The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1860-01-10 00:00:00

Somturtsbirt.

ESTABLISHMENT OF A RIFLE CORPS FOR
WINCANTON, CASTLE CARY, AND
BRUTON.

An influential meeting of the inhabitants of the three
towns above mentioned sad their neighbourhood was
held on Thursday week, at the Townhall, Wincanton,
for the purpcee of eetablithing a Rifle Corps. Prelimi-
nary meetings bad been previously held at the respective
towns, with a highly satisfactory result, and members of
the committee appointed at Bruton and Castle Cary at-
tended to asiiist in carrying out the arrangement'. Ths
movement seems to have been taken up with much
spirit, and both from the satisfactory appearance of the
subscription bet, and the earnestness in the owns

evinced by many of the influential rosidents, there son
be but little doubt of a successful issue. Sir H. .1
Hoare, Hart., occupied Vie chair.

. .
The (Amman, in opening the prooeolinp. sail that
the neceimity it the tat.Ablishtuent of Hide Corps had
been reCtlglll4.l.ll throughout ihe country, awl no 11011111
all presem were fully alive to the importance of aiding
aud assisting to inzreitee the national A1111..11e11.. lie
(Sir Henry) rirticularly ilepreeateil the notion that tile
Volunteer Ititles were intended for Itriis shot at any
particular nat or sovereign. (Hear, hear.) Still lie
thought that the ride movement might to he supported,
and he hulled the people of that neighbourhood would
not be behsiuudluand In promoting it. (Me point he would
impress' upon them, that budiesid this de,criptien should
be entirely and thoroughly self-suppirting. h eta very
right and Kuper that gentlinnen who bad it in their
power to contribute largely should give inure than
others; but lie thought that everyone ought to provide
his own equipment. Ile (Sir Henry) hoped that the
corps would be tilled up to a limidemne complement,
and everyone would be willing to pay for Ins dress.
There would be ninny other expeu.seA which would he
met out of the general fund, and which, no doubt,
would be amply provided for. That ileighininrhood wll/1
late in the field, but let them show that though last,
they would not be least in number, efficiency, or public
spirit. (Cheers.)

Mr. Hobhome then rose to move the first resolu-
tion. He adverted to the meetings which had
already been held at the respective towns, and observed
that the very satisfactory result of each meeting Ku-
l:tinted not only pecuniary success, but that a large nub.
her of members would join the corps. In regard to the
age of persons who were to be admitted members, it had
been remarked that sixteen was rather low. Perhaps it
was, and in all probability but few would present them-
selves so young as that. As to the maximum age, no
Inuit had been placed, —that would find its own level.
If a person of mature years thought himself competent
to go into exercise and learn drill, let him do it. He
(Mr. liobhouse) wished he was one of that number; and
the only regret he felt, in connection with this move-
tnent, was that lie should be unable, personally, to take
part in it. There woold be two classes of niembers—
effective and non-effeetive. 'rho nun-effective would em-
braes, all who were inhible from any cause to attend the
drill, and might include the other sex,—(hear, heir)—
as there would be no ilitlieulty in applying to them for
subscriptions. He thought also that every lierson in the
neiglihunrhood, who litei property to he Liken care of,
ought,—lie said it most strongly, ought—to aid the
funds of the corps. (.\ pplause.) %Vali regard to the
subscriptions of members, the minimum of Ifts., which
had been fixed upon, was the Maine sit that adopted in
other towns. it was thought, also, acting open the view
laid down by the Chairman, that the inembeni of the
corps ought to be such as would be able, at least, to
meet that annual expenditure. In addition to that,
there would be a liability to fines; but, of course, it
would be in the power of the individual members to
avoid them. (Applause.)
The Rev. H. 1). Wickham said, as • minister of re-
ligion, he advocated the rifle movement because it was
one not to promote war but to secure peace. (Applause.)
He trusted that no such aggresaive movement would
ever be made, and he was much disposed to think that
there hail been some extra degree of panic in reference
to this question. At the 141111 e time, it would not be
wise for such a great nation as this, in which there were
so many inducements for plunder, aud which rival na-
tions might wish to humiliate, to remain in the de- .
fenceless state, iii which we certainly are. When we
consider that at this moment there were rrobably not
more than 30,000 regular troops in England, while across
the Channel, in the small country of Belgium, there
was • regular army of nearly, or gnat, 100,00 U limn, the
most irredective mind must be convinced that our de-
fences are not such as they ought to be. It was desir-
able we should have the power of calling • large body
of men together; and he could conceive no way in
which such a power could be obtained so constitu-
tionally, so effectually, and at 110 little cost, as by pro-
moting the present movement. (Applause.) The rev.
gentleinan then seconded the resolution, which was car-
ried unanimously.
Captain Phelipa proposed the second resolution.
Mr. Dyne said he had grext pleasure in seconding the
motion. U/1•1111110Usi movement was necessary in the
neighbourhood, and lie hoped they would cordially unite
in forming a company that would be strong and effec-
tive. The people of Bruton would be happy to take
their position wherever they were placed. (Cheers.)
Mr. Bailward, in moving the next resolution, maid lie
did not wish to be an alarmist, and lie confessed he was
not alarmed; but where there was that high atid noble
and patriotic feeling which prompted IEIIII to leave their
ordinary pursuits for the service of their country, it was
obvious that they were prepared to do everything in
their power for its defence ; and he thought it highly
essential that so noble and honourable a feeling should
be well supported. (Loud cheers.)
Mr. Eastinent seconded the motion. He was extremely
glad to be present on au occasion when so iuuchi unan-
imity of feeling prevailed. Ile was pleased to hear that
the towns of Bruton and Castle Cloy would unite with
that of Wincasiton in forming a corps; and lie would
avail himself of the opportunity of stating that Messrs.
Stuckey's Banking Company most entirely *incurred in
the propriety of the movement, and whether the three
towns combined or not, the company would give the
saute auiount. The company would have pleasure in
contributing 1:30, sup aising the three towns should
unite (applause); or if they should act separately £lO
to each. Mr. Wood will also personally subscribe to
the funds. It was the express wish of the company
that, when the drills were held at a time that did not
interfere with bank hours, those of their clerks who
were aisle to do au should join the corps. (Applaus,.)
Mr. ttogers moved the next resolution. He observed
that he thought the establishment of Rifle Corps was
very important, not so much with a view to MI 'HUM..
diate foreign aggression, as to give the young Men of
the country a military training, and bring out those
hardy virtues and qualities which after all inust be tie
the great element in our national character if we wished
to keep our place among the nations of the world.
(Applause.) Ile sincerely hoped that no occasion would
arise for them to be called into active service, but still
there were some matters that looked rather awkward.
We had assurances of perfect friendship, and that the
alliance remained quite unimpaired, but we saw that
there were great aruiaments going on, and must not
blink our eyes to that fact. He hoped that no one
would join who merely expected to play at soldiers, or
be • fair-weather volunteer- that no one would put his
hand to the plough who would leave it in the furrow—
(hear, hear) ; but he hoped they would be determined
to carry it through, whatever emergencies might arise.
(Applause.)
Mr. Bruorton seconded the motion.

Mr. G. Messiter said if the seine spirit was manifested
as that which prevailed on the occasion of the threat-
ened invasion of the country in 1004, we should have a
body of riflemen that could not be surpansed by any
corps in the kingdom. The spirit which existed in for-
mer days extended to the fair sex. There were papers
sent around to the houses to have returns made of per-
sona able and willing to serve in the militia 111111 volun-
teer corps • arid it happened that one was rent to the
house of a lady who was the only occupant. She drew
up the return in this way:
"I've no male in my house,—
(Excepting
a mongo)—
To repel the bold Corsican foe;
But if times are so bad
That men can't be had,
I, a spinster, will willingly go."

(Roars of laughter.) if the Fame spirit should be shown
on this occasion, the object of the meeting would be fully
accomplished. (Cheers.)
Mr. J. R. White said, in regard to the town of Bru-
ton, the inhabitants had come forward with great ruadi-
nese, and and been unanimous irk their support of the
the Corp.. He hoped those of Wincanton and Castle
Cary would be the same. (Cheers.)
Mr. Hobhouse requested that Mr. Clark would set as
honorary secretary to the committee at Wineanton,
which he mod readily consented to do. It was also
stated that Mr. RIM would act as honorary secretary at
Castle Cary, and Mr. White at Bruton.
Mr. H. Mestiter said it was a great advantage in civil
as well as military matters to act under • skilful cap-
tain. Sir Henry Hoare had most kindly taken the chair,
and occupied it with great dignity and good humour.
He possessed in him • good store f the oil of gladness,
and had a happy facility of imparting it to others. In-
deed, it might be truly said that he was

Blessed with a temper who unclouded ray
May make to-morrow cheerful as to-day.
(Cheers.)
Mr. E. Y. Cooper seconded the vote of thanks.
The Chairman returned thanks in suitable terms, and
intimated that he should be happy to place • piece of
ground at Bruton at the disposal of the committee for
the drill and practice of members of the corps.

isorm.—Sariags Bank. —The annual general
meeting of the trustees and managers was held at
the office on Thursday week, mid the accounts
presented shewed a large increase of business dur•
ing the past year, there having been :10,0 new ac-
couuta opened, and the balance due to depositors
having increased from £50,114, its. 2d. to £54,516
15a. bd. This shows that these valuable institutions
are thoroughly appreciated by the thrifty and indus-
trious public, and is a convincing proof that the
saving habits of the people are considerably on the
increase.

SOUTH PKTHIRTON. -On Monday week, the
United Tradesmen's Friendly Society and its
fnends sat down to their annual Christmas supper
at the Wheat Sheaf Inn, in this town, served up
by their worthy hostess, M. Spmke, in iirst-rate
style. The chair was occupied by Mr. Dicks, of
Martock, who enlivened the whole meeting during
the evening. There was a profusion of patriotic
toasts, health', songs, and sentiments, and the
whole party broke up in good order with unanimous
expressions of the conviviality of the evening, and
dm enjoyment of each others' company.

Wiarr Sonsusirr Etscrios. —Mr. Toiler Nicho-
letts, the election auditor for West Somerset, has
just published his abstract of the expenses of Mr.
C. A. Moody and Sir A. A. Hood, at the uncon-
tested election for West Somerset last year. Mr.
Moody obtained his seat for the uncommonly low
charge of £57 16s. 114., of which nearly half went
to tbe under•sheritf for fees and expenses, about £2O
for advertising and printing, £lO to the auditor, and
£5 Ss. to Mr. Richard Smith, for agency. Sir
A. A. Hood's expenses came to 1:374 Is, Id., out
of which Mr. Henry Trenchant got the lion's share,
viz., .£72 Ma. Sd., the undersheriff, £3l Ils. 9d„,
two reporters, 2 guineas each (query, what on earth
for?) About £7B were spent in printing and adver-
tising. The auditor's fee was £l3 25., messengers,
&c., run away with £27, and the rest goes to pro.
fissional agents, of whom Mr. A. Payne received
£l3 10s., Messrs. Pause and Boucher. £lO Pis.,
Mr. James Parsons, £8 bs., Mr. Richard Smith,
.C 6 155., Mr. James Warder, £6 10s., Mr. James
Trevor, .£6 75., Messrs. John Hussey, R. B. Peran,
Huddock, and Auder, each 6 guineas, Mr. H. Paull,
96 2s. 6d., Messrs. Moore and Sons, £6, Mr.
John Slade. .f 5 1.141. Mr. Warren, £5 10s., Mr.
B. Allen, £5 Ss. 6d., Messrs. Bandon and Sweet,
Leach and Son, Newman sad Lyon, Arthur Bur.
ridge, Henry Manning, F. New, Chard, James
Trevor, sad 11 M. Watts, 6 guineas each.

CHAIM—Town !tall, Jan. 3rd.—Present: W.
Salter, Esq., Mayor, in the chair, Messrs. Denning
and Spicer, Aldermen, Nlessrs. Dounnett, Bold, J.
England. Vincent, and Mitchell, Councillors. Or-
' (tenet that Messrs. Budd, hughes, J. TOMS, G. Eng-
land, Gifford. Mideltoas, Cowan, and W. J. Tunis,
be lined 2s. 61. each for nun-attendance at this meet-
ing in due time. it was moved by Mr. Spicer,
seconded by Mr. Dommett, and resolved that the
22nd and Zird Vic., cap. SO, entitled; " An Act for
Regulating Measures used in Sales of Gas," be adopted
within the borough ; and that notices of such adop-
tion be given in the manner prescribed by the 4th
section of the said Act; and that it be referred to
the lighting committee to consider and report to the
next meeting of the council what number of copies of
models of gasholders, with proper balance, indices,
and apparatus, for testing the measurement and re-
gistration of meters, will be requisite for the use of
the borough, and the cost thereof; and at what place
they would recommend the same to be deposited;
also to recommend to the council some efficient per-
son as an inspector, and to consider what remunera-
tion he should have for the discharge of the duties
required of him by the said Act.--The sewer opposite
Mr. Bruorton's house having recently fallen in, it
was wowed by Mr. Spicer, seconded by Mr. Detuniitt,
and resolved, that it be left to the water committee
to inspect the same and give the necessary orders to
Mr. Robert Brown for its repair, and also to examine
the state of the sewer crossing the road opposite
Mountsten's, and report thereon to the council at
their next meeting.