The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1876-06-20 00:00:00

COMPLIMENTARY_ DINNER TO THE 3RD

D.R.V.

On Friday last the members of the 3rd D.R.V.
(Dorchester), at the invitation of Captain Hodges,
met their officers at dinner at the King's Arms Hotel.
The occasion had been fixed for some weeks ago. but,
consequent upon the lamented death of Alderman
Coombs, the old Captain, it was postponed. There was
a good muster, the large room of the hotel being
comfortably filled. Captain Hodges presided, and he
was supported by Lieutenant R. Williams and Sub.
Lieutenant A. Williams, Hon. Surgeon Emson (the
Mayor). Hon. Chaplain Everett, (the rector of Holy
Trinity),Captaln and Adjutant Mount Batten, r-
master Newman, Sub-Limit. Thornton, Q.O.W.lr't.,
Mr. J. F. Hodges, J.P., Mr. G. J. Andrews, Mr.
Burnett, Mr. A.-Pope, Kr. E. Pope, Mr. H. Symonds,
Mr. Herbert Hodges (in the vice-chair), and Pioneer
Sergt. Taylor, and Sergeants Rummy, Harris, Rogers,
G. Mutford, and Drill-sergeant Legg. About 90 sat
down to a very capitally served up spread.
After "The Queen" had been duly honoured the
CHAIRMAN gave " The health of the Prince of Wales
and the rest of the Royal Family." The Prince of
Wales was a very good specimen of royalty-an
English gentleman; and he had devoted himself to the
interests of the army. The Duke of Edinburgh they
knew was in command of an iron clad. The Duke of
Connaught had distinguished himself as a can airy
officer ; land Prince Leopold had turned his attention
to science and literature. And he thought they were
very much indebted to them for the interest they had
taken in everything appertaining to the prosperity of
the country-(applause).
Mr. G. J. ANDREWS hadthe privilege and the honour
to propose i! toast what was generally presented at all
festive meetings of Englishmen. It was a toast which
was always well received, and he hoped the time would
never arrive when it would not meet with acclamation
and that gratitude which they all felt towards • body
of men and gentlemen who had so long been, not only
an honour to their own country, but, he might say,
the envy of the world. He begged to propose to
them "The health of the Army, Navy, and the
Reserved Forces,' and with that toast would couple
' the name of Captain Hodges, their excellent chair-
man-(loud cheers)-Captain Mount Batten, and
Cornet Thornton, whom he was glad to see present in
his regimentals-(cheers).
Captain MOUNT-BATTIN, who Was warmly received,
in responding on behalf of the Army, thanked them
for the very kind way they had received and drank
the toast proposed to them. Mr. Andrews had said
they had always gained credit from their co-patriots
for the way in which they done their duty, and he
trusted they would retain that credit. A short time
ago he believed they were on the brink of being
called out, and from what he had just heard from the
gentleman on his left, the danger was more imminent
than they might have reason to suppose. He must,
however, say that if they had been called again to the
East he believed their strength would have been
felt there, and their mark would have been left, an it
was some 20 years ago (cheers).
Sub.-Lieut. Titoasivzi thanked them in the name of
the Yeomanry. He was sure there existed that very
good feeling between the Volunteers and the Yeomanry
which all could wish; and it warn only natural, for
they had very much in common. (Hear, hear.) Both
gave their services voluntarily, and both, if required,
would probably be summoned out at the same time,
and he was sure both would strive their beet to do
their duty, and to show that the confidence reposed
in them was not misplaced. (Cheers.) Coming
nearer home, he was glad to mention another point
which the two bodies in Dorsetahire had in common,
and that was that the numbers of the recruits for
both of these regiments were increasing. He had
heard that they the volunteers) had as many as 25
new additions, and although they (the cavalry) could
not hope tots many, yet they had got seven or
eight. (Applause.) He thou al ght a great de of the
increased efficiency of the regiments, was owing to
the efforts made by the captains. (Hear, hear.) He
was sure that of the Dorchester troop of Yeomanry was
due in • large amount to the well-deserved popularity
which the captain enjoyed. As their (the volunteers)
captain was present it was not for him to pay him any
compliments, but he would only say that the number
of his company and their efficiency was the best
compliment that could be paid him. (Cheers.)
Lieutenant R. WILLIAMR, who was also loudly
cheered, said with all his speaking Captain Hodges
had not overcome his natural modesty, and he had
therefore asked him to return thanks for the volun-
teers. In doing so they would feel he had a large
load of reponsibility to bear, as they numbered some-
thing like 178,000. On behalf of that number, minus
those who had drank their own bealths on that
occasion-(laughter)---he begged to return his thanks
for the manner in which the toast had been received.
Captain HODGES then gave them a time honoured
toast-the Bishop and Clergy. (Cheers). It was •
toast which had been given for a great many years
past, and he hoped would be for • great many years to
come. He hoped nothing might be done in this
country to alter the position the Bishop and Clergy
held in the state. For he thought their influence upon
the populations of their towns and villages was most
beneficial to their condition. The Bishop was an old
man, but he was very vigorous and hard working, as
was testified by the visits he recently paid Dorchester,
at the confirmation and the re opening of Trinity
Church. (Hear, hear). Among the Clergy they found
many hard working and zealous gentlemen, with kind
hearts and sympathies, and ready to do good in any
way they could, among whom there was no one for
whom was felt greater admiration and feelings of
esteem and love than their chaplain the Rev. H.
Everett. (Loud and prolonged cheering). He (the
chairman) was not surprised at their acclamations, for
they all loved him heartily, not only as a clergy-
men of the town, but particularly as their hon.
chaplain. (Cheers). He had shown his interest in the
volunteer movement on many occasions, and he was
sure they were all pleased to see him there, and to
couple his name with the toast. (Cheers).
Hon. Chaplain Eviarrr who was greeted with
rounds of cheers, said he rose to express his sincere
thanks for the very kind way in which the toast of the
Bishop and Clergy had been proposed by Captain
Hodges, and for the very warm way in which it had
been received by the present company. He could
assure them that he always did feel exceedingly
pleased and very proud when that toast WAS proposed
and received in the way in which it had been that
evening ; because, bethought it proved two things, one,
that the clergy, or at any rate some of them were not
unknown to the people, and, 2ndly, it showed that
they were not as some people would like to make them
believe, a distinct and separate class, to be cut off
from their fellow beings and not to share in their joys
and festivities as well -as certainly it is their duty-as
to sympathise in their troubles and sorrows. (Cheers).
He also thought it showed this, that their work and
acts be they what they may were not altogether
unappreciated by those among whom they lived.
(Hear, hoz/ with regard to the volunteer move-
ment, he di think the clergy had--in • small way of
course, done what they could to add zest and energy to
it--(hear, hear) -and really he could not fix upon a rearon
why they should have acted in any other way, for,
for his own part, he thought it the best thing that
could happen to a young fellow to join the volunteers.
(Cheers). There was a great deal he must say that
they saw in what was called young England in the
present day that one did not altogether admire. When
one saw young fellows' an one certainly did see, lead-
ing selfish and indigent lives, caring only for their own
amusement.' and pleasures, they could not say there
was much one could admire or wish to copy. But he
did think that if they wished to copy that feeling
which had been spoken to so warmly that eienin,g, an
anxious desire to maintain our high place among the
nations, they must trust to their young men to come
forward and do what they can, not only tor their own
good, but for the whole good of their Queen and
country. (Applause). He was sure, with regard to
this °Posy', it must be a great boon to any young man
to be Wile to be connected with such officers and such

men. He had been associated with them for some
little time, and he could say that the whole tone and
the whole mode and action of the corps, was one
which really did demand their great sad sincere
respect, and therefore he again repeated it, he believed
it to be a happy thing for any young man to be able
to join such a corps. (Laughter and applexu,e).
At this stage the Captain ordered " tobacco " and a
number of boxes of the fragrant weed were placed on
the tables.

Captain Hoisats then proposed "The Health of the
Member for the Borough, expressing his regret that
he was not present He could tell them also that but
for a little matter going on at Ascot the hon.
member would probably have been present. He dared
say, however, that he was well employed there, and
they might find out some day that he had done some
business there—(a laugh). Whenever they put on the
Queen's uniform they must drop all politics; and,
therefore, he would only my he thought they would
agree with him that the member who had the honour
to represent them in Parliament was a very good
specimen
wlliatot atleepriZteentivoef should be.
hand
wadi proving himself a good politician ; and, whatever
they might think about politics' be believed they
would be always yen, well content 118 long as they had
a member like Mr. Brymer to represent them—(heer,
hear).

The CHAIRMAN then gave a toast which came a little
nearer home. It was that of "The Mayor and Cor-
poration of the Borough." The Mayor was not there
that night, hut they knew their hon. aseistantdiurgeon
(cheers). In the absence of the Mayor, who had gone, be
understood, to dine with his company —(laughter)—
they had an excellent substitute in Mr. Burnett, the
ex-Mayor, to return thanks. ((heers.) He would
not go into local politics, for there were matters that
were very much better left alone. In past years the
Mayors of the town had given very handsome prizes
for competition—(hear, hear)—and that example he
believed would be followed in years to come. At all
events, they would thank the Mayors for the past
and hope for the future. (Cheers.)
Mr. IluaNErr said if there was one ordeal more
painful than another for human nature it was
that of a men getting up on his legs to
return thanks for a toast, which at just that
particular moment he would rather not say anything
about. (Laughter). He did not look upon the
corporation as a skirmishing body, although the
papers appeared to be in doubt whether they were
not on the eve of a great battle, and the gallant
captain ought to keep his men under arms day and
night. (Laughter). For his part he did not think
there was any danger of their getting to blows, but,
at all events, he would take the opportunity to thank
them for the kind way in which they had received the
toast of the body of men, without fear or
favour, gave their votes t the best of their
jud,gmen ' ndeavoured to carry out that which
they believed to be for the good of the town.
(Cheers.)

,
Captain Horximi then gave "The health of the
f'olonel," whose name he was sure would be received
with a great deal of satisfaction and pleasure.
(Cheers.) They could not but feel sorry they were
about to lose their dear old Colonel, Colonel Mansel,
who bad been awaiting the arrival of Colonel Steward
to retire. Colonel Stew tad had arrived, and he
presumed Colonel Memel would soon slip away from
the head of the regiment; but, he was very pleased to
be able to tell them, what perhaps they did not know,
that Colonel Mengel would be their honorary ColoneL
(Loud cheers.) He was sure the post would be grati-
fying to him for it would save him hard and serious
work, and enable him to keep up his connection with
the battalion, and be present at some of their camp
gatherinp, and thus enable him to gratify what he
knew to be his wish and pride, to see his regiment at
work. He would not say one word more in his praise,
but he would ask them to drink his health with the
greatest enthusiasm, (Loud cheers and musical
honours.)
Captain Hormel; then gave "The health of Lieut.-
Colonel Steward, and the staff-officers of the battalion."
He was sure the members of the :3rd D.R.V. would
hail Colonel Steward's taking the lead of the battalion
with a great deal of satisfaction and pleasure, for they
had known him for a great number of years past, and
they must feel certain he would make an able successor
to Colonel Menzel. From his great military experi-
ence as a soldier, and his long connection with the
volunteers, he thought him most thoroughly fitted for
the post he was about to assume. They would find
him a good disciplinarian, thoroughly up in his drill,
kind-heated, and a good commander for volunteers, for
he would not judge too harshly any little laxity there
might be among them. They also knew he would be
well supported by two gentlemen, Major Matthews
and Major Falwaseer, and he would also have the
advantage of a thoroughly efficient and first-rate
Adjutant. Captain Mount Batten he was quite sure
had endeared himself to every man in the battalion.
He had shown himself thoroughly interested in
, the battalion. He had identified himself with it, and
, had taken every opportunity to make them perfect
in steadiness and efficiency of drill, and he thought
they were very lucky in having him. Then, again,
they had lately had one of their non.commis-
sioned officers appointed quartermaster. That
was the first time he had had the honour and
the pleasure of seeing Quartermaster Newman
among them in his uniform --(loud cheers) —and
he was sure he experienced the greatest possible
satisfaction in proposing his health. He knew of ne
gentleman who could have been selected who would
have been more fit and ready for the post than Mr.
Newman. He had the details of a quartermaster's
work so thoroughly at his finger's ends that he could
not be surpassed in its discharge by anyone. He
would tell them what perhaps they might not always
think of, and that was, that they were very much
indebted to their Quartermaster. They did not see
him mounted on a horse galloping about and drilling
them, but they knew that when they were at drill he
was hard at work looking after the commissariat and
their comforts. They knew that if a soldier were well
fed he could fight well, and he was sure it was the
same in that respeet with the volunteers. He had
very great pleasure in coupling with the toast the
name of Captain Mount Batten and Quartermaster
Ne,:vman... (Loud applause), . . . .

Capt. Mourr BATTEN said in returning thanks as
their adjutant he felt the greatest pleasure. He
thought it at all times an honour to belong to a body
of men who gave their services to their queen and
their country for nothing; but, after his inspection
that afternoon of such a company as the 3rd D.R.V.
one felt the honour doubly. (Meets). He must say
the way in which the mea bad turned out that after-
noon, and indeed always did, was an example to the
whole county. He was afraid he WAS getting rather
shoppy---(laughter)—but, to tell them the truth, he
always liked the 3rd Dorset. They were always well
dressed, they always turned out well, with clean
uniforms and bright arms, in a way that he was sure
would be greatly appreciated by that good officer who
was about to succeed Col. Nlansel. Their captain was
kind enough to say it had always been his (the
speaker's) endeavour to increase the efficiency of the
battalion. He must not admit that. He was not
going to say their efficiency could not be increased ;
but, he thought that under the circumstances, amid
which the volunteers were constituted, there was a
certain limit to which they could attain, and he mast
say that the Dorset battalion—considering the die.
advantage under which it laboured, that it was an
administrative battalion and unable to compete with a
consolidated battalion which could always get its
members together. had attained to that degree of
efficiency which left little to be wished for. He always
endeavoured to make himself acquainted with all rules
and regulations, and matters that concerned the
volunteer forces and in his humble way to put them
in the way of learning them, so that they might be
enabled to carry out those duties which belonged to
the movement. He regretted very much other officers
of the staff were not present, the Major, and Lieut.-
Colonel, but, if they had been, he was quite sure they
would have sympathised with him in 'wishing them
prosperity, and in wishing that there might be every
year such a large, handsome, and substantial addition
to the corps as there had been this year. (Loud
cheers).
Quartermaster NZWMAN, who was received with a
I storm of congratulatory cheers, expressed his obliga-
tions for the very kind reception given him. It was
to him a source of very great pleasure to receive an
invitation to dine with his old corps, and to join his
old comrades upon that occasion. The 3rd Dorset
was in a very prosperous condition, and the 2.1 smart
recruits who had joined were one of the best acquisi-
tions the corps had had for many years. (Cheers).
He had seen them drilled on many occmions, and he
was sure they tried their utmost to do their duties, and
that in them they would find the material to impart an
additionally favourable appearance. He would simply
assure them that in the discharge of his new duties as
Quartermaster no effort should be spared on his part
to please in every possible way he amid. (Applause.)
1 The Criamistr then gave them "The health" of
I Lieut. Williams, and his brother officers of the corps.
He had very great pleasure in seeing around him that
night, the whole of his brother officers and it was
rather an unusual event, because their goodfriend Lieut
Williams, on his right wad now living away from
them, and it was not at all times they could command
I his presence. His brother Sub-lient A. Williams, was
also present, and he took, it to be a happy and
fortuitous circumstance. He could hardly say any-
thing more before him about Lieut. Williams, but they
all knew his merits and qualities, and the seal and
energy which he dimple in behalf of the volunteer
movement, and his kin en of heart and that he left
to them to acknowledge, for they knew as much
about him as he did. TBut he would say • few words
about their new officer Sab-Lieut A. Williams.
Practically that was the first opportunity they had
had of meeting him on an occasion of the kind, but
they had met him at drill, anti they had heard his
voice in giving the words of command, and he thought
he promised very fairly indeed. (Hear, hear.)
With a little more confidence he was quite certain he
would make a first-rate officer. (Hear, hear, and
I applause). He believed and knew his intention to be
to throw himself thoroughly into the volunteer move-
ment, and to prove himself an efficient and good
officer, and a credit to the corps and the battalion. He
congratulated him very much on his appointment to
the corps, and welcomed him there with a great deal
of pleasure. He thought he ought to mention again
Assistant-Surgeon Emson, their good old friend whom
they had known for many years past. Happily his
services had not been very much needed by them, but
should ever they be, he was quite sure they could not
trust themselves to a better man. (Cheers.) To their
good chaplain he had already referred, and he would
not say another word about his qualities, but asked
them to drink all their very good healths. (applause).
Lieut. It. WILLIAMS thanked them most heartily
for the way in which they had drank his health; and
would content himself with responding for his abate of
the toast. Ile was not able to be among them as often
as he could wish, but there were very few things that
gave him as great, or at any rate more, pleasure than
visit the :3rd Dorset, and everything connected
with it. (Hear, hear.) There was a great change in
the room since last time they had met. One or two
faces were gone they would have liked to have seen'
and a good many new faces were there, whom they
were glad to see indeed. There was one passage in
Capt. Mount Batten's speech, to which he wished to
refer for a few minutes, and that was he was very
pleased to speak highly of their drill on the occaaions,
when he saw then, but he would remind them there
was a certain cup which Mrs. Mount Batten had
offered to the cell* the most efficient in drill, and Use

smarted in a Now, he would not desire they I
should have prise if they were not entitled to get
It and keep it, and he for one was not going to say they I
would not. (Cheers.) But they would require a great
deal of hard work to do it. It was a great matter of ,
congratulation to him to see so many recruits, but 0
these recruits had yet to learn to work together, and
when that was accomplished and they had worked
hard as a company, he thought there was not much
fear they would beat all those corps, who had had
longer practice than they had had. Still they could not
forget they would want very steady work, and large
musters from this time until they went into camp but
he was pleased to say from the muster of that night,
and the way in which everybody did his drilling-and
he knew they could drill-he was certain they would
work well together, and that it would be the fault of
the ground if they did not get the cup. (Hear, hear,
and laughter.)
Sub-Lieut. A. WILLIAMS, who was cordially greeted,
thanked his comrades deeply and heartily for the com-
pliment. It was a proud moment to him when he
joined the corps and took upon himself the position
which he now held. He had always looked upon the
volunteer movement as a very grand one, and had
always wished to belong to it in some such capacity as
the present. It was not the first time be had expe-
rienced that desire. He once thought, some seven or
eight years ego, about the time his brother joined, of
trying to join as a private- (cheers) --and he men-
tioned the subject to his brother, and the only reason
why he decided not to was simply because he thought
he might not be able to do his duty as a private.
Therefore, he need not say that it afforded him the
utmost satisfaction to belong to the corps. 11e joined
a cone at Cambridge when up there during the time
of the Franco-German war, for when one saw every
German becoming • soldier to defend themselves and
their country against the attacks of the French it
appeared to him to behove every Englishman,who was
an able-bodied MAD, also to become • soldier (loud
cheers)- and when he saw the opportunity of joining
the corps here.be jumped at it, and looked forward to
. enjoying his sods tion with it. Of course" defence
not defiance" was what they stuck upon their
banner, and therefore he presumed their chief work
would be to defend Dorchester should an enemy march
into England, and he was happy to tell them that he
was coming to live at Dorchester, and he hoped he
would be able to do his part in defending it against all
comers (cheers). Captain Hodges thought he wanted
a little more confidence. No man could fail to gain
confidence from such a reception as he had had, and
he would endeavour that it should animate him and
give him that confidence and incentive which he might
require -(applause).
Hon. Asia -Surgeon ENRON thanked his brother
officers and the members of the corps for the kind
reception they had given him. It gave him a great
deal of pleasure to see so many of his fellow townsmen
in the garb of soldiers. It was • guarantee of their
loyalty to the Queen and of love to their country -
(hear, hear). And he was quite sure whether in uni-
form or out of uniform they would be found to parade
on the side of law and goocl order should on any occa-
sion their services be needed-(cheers). He was very
glad to see the increase in the number of the corps,
and he thought it was due mainly to the exertion and
aptitude of Captain Hodges, and, he hoped the corps
would still go on to increase and that they would pre-
sent a Food and bold appearance at the next annual
gathering. He thought he might be permitted to say
for the Mayor of the Borough--(a laugh) -that he
would be very glad to give his annual prize for com-
petition when it was arranged to take place -(cheers)
-and be hoped that example would be followed by
future Mayors whether volunteers or not. He would
purposely abstain from making any remarks on the
civic office. He did not wish to connect it in any way
with the movement except as the donor of a prize, and
in that capacity, and in the capacity in which his
health was proposed, he would again thank them-
(applause).
Hon. Chaplain Evsacrr having been upon his legs
once before world not inflict upon them another speech
but would simply give them a sentiment, and it was
this, that the 3rd certainly must be a downright good
corps, and he most heartily hoped and trusted that it
would not cleterioate, may it never want recruits, may
its elegant shadow never grow less, and may they only
have many as happy and pleasant gatherings as they
had had during the last three years --(cheers).
Lieut. R. WILLIAMS said the pleasing duty devolved
upon him of proposing "The health of their kind
hod." (Much cheering.) He was sure they all
thanked hint heartily for his kind invitation, and his
generous hospitality; but in doing so and re-oarding
him as their host they could not forget that he was
also their very good captain, and that in that capacity
they must also drink his health that evening; and he
had very great pleasure in proposing it to them.
(Applause.) They all knew and they must all feel,
and he was sure no one more than Mr. Hodges
himself, what a captain they had lately lost from
among them. He had gone from them, and there was
a new cautain in his place, and they could appreciate
how difficult would be the task of any one newly
filling a place which had been so long and so worthily
occupied. They all knew the difficulties in Captain
Hodges' way when first the command of the corps
devolved upon hint; but he was sure there was not
one there that night who dil not admire the steady
way in which Captain Hodges had set himself to
discharge the duties of captain of the corps, a position
which he had attained after having been in the ranks
and gone right through the corps. He had undertaken
the post and carried it out with a thoroughness which,
perhaps, had compelled him to assume-and only to
assume that which was not pleasant to every body.
lie said only assuming, for he was quite sure of this,
and if they did not agree with him they ought to-
(hear, hear)--whatever misunderstandings there
might have been at first everyone must acknowledge
how Captain Hodges had from the first set himself
thoroughly to discharge the duties of his office and
had succeeded-(much cheering). And in proposing
his health, his very good health and happiness for
many years to come, and success and prosperity in all
the concerns of this life, he could not express towards
him a better wish than that he might have as many,
and if it pleased God, more years to be Captain over
that corps, as that excellent Captain than whom there
I was never a better in his way, and who had been
taken from them • and that he might live to enjoy
I not only the affecilons of the old hands, but also to
acquire and enjoy the affections of the recruits; and
might they all work together and keep up the 3rd
Dorset to that pitch of excellence which he was happy
to say was the position in which he found it -(great
cheering).
Captain Ilotxms, who WU welcomed with loud and
prolonged applause, feelingly expressed his thanks for
his enthusiastic reception. Lieuteaant Williams, he add,
had alluded to his assuming the poet of the captaincy
of the corps, and he might as well tell them at once,
that which he thought they well knew, that it was a
thing he did not aspire to. Ile would have been very
pleased, and perfectly satisfied if some gentleman,
could have been found in the town or neigh-
'
; bourhood, who would have undertaken those
arduous duties in his stead. (Lieutenant Williams;
I don't think we could have found him).
But, at the same time, when the Colonel said "you
must "he replied " I will do my best." 'That wee the
spirit in which he accepted the command, and the
spirit in which he hoped to carry it out. Lieutenant
William had mentioned that which was perfectly
true, that he had had some difficulties to contend
with. This was perfectly natural, and if he oould not
acquit himself of all personal feelings and selfish
motives he could assure them that he had earnestly
endeavoured from the first up to the present to do
that which was the best and most conducive to the
Interests of the corps-(loud cheers- -This, he hoped,
would always be his endeavour. When he came to
look back and reflected that 16 years had gone by
since he first put on the Volunteer uniform, it seemed
a long time; but still it had slipped by quickly and
pleasantly-(hear, hear), and he took to himself the
credit that no one who during that time had donned
that uniform had had at heart a more earnest desire for
the welfare of the corps and the maintenance of the
efficiency of the 3rd Dorset than he himself Aloud cheers).
He must tell them that his motto had been all through
life that one had better do what they had to do pro-
perly or leave it alone altogether. (Hear, hear). And
as long as he could devote his spare time to the vol-
unteer cause they might rely upon it that he was
perfectly at their service. He would not detain them
longer than just to say • few words with regard to the
corps. He certainly was very proud to be the com-
manding officer of such a corps. It VMS a great satis-
faction that nearly all the old hands who were alive
and resident had remained in the corps since ite com-
mencement- sad be further could not but
.be very
pleased to obtain such a capital addition to the ranks.
When he first undertook the command they were
dwindling down to almost the minimum, and the
present addition could not but be • very great incen-
tive to him to continue his efforts. He believed the
3rd D.R.V. was likely to flourish, and might it go on
prosperously. Captain Batten had alluded to their
reputation for steadiness and efficiency. He was very
glad to find the drills had been remarkably
well attended especially by the recruits. He had never
seen a batch of recruits so earnest in their work as the
present. That he thought augured well and showed
that they were desirous of proving themselves not
recruit' but old soldiers --(cheers). With regard to
the future he looked forward to the next camp with
great pleasure for it was always very enjoyable. He
liked the drill and he liked the shooting, but he thought
of the two, he liked the drill the best, and he hoped
they would put in such an appearance that if they
were not the first they would be very nearly the first
corps in the battalion. Lieut. William had reminded
them that Mrs. Mount Batten had offered a prize for
efficacy and 'smartness in turning out. He had ga
his eye on that. (Applause.) And he did not think
they could do better than go on drilling, and when
they went into camp they would show their brethren
in arms what they could do. (Hear, hear.) He
thought if they did not get the cup they would run
the winner very hard. (Hear, hear.) They might
be at some disadvantage from the number of their
recruits; but he thought that for steadiness of drill
they would prove themselves as efficient as some of
the old members. He thanked them all sincerely,
and trusted that the same unanimity would continue
to exist between them, himaelf, and his brother officers,
as at present prevailed. and that the 3rd Dorset
would never deteriorate. (Much applause.)
Captain Mover Barran, by permission of the
Chairman, spoke a few words as representing the
gallant Colonel who was in London. He was sure if
he were present he would back him up in all he was
going to say. Ile could not allow the evening to pass
without saying something about their worthy boat
and gallant captain. They bed already heard some-
thing about him as the captain of the °GrPg, he would
now say something about him as regarded the
battalion. He was, as they were aware, of great use
and help; not only as the captain of the 3rd curia, hut
altahitmmttaeelthhaf battalion
tottren aetigrtalargshOalaiWnligimetbwhledaesrell,inan:ldelihnee"Vthinhotarestu7tilkt
his
wfhw all
oroasa:
..Ea ablechieflyn.
h gl3
ol nur
tclhu roc li maintainc
efficiency
exertionskind
at
cealt!t hjoemnlfdt h:
et
the
netr wouldth battalion
lwe
y the
ftb:lbimc CrAincaptaiiiugueertzkokberheeen.duties) of Adjutant
them that they had an at the head of their
who was not only efficient in his own capacity ;
but a marked man in the battalion, and under those
circumstances be was bound to congratulate them.
(Cheers.)

PriWed and Pablishai at 8. Hishirtreet Wirit.DadisgW._
tho Panel el 1400 Multi, by eft. Vaungsugol w'
sziib 01 Fordington, Lkeviwister, for dr Propristst

ig' wily, Juno EA 1876.