The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1878-06-18 00:00:00

FRIE7NI,Y

The annivmsary of this Society was celebrated on
Friday last, and Beaminster vied with other towns of
its size in putting on a holiday appearance. There
were flags all over the village, here and there a motto,
and evergreen in abundance. At 11 o'clock is the
te„reiee the members eeeembled In Fore-place, w ere
the roll was called. The preliminaries being over, the
band of the 3 ed D. R. V. , under Bandmaster Wellspring,
assorted them round the village, and then to church.
The service here was short choral, the sermon being
preached by the Rev H. G. Wood, curate, who took
for his text the words to be found in the 11th verse of
the xvi Psalm. After divine service, the procession
was reformed and proceeded to the residence of Mr.
Peter Cox, and ad an staunch supporter of the
Society, where the band played for some minutes.
Afterwards I. members wended their way back to
Fore-plaoe, and then to the dinner field, which was
kindly placed at their disposal by Mr. It. Bugler, A
capital repast was priori led under a large teat by
Host Newman., of the Red Lion Inn, and the chairman
was Mr. J L. Kitson, solicitor, who was supported by
Mr. Peter Cox, The Rev. H. G. Wood ; Mr. Abraham
Meech (bon. secretary), Mr. S. Cox, Mr. John Hine,
Mr. Sward lee, Mr. Toleman, &c. After the cloth had
been removetl,
The Cu Unifier proposed the usual loyal toasts, and
in referring to the Prince of Wales said he was airaid
His Royal Hichnem woo ,I not for some years come
nearer to Beaminter than he had recently, but they
would all much like to see him there, ani he c mid
predict f whim • hearty reception. (Cheers.) If he
would only consent, said the chairman jokingly, to
come down and tutu the first sod of a railway from
here to Crewkerne (a project which had been talked of
for many years), they would all feel grateful to him.
(Laughter and cheers
The Citantittat next gave " The Army, Navy, and
Reserve Forces," coupling with the toast the name of
Sergeant Hine. (Cheers-)
Sergeant Hum, for the Volunteers, said their value
had recently been proved in the matter of the riot in
Lancashire; and passing on to speak of the necessity
of obedience to drill and good discipline, both of which
were learnt in the ranks, said every young man ought
to join for a few years in order to attain these
qoalificatimia He was glad to he able to tell them
that the little squadron at Beaminster was stronger
than ever. Fortrfive men good and true were at
present enrolled, and he hoped to be able to take
between 30 and 40 .4 these to camp at Poole shortly.
Sergeant Mum( also replied
The CHAIIMAS proposed "The Bishop and Clergy
of the Diocese," and, regretting that the Rev. Canon
°odd was absent to-day, coupled the name of the Rev.
Mr. Wood with the toast.
The Rev. H. G. Woon, in thanking them, said he
was not present at the late Synod, but he could quite
understand what the chairman had said in reference to
the Bishop's managing to unite them all in the spirit
of love. He ha 4 known his lordship for many years
personally. and his experience of him was that be was
kind and gentle, celebrated for the way in which be
unites those who work under him, and possessed ot •
rift of organisation which was truly wonderful.
(Cheers.) In oonclodon the rev, gentleman said this
was the first meeting of the kind he had attended, and
he hoped it would not be the Wt.
Mr. K °novas proposed the "Success of the
Beaminster Friendly Society," and in doing so took
occasion to urge that the society should confer old age
pay. He was glad to know that special benefits were
provided in case of • member's illness, but he hoped
before long to lee that provision would be made by
them for members' old age- (Hear, hear.) The name
of Mr. Meech, the secretary, wait coupled with the
toast. (Cheers.)
Mr. MEECH responded. He said the society had
been in existence a great number of years. and its
fortunes, like those of other institutions, had fluctuated.
At present they had enrolled about 142 members,
having lost seven during that year, and one member •
wife had died. In sick pay they had spent during the
year 1.12 Is. 81., and had pall to relatives of deceased
members £4-1, making • total of 4.186 Is. 81. for the
year. The society had • sum of about L'67o in hand
now, which was Invested in the names of the trustees.
In conclusion the secretary hoped the society would
prosper, and anv service he could render towards pro-
moting their interest he would readily render.
Me. SerarRIDGI proposed "The healths of .the
Trustees and Managing Committee," the names of
Lieut.-Colonel Cox, Mr. .1. Furmedge, Mr. F. W.
Gundry, Mr. Peter Cox, Messrs. W. Andreas, J. Cox,
H. J. Sherring, R. Swatrldge, jun., T. Oliver, and
Beament, being mentioned.

Mr. Perk Cox and Nis. ANDRIDIM
Mr. Hiss proposed "The Treasurer, Mr. William
James Daniell, the arbitrators, who were xenerally
present but whose services were
Kedlle. Mears N. M. Loaxin. James Ihwlins.
W. M. W. TOT. and E Slade; and the auditors and
stewards.—Mr Kitson responded to the toast, es also
to that of the chairman. . . .

The member. afterwards rejoined their wives and
.nnpanin in the field, where. ntimer..u. gonso• were
provided till the shales of evening drew on.