The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1867-12-24 00:00:00

ram DIIMEII.

The eateries for the opening banquet was entrusted
to Kra Howe, of Cash'll, and the provision eke made
eforded the greateet eatidaetion to the large useably.
Three parallel table. were placed along the hall,
sad a crow table at the head. news were
hatefully ornamented. The *mares of the table
were greatly augmented by the kindness of Gerard
Start, Esq., ILP., in eroding two noble haunches of
!motion and • bountiful supply of game, and a gentle-
I man of the town, who desires that Ms na.ne may not be
mentioned, was good enough to give the handsome
I present the champagne drunk au the (emission..

His Worship the Mor (G. Corms, Req.) preaided,
supported by I. Floyer, Req., M.P., the Rev. R. W.
Pears, M.A. (Rector of Dorebester St. Peter'sir,2ll.
Williams, Esq., R. Pearce, Req., J. F. Hodges, ~
R. if. Eliot, lo ,edinsJ• P. Aldridge, and r.
Oounoilior Lock. -I werennewere Mr.
Aldermen Gooisike,Mlllielbalpin, and the To.n
Clerk (Mr. Giles Symonds). The mineral company in.
eluded Hodges, Mr. G. Galpin, Mr. Allier Mr.
Councillor W. Vernon, Mr. Councillor T. Bennett, Mr.
A. Eamon, Mr. Shore, Mr. Councillor M. Devenish, Mr.
Councillor 0..7. 0. Gregory, Mr. R. Damon. Mr. I'. H. 1
Saunders, Mr. Cliikott, Mr. T. O. Sunders, Mr. F. 1
Hodges, Mr. Councillor R. Steele, Kr. Hull, Mr. W.
Galpin, Mr. H. Duke, Mr. 0 Gelpin, Hr.!. Odium,
Mr.!. Gek, Mr. D. Symonds, Hr. Georp ltriacinde,
Mr. Hall (arehitect), Mr. B. Genie, Mr. W. Mayo, Ifr.
J. Mayo. Mr. G. Mayo, Mr. C. Mayo, Mr. H. Mayo,
Mr.!. Wellspring, Mr.!. Wellspring, inn., Kr. R.
Smith, Mr.!. Short°, Mr. C. Short*. Mr. G. Greeeing,
Mr.!. Drake, Yr. A. L Cooper, Mr. Jowett, Mr. W.
Mick, Mr. T. 5. Biggs, Mr. J. Harding, jun., Mr.!.
Andrews, Mr. Ja• Lovelace, Mr. F. Leek, Mr.!. Lock,
Mr. I. Brown, Mr. K.!. Hardiag, Ur. /I. Twill, Mr.
Osmoed, Mr. 0.0. Rumarry, Mr. I. T. Buser, Mr A. J.
Derenials, Mr. T. Newman, Mr. R. Longman, Mr. R.
Maher, Mr. G. Maher, Mr. C. Maher, Yr. Fl. Hawkins.
Mr. J M John Homer, Mr. A. Evans, r. Willey, Mr. .7.
Rowe, Mr. H. Teylor, Mr. Harris, Mr. F. W. Smith,
Mr. Boyton Smith, M. Dunning, Sr. Gale, Mr.
Watts, Mr. Freeland Filliter(Town Clerk of Wareham).
Hr. Baecoesbe, Mr. A. S. Mason, Mr. Wellspring, the
Rev.!. Heals (Poyntton), Kr. Prowm, Mr. Stroud,
Mr. I. eras. Mr. Spre, Ac., making in ell • com-
pany of nearly 120.
At the conclusion of the dinner • party of glee singers,
consisting of Mr. Board (leader), Mr. Tucker, Mr.
Dench, and Mr. Pretty, of Weymouth, sang the grace.
•• Non noble Doming."
. _

When the dessert was placed upon the table,
The Chairman proposed the usual loyal toast., with
ootnmendable brevity, and they were each followed by
appropriate airs by both the 3rd D.V.R. band, and the
81`.!siuers.. . -

"The. Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese," coupled
with the name of the Rev. & W. Pears, of Dorehalter
St. Peter's, was the next toast.
The Rev. R. W. Pears, in responding, said it would
have been very incompetent on an occasion like that to
have omitted the health of the clergy, as there
was • necessary connection between Corn Exchanges
and corn averages, in which the clergy were deeply
Interested, and the farmers not altogether uneon•
corned (laughter and applause). He thanked them
for drinking the tosst so unanimously, especially an he
saw around him many gentlemen who were not membert
of the Church of England, and he puticciarly thanked
them for the liberality they had displayed. At the
present time, it was especially kind of the oompany to
drink their health, because the church was not exactly
in the date they could wipti it to be—it was suffering
from internal commotion, bat he ttneted its condition
would improve ere long—(applause). He felt at this
time that the church was not in a hopeless state. Our
forefathers were very wise, but they were not wise
enough for this generation, and therefore be hoped soon
that our Members of Parliament would set matters
straight which were not in exactly that state—(loud
applause). He trusted they would speedily determine whet
the Church of England is, and what His not—(applause)
—what is black and what Ms white—(lond applause).
For himself he was quite prepared to stud by the
decision of the Houses of Parliament, and f the laity of
this country —(sppleuse). He had not the slightest fear
of the result (cheers). He did not hesitate to refer to
end" sunjeu on this occasion, because the men of
Dorset knew hint, and he knew them, and they under
at isql each other perfectly well - (a, please). Having
spoken of a subject which was of • rather delicate
charseer, be bogged to congratulate them on the
opening of this handsome hall. He hyped the gentle-
men from the country would take it as evidence
of the welcome the people of Dorchester always
wished to give them when they same to the town.
The oftener they came the better plumed would the
inhabitants be—(applause)—and he only hoped that
they would never suffer when they came here, and that
Ike townspeople would be all the better for their at.
tendsnee— (applause). He did not expect they would
require much of his help when they came here, but he
was happy on all 000115101111 to see theni—(cheers). He
again thanked them fcr their kindness in drinkini, his
health, and he desired to congratulate the committee on
the excellence of their arrangements for the evening,
which meet be no slight task, and also for the very
agreeable mimic they had provided. In conclusion be
drank all their very good bralths—(cheers).
The Chairman next gave the " Army. Navy, and
Volunteers," coupled with the name of Captain T.
Cosmbe, of the Dorchester ntle corps, who responded.
"The County Members" was the toast next given frost
the chair.

- it;liWiloyer, Esq., M.P., in responding. sold: I be;
ts thank you (the Chairman) and all this great company
very sincerely for the kind and flattering manner in
which you have been pleased to receive the lomat of the
county meinbers—(hear„ bear). Ili brother members
would, I am sure, have had pest Pleasure in being
present on this escudos, to bare heard their names
misdeed, as you are always pleased to receive them;
but you I know will kindly recollect that this on the
holiday time with the county members—(hear, hau)—
and that doting their holiday. they have many duties to
perform, of • rather different nature from those they
cliecharge in the session of the legislature, comprising
the honour sad the pleasure of receiving many friends
at their hospitable tables, and exercising that hospitality
1 which it is the pride and pleasure of country gentlemen
to sbow—(ebeers). That will plead their excuses, I
know, with you, for not being present to-day. It is my
good fortune to be • Deer neighbour of my good friends
at Dorchester, so lam able to be with you on thievery
interesting oeiesion—(elmers). Our exeellent chairman
has been pleased to advert to the county members as
discharging important duties, and proposing their
healths on that secomit. Those duties, onerous and
important as they are, have never been more onerous
and
lost eluaing—fettotatioll. We have had queetiens
submitted to us in the ordinary **mien of the legisla-
ture upon whieh for weal or wee tbe future
t 4 England must in &great measure depend—(applactee).
I will not detain you by alluding to those measures,
hut they required our constant and unremitting at-
tentton, and all the ability which we were able to
bestow on such momentous questuns—(cheere). The
hodidays had not long oommenead when it became
svident they must be broken by a short session of the
legislature. In the worm of that maims very
grime matters were submitted for consideration. The
warmn which we ere unhappily now engaged mane under
dismission. The sanction of the legislature was required
for it. and though happily there was great unanimity
of opinion in reference to the course the Government
had taken, it was quite right and fitting that the
opinion of the legislature should be taken on so grave •
matter—(applause). Bet that was not all. I think it
was most fortunate, looking at the position of affair. at
this moment in England and in Ireland, that the
legislature was milled together for the recent session.
There can be no question that now for some time post
there has beets rife in the sister country of Ireland, and
amonipt so small part of the population of this country, •
spirit of insubordisatioe and lawlessness to parallel which
we must go back perhaps to the lest esntnry —(applause).
That sprit was shown in the dreadful z..irees which
stool revealed as counseled, if not sanctioned, by trades
unions: it was exlstbited in the rash outbreak and
incipient rebellion of Mach lest in Ireland: t was again
shown in the ridiculisus. though at the same time alarm
ing, scheme o! conspiracy to seise on the castle of
"heel-,: it broke forth again in • murderous attack
on the polio. at Manchester: it has culminated
in the dreesiful outrage which has otleersee in
the streets of the mstropolis—(applanee). True it.
is, that it rests with the executive Government,
and the executive Government ie responsible for the
security of life and property in this country ; but it is
no less true that a great pressure is brought to bear
from varioes quarters on the advisers of the Crown—
by mistakes philanthropists, who would do away
with that penalty which fttm all time has been
appended to the crime of inarder—(applauss) ; by
unscrupulous politicians, who trade upon the vile
passions of infuriated and reckless men : and, looking at
them things, it is fortunate, I think, that throegh the
Parliament of this country having been at that time
amembled, the moral support of the legislature
could be given to the advisers of the Crown
at • gritted and momentous period—(applanas). I
believe that is the manner in which the law was
I vindicated on that occasion to which I have alluded—
the murderous attaek on the police at Manchester —the 1
country at large felt that while mercy had been extended
wisely and lastly as far as jetties would admit, ths '
esteeme penalty of the law was carried into execution
isi asecesdaues wish the feelings and with the app-oval
of the Meets gensmily—(applesese). Row, in the
peeeent lesseestre of Weirs the Gsvernment may be able
to deal with the strain:ids crime just perpetrated jiba n.it
for me to my : to whack it may be brought home, and
how the law may be vindicated, it is impossible form.
now to 'armies. I will not for a moment seek to
Intensify the holies/ of indignation which masteries
Is every breast to Perusing the long satalogne of
mutilated men and murders( shiliiren, which now 11111
the columns of our journals ; but this I do me, mid I
feel sure that I shall on semen the feelings 4 my
eenstitusets and the feel* of the esentry ea largo,
when we require, as your repressulatives, that in Ohl
cede the true labereek of justice shall be aseskassly
salertlal, and that the lePreelladV of the law—that '

tau off. 4tl In England for life and liberty—
end undinehingly vied bated —(eheers). 1
In the earlier pert of the evening, nry good friend on 1
the right of the Chairman (the Rev. K W. Pwwl). I
alluded to the difficulties which at this moment beast .
the Church of England—(hear, hear). This is not the ,
plus for me at least to enter Into • dimension upon
those queetions. I. like him, have no fur for the
Church of &gland, for I believe that she steeds arm '
epee the loandatioe of truth—(ebeers). I trust that
those " diMeulteu" may be arrested and disposed of by
, web appeals as are now in progress in the ordinary
court. of law, and to which we, as • lawleving people,
I look with confidence for their decisions—that those
" didleultlararill disappear and be disposed of by the
! Figuinsaings of the commission issued under she sanction
' of Flee Majesty, and which I believe hasalreadv donegood
service, and I trust will do good navies in the time
to goine—(bsar, bear). Bet I feel endident that
should thou measures fail, and it be n —which
I trust it may not be—to appeal to the leglnlatare for
their interference, that in the Houses of Parliament
there are dill many, aye, • vast majority, who will
treed in the stems of thou great men—the Wi.lainghuna,
the Cecile, and the Cromwelle of the time of the Rafor.
!nation—(lood ohisers)—men who were the friends and
followers of our great Reformers—Craniner, and
Itidley, end Latimer, who, in the days of good Queen
_lllisaboth.iselablished the Church on the principles of the
Reformation—(much cheering). I will not treepue on
your time further in regard to those duties to
which you have been pleased to allude which doyenne
upon In as members of the legislature. I will now,
with year _ permisaion, advert lor a moment to the
occasion ohUh has called us together. I beg to con-
gratulate you sir (tie Mayor) and those who have
laboured with you in the Town Coattail of Dorchester,
on the 110000116 which has attended your efforts in pro-
viding this magnificent hall for the aecommodation and
comfort of the agriculturista—lapplinise). As am bred
and brought up in this neighbourhood, as my good friend
the Chairmen has said, who has now pawed the best
put of half a century not far from the
sound of the bells of Dorchester, as one who has had
conduit communication with the agriculturists of this
district, as one whoae pride and pleasure it is to believe
be enjoys their confidence —(applause)—l beg, sir, to
thank you (the Mayor) and to thank the Council, and
to thank the inhabitant' of Dorehester for this noble
room in which the agriculturist. may carry on the
impohant beetless in which they are engaged
(enplane.). I trust that those envied ill the various
industries of thin meighbovrbood. who sheet together
In this hall, will witneu a long eerier of prosperity
ia the torus of Dorchester— (applause)—that this
may be the spring of new We to the trade gad etensieres
of the town, and that in the prosperity of Dorchester
the success of the agriculturists of the neighbourhood
may also be itcduded—(applause)—end that all, working
together band in hand, May see the town and neighbour-
hood of Dorchester floarieb—(cheers). I beg again to
thank you (the Mayer) aril this company for the very
hind roulade* given me, and to say that as long as lam
able to diseharp my duties as your representative in
Parliament, I hope I may always experience so hand-
some • reception as you have bassi pleased this evening
So give me—(loud cheers.)
The Mayor briefly proposed "the Borough Members,"
referring to the absence of Colonel Start, M.P., a•
pensioned by his being engaged with his regiment at
the wens of the late outrage in Cleriteewen ; and
seecounting for the non-aPpearazios of Mr. ne K I
Bberideo, M.P., by his being engaged in discharging the 1
duties of hospitality at Frampton Court—(ames). 1
" The County Magistrates" was the next toast given
by the Chairman. ,
!
Herbert Williams, Esq., responded.
The Chairman next pee " Prosperity to 'agriculture,"
coupled with the name of Mr. J. Homer, president of
the Dorchester Farmers' Club—(epplaceel.
Mr. Homer, in responding, expressed thinks on be-
half of the farmers for the ascommodation provided
for them in that handsome bell and he adverted to the
time when the business of the Dorchester corn market
was transmuted on Cornbill, around the old town pump—
(laughter.) Be thought Dorchester would have hue far
behind other towns in the county if it had not built
a much better plus than the old Corn Exchange, ami
now be thought the county town was in it. right posi-
tion—having the best Corn Etchenge in the eounty
(cheers). He concluded by expressing& belief that more
dealers would be induced thereby to come to the
motet, end the hope that by it the town would be
benefited—(a4,omm),
in proposing ' The Mayor and Corporation of Dor-
chester," J. Flom, Esq., M.P., said the name of the
Mayor was one long honoured in Dorchester, was
one familiar to him froin the earliest time be could
reeolleet an yth ing—(applelise) —and the IMMO of • family
always reppected and esteemed in the town—(cheer,).
It might spent presumptoous in him to offer any
comments on the proceedings of the Town Connell and
inhebitante of Dorchester, but he would venture to say
that he thought they had due themselves honour,
and he trusted they would allow him to congratulate
them on having for the wood time elected so worthy
• man as Mr. Curate to the civic chair of this
borough—(cheere). While he was permitted by his
position to name the Mayor as the head, there
were other men—many good men in the Town
Council, to whose honour he was sure they would wish
to give every exrresnon that evening for all they had
done. Thinks had been ntost suitably returned by the
President of the Farmers Club, who was peculiarly
fitted to speak on snob a matter, and be now binged to
Ipropose the health of that body in the town who had
originated and carried to completion this handsome
building—(sheers). ... . . . . . ..

The Mayor retitrned thanks, and referring to • wish
that had been expressed to make this • pitched corn
market, said he was sure the Town Council would he
happy to meet the requirements of the agriculturists by
every meaus in their power--(applvoseh
The Rev. R. W. Peen said be was requested by the
Mayor to propose the health of a gentleman, whom they
were beand to honour on that first oemaion of meeting
in that beautiful hellHapplatme). However much
much money they had, or however willing they might
be to spend it, and however anxious to improve and
adorn their city, all would be in vain, without the aid
of the architect—(applause)—and, therefore, he begged
to propole the health of Mr. Hall, of whom intellect
and genius that beautifol building was the creature--
(cheers). He had not the pleasure of knowing Mr. Hall
personally, and not even by sight, but be felt that
while that Corn Exchange remained standing, Mr.
Hall's mime would be identified with the most beautiful
room and building, not only in Dorwheetwr, but in the
whole empty of Doreet—(Load applause).
Mr. Henry Hall, the architect, expressed hie aeknow•
ledrments for the flattering compliment which had
been paid to him.
. .

Esq., proposed the health of the
Town Clerk of Dorchester. speaking in eulogistic terms
of his gentlemanly feeling and legal knowledge—
(apolaule).
Mr. Giles Symonds returned thanks.
The Chairman proposed "Th. Ttads sad Commons of
Doschester."

J. F Hodges, EN., aeknowledged the compliment.
Hr. Hell proposed the health of Mews. Wellspring
and Hon, the builders, and he spoke highly of their
thorough good workmanship.
Mr. J. Wellspring responded.
Aldennan Halpin proposed "Prosperity and Advance-
ment to lb. Town of Weymouth."
8.. if. Eliot, Req., larirer returned thanks.
The Mayor then vaceted the chair, and several gentle-
men at the principal table retire!. Alderman Coombe
was called to preside over the amenably, and the meeting
WU prolonged with song snd sentiment, complimentary
speeches and mamba, until midnight.
The pleasure* of the evening were greatly enhanced
by the performanees of tho glee singers, and of the
Dorchester ride band, under Mr. H. Wellspring.

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