The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1865-07-04 00:00:00

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nately none fell. Flags were hoisted from public
and private buildings, in honour cf the coronation
of our gracious Queen, whilst precisely at 12 o'clock
the Channel Fleet in PortlaLd Roads fired a Royal
salute. Thousands of excursionists visited the town
and the steamers throughout the day were well
filled, especially the boats which went to Lulworth,
Swansge, and Bournemouth.
The principal feature of attraction at Weymouth
was an Odd Fellows' fine, in which the officers and
brethren of various lodges from a distance took part.
Soon after half-past 10 the brethren assembled in
Maiden-street, from whence, accompanied by the
bands of the Weymouth and Dorchester Ride Corps
they perambulated the town in the following
order :

Brethren carrying symbola.
Weymouth Rifle Band.
Banner of the United Lodges of Weymouth.
Bud of Hope (Dorchester) dispensation.
Bud of Hope Lodge.
Hand•in-Hand (Dorchester) dispensation.
Bud of Hope Banner.
United Brother's (Weymouth) dispensation.
United Brother's Lodge Banner.
Royal Victoria Lodge.
Excelsior Lodge.
Excelsior Lodge dispensation.
Dorchester Rifle Band.
Banner of the United Lodges.
Great Eastern Lodge,
Greet E.stern Lodge dispensation.
Lodge officers and district officers.

After having paraded a portion of the town, the Odd
Fellows attended servioe at Trinity Church, where
the Rev. G. Philipps delivered an eloquent and
appropriate disootuve. At the conclusion the pro-
cession re-formed and than proceeded to a field on
the Dorchester road overlooking the railway, where
dinner was partaken of. Between 250 and 300
persons sat down under the presidency of Lord Grey
de Wilton, M.P., supported by R. Brooks, Esq.,
M.P., the Rev. G. Philippe, Captain Gridley, H.
Edwards, Fag., John Tigard, Esq., G. Welsford,
Esq., ha., Ito.
The CHAIRMAN said they were met that day to
celebrate an event which was most interesting to all
Englishmen. That day—he thought he was right
in saying-28 years ago it MIA the day on which her
gracious Majesty Queen Victoria received that Crown
which she had worn ever since with signal honour
to herself and with signal advantage to all her
subjects. (Applause.) Ever since that time, he
need hardly say, she had been an example to all her
subject', her pare and unspotted character bad been
a pattern to wives, a model to mothers, and whose
beneficient end charitable disposition must have
endeared her to gentlemen who belonged to so-
cieties of this desenption. (Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN, in proposing the toast of "The
Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, and the rest
of the Royal Family," said be must claim their ad-
miration, but at the same time their oommisseration
for hi, Royal Highness, for be believed he might say
that, every day for the last six months, his Highness
had been engaged in laying first stones, in cutting
sods, in wheeling barrows, in opening charitable in-
stitutions, (including bazaars) and in dining with
guilds and companies, the latter being no light work.
(Hear, heir.) But during that time he had never
flinched from his duties, and his task did not appear
to have exhausted him, and had exhibited that
modesty, ability, and dignity, which he had in-
herited from his father and mother. In conclusion,
the chairman expressed a hope that the Prince of
Wales would long be !pared, and leave a lasting and
pleasant memory behind. (Cheers.)
In submitting the next toss% the noble CHAIRMAN
said it was one which, if they did not receive with
all sincerity, they were much misinformed or very
magratefeL He gave "The health of the Bishop
Clergy." He need hardly take up their time,
nor insult their understanding, by expatiating upon
the merits of that most hard-working body. He had
reason to know, from what be had heard and
observed, that the clergy of Weymouth yielded to
none of their brethren in their anxiety, and endea-
yours to improve the morality of their parishes, and
to promote peace and good-will throughout their
communities. (Haar, hear.) He knew that his
friend, the Rev. G. Philippe, was a modest man, and
was not disposed to hear his own praises sung too
fully by him. He would, therefore, call upon him
te answer to the toast, and he (the chairman) was
hire their interest in the clergy was enhanced by his
presence amongst them. (Loud cheers.)
The Rev. G. Phfurrs, after returning thanks for
the honour done him, said he was told it the church
'door by one of the Oddfellows that he izas much sur-
prised that he (the rev. gentlerlinew so much
ef—h, would not cull them-- ta—but of the
business of she Order. The man paid, "That sermon
of your's must have taken you great trouble to
write; you seem to know all our bunnies." He
(the speaker) could assure them that he had most
carefully studied their reports, and far from the
sermon being any trouble to preach it had been I
great pleasure to him. He had preached before
many societies, but never before Oddfellows, and ex-
a hope that this would not be the last time.
Telili
d frequently noticed the bad behaviour in
church of large bodies of people, but he could
conscientiously say that with them he had no
fault to find. (Applause.) -In speaking of
the advantages of men belonging to friendly
societies, he said the clergy were thrown amongst
the working classes of the country and saw the evil
effect of those who spent their mcmey and did net
belong to any club. They saw people 41 sicknees
thrown upon-the poor-rates Or upon the workhouse,
whereas if they had belonged to any society they
would hare been independent and received assistance
from the club to which they belonged. He could
truly say that in his minis' terial visitations amongst
the working classes, he visited a man to whom he
did not put the question, "Do you belong to any
benefit club ?" aud if not, urged upon him to enrol
himself ass member. (Applause.)
The Cmanimearc then gave" The Army, Navy, and
Volunteers," coupling with the former the name of
Oorporal Gurley, of the Engineers, and with the
latter the name of Lieut. Thud, both of whom
responded.
Lord GAST DE Wltrox in giving the toast of the
day, "Success to the Manchester Unity," said it had
always been in his mind one of the most inestimable
characteristics of this great ancient society, that upon
all festive occasions there existed a rule which was
that the dimension of political subjects should be
tabooed, so that thereby that harmony should be en-
sured to the meeting which the subject he had spoken
of was, he was sorry to say, mostly a stranger to.
was also equally pleasant to add
laid by its rides, upon religious
Ass had taught that no man
to which sectarian enthusiasm

itingratefeC
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and even that too not later than that day, thst it
was of antideluvian data, and be bad he ird it stated
that that great fabulous saint, St. Gorge, was an
Oddfellow. Another source said it ori,(i uated in an
old club, the conditions being that tho gentleman
should raise Id. for his entrant* fee by saying some-
thing witty or eccentric, or who was euabled to prove
that in a long dispute with • WY he menagedto
maitre the last word (Ltughter.) lie thought that
Freemasonry, and other institutions of that kind,
claimed an antiquity almost Chinese, but in reality
tbey were the offshooti of the many charitable
)..uilds which existed in the middle ages. In 1812,
or 1814, Oddrellowship increased to such an extent
that it culminated into the great parent stem which
was now known SI the Manchester Ucity. On ex-
plaining the advantages of the society he thought he
could not do better than by reading a short extract
from • Worcester paper, and which was as follows
The provision of a certain sum per week during in-
cipacity to labour through sickness or accident, • ocrtain
sum on the death of a member, in order to insure decent
interntent ; a certain sum for a 'igniter purpose on the
death of a member's wife, provision for the widows and
orphans of the members, medical aid and medicines
luring sioknew, and some slight relief when travelling
in tearoh of employment. In addition to these regular
insurances, benevolent gifts or charitable donations are
occasionally voted in cases of extreme distress: but the
money so applied must not be drawn from the in-
surance fund. The amount issued varies in different
districts, according to the claw of members. The most
common rate, however, is, for sickness, 10s, per week,
and £3O on the death of a member, and about £7 on
the death of • member's wife. The 'Widow and Orphan
Funds' are varied in character, some being emni•benevo-
lent, and other regular insurances. . . . . Every
member of a lodge, in addition to his initiation money,
contributes to bin own lodge fund a certain weekly sum,
the amount of which is determined by the ruler of his
lodge but by the General Laws it is in no mile to be
less ;Ilan threepence per week. There is also a fund
arising from the infliction of fines upon members for
breaking the rules of the society; the fines are added
to the 'lncidental Expense Fund' of the lodge to defray
the cost of management. In addition to the general
charitable fund of °soh lodge, there are in all of the
distrcts funeral and widow and orphan funds, which
are formed by contributions from the different members
and lodges in such districts. When the family of any
decamp d member of the order needs assistance to defray
his funeral expenses, a sum is allowed for that purpose
and debited to the funeral fund, and at certain times an
apportionment is made of the games* expended amongst
the different tontributiog lodges, who repay their shares
of it, calculated according to the relative number of
members in each lodge."
By that they saw that the society was not adverse to
receiving the cheerfully proffered aid of their cha-
ritable friends, but at the same time the society was
essentially independent and self-supporting, and
that was one of the main advantages and features of
the system, for thereby was developed, amongst its
members, habits of forethought, of frugality, and
good management. Thus they were giving a helping
hand to their neighbours and expecting one in
return from them. He need hardly say that nothing
was better calculated to unite together all who
belonged to such • society. (Cheers.) They had
rules most carefully drawn up, having regard to
justice, economy, good management, order, and
sobriety, and he could only say that he had always
heard, without exception that the meetings of Odd-
fellows were characterised by the good fellowship
and sobriety which he had mentioned. (Cheers).
One word was necessary to show them the popularity
of this society throughout the country. In 1852
there were 224,441 members in 3,429 lodges. In
1862 the numbers had increased to 335,14.5, and in
1865 there were 373,509 members gathered in
35,034 lodges. (Applause.) He thought these
figures spoke more in favour of the society than
anything he could say. He knew they felt the
good which they were doing one towards another by
belonging to this society, or else they would not
belong to it, and appealed to the figures be had
made use of to show that that feeling was shared in
by all classes throughout England. In conclusion he
asked the company to drink, with three times three,
"Success to the Manchester Unity."
Brother Pills, of Dorchester, whose name was
connected with the toast, returned thanks, remark-
ing that the Unity had never had so many members
or so much capital as at the present time, notwith-
standing that the amount of sickness had been very
great The Unity had paid upwards of £64,000
in funeral money, and four times £64,000 in aiok
pay, something like a quarter of a million of money.
There was a great value to be set upon friendly
societies, more especially that of the Manchester
Unity, for he thought the Unity would stand com-
parison with any other society in existence. He did
not say it was the beet, but it would bear comparison
with any other society.
Brother FARWELL responded on behalf of the
Weymouth Lodges. Making allusion first to the
Poole District, he said Ise was in • position to say
that it numbered 26 lodges, having 3,000 members,
with a capital of £13,000. The lodges in Weymouth
were in • most flourishing condifion. About five
years ago the first Oddfellows' procession in this
town took place, and he thought be was right in
saying that the lodge then numbered only twenty-
seiren members. That day, not quite five yeara
since, they now numbered nearly 300 mem-
bers, with a capital of over £5OO. In his, the
the senior lodge of the town, £6O had been expended
in sick pay alone. He did not mean to say that the
whole of that money had been saved from their poor.
rates, but he did say that the greater portion bad
been. The othet lodges in the town had paid some-
thing like £4O, which made £lOO paid by working
men to assist their fellow-man in affliction. (Ap-
plause.) In conclusion, he thanked the noble chair-
man for the honour he had done them in presiding
over the meeting.

I rim

R. BROOKS, 'keg., M.P., proposed "The health
of the Visiting Brethren."
Captain GRIDLEY, who was most enthusiastically
received, said he was exceedingly glad to have had
the opportunity that day of being a witness of these
most interesting proceedings; if possible, he might
say he was more glad of the opportunity which had
been afforded him of having to propose a toast which
he was sure would meet with as hearty a response
from them as it was in him sincere and heartfelt
Fle gave them "The health of his noble opponent,
Lord Grey de Wilton." (Applause.) It should not
be said at this time of the day that chivalry was
altogether dead amongst them, and that they could
only find it written in the pages of the past; that
they turned over in vain the history of the present
to find any record of it. (Applause.) It should not
be said that, beitsuee principles had to be maintained,
and that if they would it was his misfortune to be
the opponent of the principles of the noble lord and
his lion colleague, that there should be less of good
fellowship between them. (Cheers.) This meeting,
he was happy to say, presented an appearance which
could sot be found in any part of the world.
It was in happy old England alone that they could
find, that in the midst of a great political struggle
which in any other country would almost amount to
a revolution, the champions meeting around the
friendly board, exchanging kindly sentiment.,
drinking to each other's healths, and pledging
each other's friendship so long as they lived.
(Cheers.) They had many things to be proud
of, for, as had been said by the noble lord, they were
proud of their Queen, they were proud of their
Army and Navy, but he maintained that they had
more reason to be proud of snob a meeting as this
than even those things ; for they bad stood man to
man and side by side each determined to vote on
behalf of the cause which he espoused, but in the
most social manner. (Applause.) When hereafter
the deeds which have been done in Weymouth
should be read oa illuminated pages there would be
a page which would be read with greater interest,
and that page would that they were enabled to carry
out their political contests without any political
animosity or unhandsome expressions. (Cheers-)
He did not know whether he was justified in ad-
dressing them at greater length. He wished there-
fore to say, and he was sure they would join with
him most cordially, as would also his hon. friend by
his side, in drinking the health of Lord Grey de
Wilton, and if it had been possible the health of his
hon colleague, Mr. Brooks. (Cheers-)
The Cast:wax, in response, said if anything could
add to the gratification which he experienced at the
very kind and cordial manner in which they had
drunk hie health, it would have been the kind and
courteous manner in which it had been introduced,
especially under the "interesting" circumstances.
(Laughter.) He could only tell them now, as he
had told them individually before, that ever since
Mr. Brooks and himself came here as antagonists,
they had always expressed to one and all the same
feelings which had been so eloquently enunciated by
Captain Gridley, and they were determined that
political differences should not make any difference
whatever in their feelings. (Applause.) They had
always endeavoured to act up to that idea and deter-
mination; if he had failed in doing so it had not
been for want of intention. He could ware his
courteous opponents that neither himself nor Mr.
Brooks had any enemies; they greeted them most
cordially ; they felt they were fighting the battle of
principle, and it would not make any difference in
their feelings whoever might be the victors in the
strife. (Cheers.) He should be able, with perfect
sincerity and good feeling, to shake hands actress the
returning offioer and say, "We have fought a good
battle and won," or, "We have fought the battle
and lost; /et us forget an about it, and let it be as
before." (Cheers.) in conclusion, be thanked the
meeting for the kind reception he had met with.
An adjournment warn then made to the green
sward, where danoing,kias-in-the-ring,"Aunt Sally,"
and other sports were indulged in, until the shades
of evening threw her sombre mantle around the face
of nature, when the company left the field,
apparently much delighted with their holiday.

ODD FELLOWS' AND FORESTERS'
AMALGAMATED FETE AT BRIDPORT.
Wednesday last was a red letter day in the
history of Bridport. It being the ens
of Her BNesty's coronation, and a
holiday being consequently obsery
Odd Fellows and Foresters, joining
hand, met together to alebrate the....,
,
versary. These two societies are too
known, and their ybjeoll and aim) too
•

hand il

. , . . . . . .
. 'T-1=L,1.4.• .--.1.1.1.tei •+•‘...t.

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appreciated to require any description from
us. Both Orders have one common aim—
dissemination of friendship and lore anong
each other, comforting and sustaining each
other in the time of need, relief, sickness, and
the succour of the widows- And fatherless
children after death. Such principles must
commend themselves to every philanthropist,
and our wonder therefore i, not that t 11,y
continually receive so large an Accesstou
to their numbers, but that all who have
enough and to spare, even should they have
no need to become beneficiary members, do
not support them.
The town of Bridport itself, on Wednesday,
put on its gayest livery. The shops were all
closed, flags, banners, &cc., were displayed
from the houses, trumphal arches were
raised, and pines, firs, oak, elm, willow, poplar,
beech, and indeed every kind of "green-
wood tree" was planted on each side of the
street throughout the town. The inhabitants
put on their holiday suits, and the streets
were lined with spectators of all ages and
degrees.
The procession moved from the Townhall
at half-past 12 o'clock, and passed through
the whole of the streets in the following
order:—

Odd Fellows of the Great Western Lodge, Bridport,
bearing the Dispensation of the Order.
Foresters of the "Star of the West" Court, bearing
their Dispensation.
Axminster Band, under the leadership of Mr. Moore.
Robin Hood's last shot.
Shepherd and Shepherdess,
(a tableaux vivant.)
Tylers of the Great Western Lodge with drawn
. . _ swords.

Visiting officers and brethren of both orders bearing
their insignia of office.
Banner of the bl. U. O. F.
Two Odd Fellows and two Foresten alternately.
Foresters' Banner.
Odd Fellows' Banner.
Foresters and Odd Fellows in twos.
Forester.' Banner.

The Odd Fellows were represented by the
brethren of the "Great Western" Lodge
The Foresters by Court "Star of the West,"
Bridport ; Court "Plume of Feathers,
Weymouth; Court "Progress," Dorchester;
Court "Sailor's Hope," Portland; Court
" St. Austin," Cerne.
The number of brethren altogether was about
300. The parties having perambulated the town
proceeded to a meadow opposite the Crown Inn,
Harbour-road, where a really excellent dinner
was served up by Mr. T. Smith, of the Royal
Oak Inn. The chair was taken by T. Hounsell,
Esq., and the vice-chair by Mr. H. N. Cox.—
Among the company present were W. H. Manley,
Ewa, Dr. Hay, G. Edwards, Eaq., A. Tucker,
Esq., A. Manley, Esq., A. Good, Esq., W. G.
Turner, Esq., F. Hay, Esq.; Messrs. Miller,
Hussey, Fooks, Bishop, Miller, jun., Tucker.
dm, act The band of the 26th Company of
Royal Engineers, stationed at Weymouth, was
present, and played several selections from the
beat masters during dinner.
On the cloth being removed, the Chairman
proposed the "Health of the Queen," the
" Health of the Prince of Wales, and the rest
of the Royal Family," the "Army, Navy, and
Volunteers," prefacing each toast with appro-
priate remark!.
Sergeant Miura of the Q.0.D.Y.C., Gunner BRAD-
FORD, of the Lyme, and Gunner HIBDEN, of the Brid-
port Volunteer Artillery, responded.
The CHAIRMAN next gave "Prosperity to the Man-
chester Unity of Odd Fellows, and the Ancient Order of
Foresters." Poverty, he said, was no crime, although
it was very inconvenient, as he himself had experience.
He oould therefore speak feelingly of the benefit of
these societies, and he urged all to join their ranks,
either as benefit members, or if they did not
need to partake of the benefit these societies conferred,
to become honarary or subscribing members, to assist in
helping forward so excellent a cause. These societies
were of greater benefit than they at first sight appeared
to be. If a man were laid on a bed of sickness, pain of
mind at knowing that his wife and family had no pro-
vision made for them but the scanty dole of the parish,
would often be worse to endure than pain of body, and
protract his illness. Re therefore, in conclusion, would
again urge upon all to join the ranks of these societies.

P.G. Cox, on the part of the Manchester Unity and
C.R. CROFT on the part of the Ancient Order of
Foresters acknowledged the compliment.
The CrUdmurt said that at a racing meeting there was
always a " Consolation stakes" and he believed the
medical officers of these societies had the power in their
hands often, and that they exercised it to the best of
their abilities to console and administer to the relief of
the afflicted member,. With the toast he united the
name!' of Dr. Hayes, the medical officer of the
Odd Fellows Lodge at Bridport, and Dr. Scott,
the medical officer of the Foresters.

Dr. HAT acknowledged the compliment.
The CHAIRMAN next proposed "The health of the
officers of the two orders," which was briefly acknow.
ledged by G.M. Cox, who gave "The health of the
Chairman."

The CHAIRMAN acknowledged the compliment. He
expressed the pleasure it afforded him to see the two
chief benefit societies of that town amalgamated on
that occasion. This unity of sentiment and reciprocity
of feeling he trusted would be continued, and that it
would be productive of great good to Bridport.

-
The next toast proposed from the chair was "The
health of the Visiting Brothers," which was acknow-
ledged by P.S. and S.C.R. Street, of Portland. who
said, that during the past year the increase he the
Manchester Unity had been 80,000 members, while the
increase to the Ancient Order of Foresters had been
27,800. The toast was also acknowledged by Mr. A.
Streete, of Weymouth.

The Press and the Ladies were also given and
responded to, after which a verse of "God save
the Queen" was sung and the members and their
friends joined the company in the field, taking part
with them in the various amusements provided, such
as " aunt Sally," qaoits, dancing, &c., which was kept
up with great spirit till a late hour.
We rejoice to learn that the whole of the proceedings
passed off in a most amicable manner.

(V edneaday, t:l:eilia-.., ..., waa moat loyally
celebratedrb* tlie ' . . fa m teats 4 Weymouth. Fro 1
early Alters -liii ailldgltt oair4a.
.oentainiog
plea-ears pmitaliafe
..
.._ , . aaPi'i
suimeedos, oarrylag to
~
... ..a anal
• pleeastit randier. ..The day, . • , 41111.
'l, 1 3 of the most eimarfall erlagidity f
P. a. at - • --2-7-., every indi--"' -