The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1882-07-25 00:00:00

The Dorset Volunteers at the Poole
Camp.

It le now four years ago, almost to • day, since the
Dorset Battalion of patriots—our Volunteers—called
Into existence by the sneer of the Third Napoleon that
England was nothing but a nation of shop-keepers,
pitched their camp upon almost the identical spot
where now the white canvas flutters. The hearty
welcome then given to the invading but friendly forces
has not been forgotten either by the men themselves
or the citisens of this ancient town and county. Toe
inhabitants of Poole did their utmost on that occasion
to give them a kindly reception. This was fully
appreciated by the volunteers, and we may look for-
ward to the present week of seeing a re-kindling of
those cordial feelings which were evoked on the last
occasion.

Of course, during those four years the battalion has
undergone considerable changes, well-known fame are
no limiter to be seen, good men sod true have "dropped
from the ranks," and joined the majority. It would
serve no good purpose to recall their names—nearly
every corps has had some such painful experience. Let
us look at them as they stand at the present moment.
No one can gainsay the fact that take them for sill in
all the Dorset Battalion, to goats a challenge recently
thrown out by the bon, member for Poole in his own
behalf, can " hold their own against all comers." The
men seem of younger material, but it is evident the
stamina is as good as ever. The (inner, are, it is
plain to the on-lookers, well up in their drill, and the
tout cisicatbla shows the reveres of any deterioration in
the force.

The Mayor had lamed a request to the householder•
in the stream through which the Volunteers were to
pass to deo.wate their resideuces with flogs, etc. This
invitation has been cordially reaponded to, and the
High-street presents a very gay app....ramie.
Four triumphal ankh= have been crested in the kligh-
street. They are the work of Mr. kLabgood, builder.
Perhaps, laad thejob been distributed more freely among
the local builders we should Out have beardquite so many
miumuriogs as have reached WU ears. There would
have been a friendly rivalry, which might not have
been without its effect. But M the name time, now
that everything is in aliiii.ahaps order, no one can dis-
pute that the work has been well and f=ly carried out.
The evergremui were kinily supplied by Lord
Wunborne, and, as for am tbst went, it was simply
case of an ranbarrat d richase„ The glorious shrub
-
berms of Cautord must have suffered severely.

The chief arch is erected just at the juncture of the
High-street with Longtlest. Lila • massive structure,
and on the one side kind wishes are expreeeed for
" prosperity Loth' Dorset Battalion," and oil the other
"Success to our Auxiliary Forces." This arch is • very '
good piece of work. A short way below there is a
betUement.d arch, upon which are the patriotic
tualoos 'Our hearths and homes, Englaoide motto,"
and " Defence not defiance." A third arch near the
London Hotel states the unmistakeable fact that our
Volunteers are " United to defend ;" and upon •
fourth arch, just opposite the Antelope Hotel, they
receive a hearty welcome to the town and county of
Poole, with the best wishes for 'the health and
happineso of our defendera."
The Worthy Mayor (it. Aldridge, Esq.), has acted
as Chairman of the Ittc.mtion Committee; Mr.
Farmer has been the treasurer; and llr. J. W.
Buckley and Mr. Broster-liill have discharged the
somewhat ungrateful duties of hon. secs.
The record of the private decorations we must leave
over till our edition of Friday as, even at the hour at
Which wc are writing, they are by no means com-
plete.