies
of a large circle of friends, and the public at large
will long cherish the recollection of his unassuming
friendly demeanour and professional acquirements.

SHERBORNE.—Mr. Barnei4 Lecture.—On Thurs.
day evening week a lecture wam delivered at the
Institution-rooms by the Rev. W. Barnes, of Dor.
chaster. The subject was—" The Beautiful and
Art." At the close of the lecture Dr. Williams
(the chairman) thanked the lecturer in the name of
tho audience, after which Mr. Barnes kindly acceded
to a request which was made to him that he would
road one of his poems in the Dorsetshire dialect :
and great was the delight expressed by all present at
hearing "What Dick and I done."

The marriage of the Princess Royal was not ob.
served by any holidny•keeping in this town, but the
national Ilag was elevated on the church tower, and
throughout the day the ringers made the old steeple
resound with smart Lula lively peals. Salutes of can.
non were also fired at intervals. At the Brewery, the
Swan, and the Half Moon Inns, flags were displayed,
and a tradesmen's supper took place at seven o'clock,
at the Half Moon, about thirty sitting down to Mr.
Sherwood'. good cheer and excellent wine. The old
Club had fixed their annual tea and ball for Monday
evening, and nearly 150 persons partook of the
innocent and agreeable recreation which this annual
meeting affords. The shops were not closed.

ACCIDENTAL EXPLOSION.—An accident of a rather
serious nature happened to Mr. Samuel Dingley,
jun., on Monday. He was engaged in firing feu
de joie, in honor of the royal nuptials, and was load-
ing his gun again, before it had properly cooled,
when the charge exploded, and the ramrod was
driven completely through his hand. The injury
wile severe, but he is going on favourably.
BRIDPORT.—On Monday nearly the whole of the
shops were clothed, and those people who had thwi
the favour of a holiday generally left the town.
The bells were rung, and a flag was hoisted on the
tower, another also being on the market-house.

PRESENTATION OF PLATE.—The Rev, E. F. Trot-
man has, during the past two years, boex curate of
Bridport, and is now about to leave. His fellow.
parishioners here, to whom he has endeared himself
by his affability, kindness, and Christian charity,
fuel deeply grieved at his removal, and therefore de-
termined to give him, previous to his departure,
some testimonial of their affection and respect. On
Monday week, accordingly a handsome and costly sil-
ver salver was presented to him, on which was the
following inrenption

Presented to the Rev, Edward Plenum Trotman by severe(
of the Congregation of the Bridport Church, as a taiiiinony
their esteem and regard, and of their high sense of the exem
piary manner in which he discharged his clerical duties whilst
tunongst them, Jan. 1.858.

This was not publicly presented, but was sent to
the rev. gentleman by Mr. James Templer.
_ .

LYME.—On Saturday week, the well-appointed
4-home day mail left this town for the last time, Mr.
Knight's contract with the Post Office having then
expired. A new contract, however, has been en-
tered into with White, late contractor, for convey-
ance of the night mails to Taunton and Dorches-
ter, but what accommodation he is going to give
the public is not yet known. He drove in at the
usual time on Saturday evening with a 4-inside
"omnibus," but without any mail bag.
MARRIAGE OF THE PRINCESS ROYAL.—On the
occasion of the Royal wedding the principal trades-
men of the town suspended business. A few flags
were displayed in various positions in the streets;
the Royal standard was hoisted on the church tower,
and the bells rang out a "marriage peal" during the

day.
READING Roors.—During the past week an at-
tempt has been made to establish a reading-room,
for the benefit of the young men and artizans in this
town. At no very remote period the inhabitants
boasted an institution and museum, which for a short
time were kept up with great spirit. Want of zeal
and mismanagement were the causes of failure then.
We trust the present attempt at mental illumination
will be crowned with success.