The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1878-06-11 00:00:00

BLANDFORD.

A meeting of the Ties Council IVY held at the Town
Hall on Tuesday last. present: The Mayor (Mr. H. T
Johns) Aldermen. (harden and A. S Hodges :Councillors,
11 11 Smith, S. Abhott, R. Eyers, C. Pond. W. T. Elear,
J. Ball. The accounts for the ball year ending March 25th,
w -re publashed, chewing • balance due to the Treasurer
.Cll 19.11—The police sheets having been signed. Mr. E
Smith slaked the Mayor whether • member of the Council
who had compounved with his crajtors during his term
of rare, caull still retain his seat in the Council?—Th.
Town Clerk read the Act of Parliament which said that
any member of the Council taking any benefit of any Act
of Parliament, which allowed him to compound with his
creditors thereby vacated his seat, but no notice could be
taken of the matter by the Mayor, unless it was brought
under his notice by • requisition, signed by two members
of the council or by two Burgesses, and as the term of
office of the niemlwr referred to expired next November,
he supposed It was hardly necessary to take any
further notice of it. In mower to a second
question as to whether a member of the Council
who left the town before his term of office expiresi wee
not subject to • fine for removal (as in the case of Mr.
Alderman Rogers, of Poole), the Mayor said there
undoubtedly was • line except the cause of leaving was ill
health.—The Town Clerk said the fine was .C 5. In the
case of Mr. Fisher, the cause of his leaving WAS ill health.
—Mr. Smith said that might be, but, he believed Mr.
Fisher was now in good health, and as the town might be
put (man extra expense of £lO for an election bemuse of
such absence, he thought it only fair Mr. Fisher should
pay the fine, and if it was brought under the notice of the
Mayor or Town Clerk in the usual way they could
certainly enfores the fine if it was insisted upon. Ile had
no wish for any election till November Lit, but he did not
see why the fine should not be enforced.—Mr. R. Eyers
said he thought Mr. Fisher should have sent the Mayor
notice s 1 his resignation. —Mr. Pond asked, has not the time
mune for beating the borough bounds, it had not been done
since 1863, &WI he thought they might be jealous of any
encrouhmenta —Mr. Malachi Fisher had once called his
attention to some deeds of property held by him in which
mention was made of • right of "pasturing a horse on the
c amnion on the right hand of the road leading to the
bridge," past the Crown Hotel, and he did not know how
such right bad lapsed.-11r. Durden said the expense of
beating the bounds in 1863 was tit 16t 31—The Mayor
said it was not absolutely necessary, but it could be done
if the Council wished.—Mr. Ball said there was also the
right of fishing with a net above the bridge as far as the
boundary stone. It was ultimately agreed that Mr. C.
Poud sand Mr. E. B. Smith should ley deputed as •
committee to compare the borough boundaries with the
places in the Corporation tewalt and to report to the next
meeting the result —Mr. R. Eyers asked the Mayor
whether 110 could say why £lO WWI only paid for the
• lucation of the Blue Coat &la.—The Mayor said the
sum had always been paid, and some discussion mom as
to the propriety of sonic new rule that hail been made
respecting the petce paid lay the Blue Coat Boys. After
some reference to the July Wool Market, which the
Market Committee proposed should be held on July 13th
next, as the nearest Saturday to the 10th July.—The
meeting adjourned.

THE DORSET NATURAL HISTORY AND ANTI.
QUARIAN FIELD. CLUB

The first meeung of the season of this rapidly increasing
society, for the present year, by kind invitation of Sir
Talbot R. Baker, Bert., was held last Thursday at
Beaton, and mime off in the most gratifying and antis-
factory manner. The invitation included the Rev. Preb.
Barth and Mr. BIOWLI, P.S.A. two justly celebrated
worthies of high standing In Arclueological repute, both
of whom, with the Rev. W. Berms and others capable of
affording information, were present. The esteemed
president of the society. Mr. J. C. MansetPleydell, was
unavoidably absent, being abroad. The days proceedings
commenced at Blandford by a visit to Mr. Durden s
munificent museum of antiquities, which some of the
gentamen and ladies forming the party had not previously
seen. The admirable collection IVY spoken of by Mr.
Blorani el being "most unique" which was fully endorsed
by Kr Scarth, Sir Talbot Baker, and others Never did
we hare the bouour and privilege of witnessing such a
degree of satisfaction afforded, which was testified before
leaving the room by according Mr. Durden a moat cordial
vote of thanks, rest kindly moved by Sir Talbot Baker, not
only in consideration of hie admirable collection, secured
at enormous cat and labour, but also in recognition of
the services rendered by Mr. Durden in staying works of
demolition on Hod-hill at personal cost. In the room Mr.
C. Rickman exhibited • basket of specimen flowers
collected from Hod-hill, which afforded additional in.
tenet and in:reseed the desire to be there. At the Crown
Hotel, IMr. Rickman also exhibited a rare specimen of
fern-tree (from his fossil collection) found in the coal
measures of Derbyshire.

—Shot ly before noon the party started from the Crown
in suitable conveyances supplied by Mr. Byers. The
drive to fiteepleton was most enjoyable, especially to
strangers, who were delighted with the lovely scenery by
the way. On emending Rot-hill in procession, the
occasion was delightful, many of ttr• strangers admiring
the charming foliage of Steepleton shrubbery and park,
then saw, reached thel summit and caught glimpses of
the surrounding distant view. it seemed erichantine.
Arriving at the north-east gate of the British earth-works,
Sir Talbot Baker made • statement concerning thereof,
and so continued at each point of interest, in which the
noble baronet was supported or corrected (ea the ease
might be) by Mr. &aril, Mr. Blorato, Col. Akers, or
oth. r gentlemen. After leaving the water-gate of the
Celtic embankment. the Roman entrenchments were
explored, thin concluding that section of the day's proceed.
iogs. Dec nding into the "ditch" by the nortb-wyst
gate, an addresss was delivered by Mr. Search, who was
vOOOOO briefly by other eentlemen notwithstanding
ths heavy shower of rain which then came on. Presently
the storm had passed, and the company departed down
the hillside to climb that before them to the heights
of Kosso,b,don, where similar points of interest were
described by Sir Talbot, who was freely Joined by others
In • most interestinLcanner. This concluded the
Investigations of the , and on retirement the party
soon eluded their way, by Sir Talbot, to his mansion,
where • most hospitable reception awaited them. In the
dining-room tables were laid in exquisite style for 711 and
we believe every seat was occupied, which, we need
hardly obligee, was a source of joy to Sir Talbot and
Lady Baker, and at the emu time proving quite accepable
of ter traversing the downs for • period of three hours.
Luncheon over, and thank, returned by the worthy
host, cordial thanks ewe tendered him and Lady Baker,
for their kind invitation and hospitality. The company
iscluded the following—Sir Tahoe aud Lady Baker. Col.
Aker.. 3144. and Ilira Ifentmen. Mr. aimf Met R. B.
Middleton, Mr. and Yrs. R. ff. Elliot, Mrs. Elliot, Rev.
IL Wood, Mils la &bine huhu, Rev. Canon
Dayrinin, Rev. Prob. ficiarth. Be,. Capon Bose.,
Rev. W. Barnes, Rev. J. F. Langford, Hon. and Rey. P.
G. WII eattilw. Mi.. Wilioarlkby, C.pt Sullen, Mr. C W.
Dale, H 0,,. eau Rev. A. 0. Do -metre, fie.. J. Acton, Mies
Acton„ Rev. R. R. Watts. Miss Watts, Rey. K bowfood.
Rey. R. Borden,
_Dr. Moorhead, Rev, F. Skase, Rev. F.
W. Kumla Mi.. Munson, Rey. .1 Penny Rae. C.
Weatherby,
_Mr. F. Filliter, Rev. R. Robert, tiles Robert.
Professor Backman, Rev. Qtrion Lowndea, K
Phillip', Mr. Blommin, Mr. Barden, Mr. Thurston, Kr.
opioe, Mr. W. Fletcher, Mr. Ciunington, Mr. Rugg,
Mm. 0. °dein. Mr. a Rickman.
ft„ii,nruing to the library, the Rev. W. Barnes read an
ieuresting P•Per on Rogue roada, in which be evidently
assisted Mr. Scutt' and others in their researches, u
acknowledged with thinks. Society business matters
followed--resding of report, Lc., in which the spaptary,
Professor Beams gave • very cheerful aspect of the
wimp's stake The treasurer, Mr. Wood, also spoke of
hobo • large sum of money ID hand. The year had
eoneseseeed with a membership of 110, and 10 had Joined
was day. The resolutions passed included the addition
of *a asses ot Web. South and Mr. Blum= as
hearnin members.
DarUazthe day it was a source of special gratification
ta ge Mr. Burden and hie collection as frequently
Mell in li.nhaet terms of praise, and ere breakingop
on the MAlset ca—e ynin busioessform. Professor
:=lssobserving that by Mx. pur4ides yormiadas be
a attend his museum and Was drawings el articles
Is someasisa tar She limit al the modish fiad the po-
tash. as Imp. n empsay departed &orgy alter 'Lc
• —11041,11 logrea.

PRESENTATION TO A SCHOOLMASTER.
After many years of long and devoted work in Bland
-
ford in the caws of education, the National Schoolmaster,
Mr. Griffiths, is about to retire from active life, and as a
suitable eapression of the esteem and respect in st'hielt he
has so long and so deservolly been held, it was doct.le.l to
present him with a testimonial. Staincripttone were
vassal, and on Wislnesday evening a concert was given At
the Corn Ettchatige, when the testimonial was Preieeted
by the Rector. A large poor of lobes and
.gentlemen.
members of the Harniouic S Mr. Eters champion
band„ and other frieuds, kindly gave their aervices, did
alm Mrs. Zierardit, se accompaiiist. There was a goal
assetublare. The orchestra wu nicely decoretad with
foliage Owns, kindly lent he Mr. H. Blaudford, of the
Dorset Nurseries. Tie following was the first part of the
Programme :—Grand starch'_ "The Silver Toon pets; the
Blandford Champion Bram Band chorus, "March of the
Men of Hartech song. "Stars the Night Ado:lain:4-
MP' Gill solo (concertina), "Mr and Variations,' Mr.
, C. Rickman eau. "Sweetheart;" Mr. Curtis: Put song.
" May Day ;" song, "Toni the Tinker,' Mr. W. Keynes:
song, "What lea Woman Like r Marshallsay. The
Blandford Bud played very nicely under their new
leader, Mr. T. Hunt. and Busieby'a chorus was sung with
good taste by the members of the Harmonic Society, Mr.
Curtis acting as conductor. ?dies Gill sang very ninety,
land was loudly cheered. The concertina solo, from " Sono
nambula." was beautifully played by Mrs. Rickman, and
called forth repeated plaudits, and is compliance with an
encore she played with splendid effect "Variations on
Scotch Airs, the introduction of an imitation of the bag-
pipes being especially good. Mr. Curtis 81111( with good
spirit and In excellent voice: and Mr. Marshallimy's happy
style of singing Shield's comic song "What u • Woman
Like r celled for an enthusiastic encore. At the conchs-
stun of the first part the presentation was made. The
Rev. C. Fynes-Clinton on amending the platform in com-
pany with Mr Griffithe was loudly cheered. He said that
the pleasing duty devolved upon him during the interval
of presenting in the pence of the subscribers a testimonial
to Mr Griffiths as a mark of respect which he so well
deserved. Many present knew better than he could tell
them of the good work which Mr Griffiths had done in
Illandford. His acquaintance with him had only been
during the last six years, whereas me Griffith. had been
the master of the National School 33 years. and during
the whale of that time the unisenal testimone was that he
had discharged his duties in a most satisfactory manner.
(Cheerr) Hewing referred to the responsibility attached
to the office of • schoolmaster, the speaker said that when
Mr. Grfiltha and those schoolmasters who commenced with
him took chart, of schools, promises were held out that
on c-rtaio results being attained they would be entitled.
alter a 15 years service. to pensions from the G .ventosent,
but the Government had, as he (Mr. Clinton) considered,
: most shamefully run back from their promise. According
to the male which Mr. Griffiths and others work d hard
for, he, after mi long a service, would have been entitled to
ASO per year renaion. Now the very most (and it appeared
uncertain if he would get that) he would receive would be
£2O r C 25 per year. The high estimation in which Mr.
Grain'e was held by the boys who had in years past
attended his school wee evidenced by the kind And gratify-
fug letters which had been received by Mr. Durden, in
answer to applications for contributions to the tutimonial
fund. Mr. Clinton then proceeded to state that be was
happy to say Mr. Griffiths, when he gave up his office, did
not intend to leave the town: and that he Ind consented
to remain at the Reboot, in its present unsettled state,
probably up to Christmu—Mr. Griffiths then stepped
forward. and Mr. Clinton, addressing hint. sold.—" Dear
Sir —I have very great pleasure in presenting you, is the
name of the subsaibers, with this purse containing 100
guineas, son slight mark of the esteem in which you are
deservedly held by them.' (Loud applauee.)--Mr- Griffiths
who was visibly affected, said that when he looked round
and saw so large and reapectable AD as emblage, be could no
but be sensible of such a mark of esteem and respect, and
he felt it • great honour to be thus favoured. In 1816.
when he first came to take charge of Blandford school, he ,
little thought the do would arrive when he should have
no kind and so flattering a recognition of his services. Nor
did he then expect that • kind and ersciotui providence
would have spared him so many years to be the master of
the National School, And to fulfil what, he would fain
hope, had been • useful career. In seasons of great mental
depressicn, which teachers—and, be might add, the clergy .
.I,o—bad to pass through in surveying the great work they '
were called to do, it was • source of comfort to know that,
not neglecting the one thing needful, and depending
on Divine help, there were hundreds of lad, who
had passed under his chain., who receired their first
lessons of duty to God and kindness to each other from
him. That was to him • great comfort. Thirty five years
of continuous teaching, day and night, Sunday and week-
days, was so light work. lest his audience think what an
exhaustive lofe a teacher's was—constant thought, constant
work. Mr. Griffiths proceeded testate that he had trained
4.000 boys in this town, and said the people of Blandford
had cause to be proud of those young men who had gone
out from the school and were doing a good work : and it
had been • source of very great pleasure to hitn to meet
with DOOM of them from time to tin.e. ID. Griffiths gave
• few particulars of boys who had been trained in his
school, and then spoke in terms of encouragement of
Sundayecbool teschers,and Imprvna, I upon them, inthese
day§ of doubt and uncertainty, to saturate, salt were, the
minds of their scholars with sound relimois truth. He
then thanked Mr. Kent and Kr. John Dories for their
kindness in suggesting and getting sulecriptiona to his
testimonial. And erwei .lly Mr. Denirn, to whose letter.
such kind unseen had been returned by his boys, lle also
thanked Mr. ClllllOll and the 14,11.1 mod gentlemen who
had insisted at toe concert, concluding by wishing all
health, peace, and prosperity, and his last prayer would
be "God bless the boys of illandford" (L tad applause)
The second part of the prrtamtne watt as follows :--Song,
'This Mermaid's Coy... Miss Gill: D irsetshire and Her
P et, illustrations—" The Settle an' the Girt Wood Vise,"
"Grammer *Shoes," "The Witch." Mr. C. Rick teas :song,
"If Loved by Thee,,' Mrs. C. Rickman ; ceorus, " The
M0n..... Chorus: song. "The May Pole,' Mrs. C.
Ricknoui : song, "The Frenchman,' Mr. Marshallsay. Mr
Marshallsay, in response to an encore, sang "Tut Three
Little Pigs" in • humorous style. The whole passed off
exceedingly well, and • hearty votes: thanks was accorded
to the Chairman.— Western GaseUe.