The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1863-01-13 00:00:00

TRIAL OF PRISON ERR

The Court eat on Wednesday, for tLis trial of pri-
n.:lows, when Mr. Floyer presided in the first court in
the absence of Lord Portusan, who, we regret to state.
was unable to be present on enootint of ill-health. Mr.
Floyer, in charging the grand jury, expremed his regret,
in which be was sure the grand jury would liYmPuthilo•
at the cause of his Lordship's absence on that occasion.
He congratulated the grand jury that in the calendar
before them there were no nines of personal violence,
although be regretted that in the 'necropolis and in
many of the large towns in the kingdom this class of
offence had become extremely prevalent—so prevalent
as to direct an inquiry to be made into the present
system of wises discipline, especial of the larger prisons
to which criminais were sent fore long period of years.
The objects for punishing offenders were, the preven-
tion of crime as far ail possible by punishing the
offender, and thereby deter to the greatest extent, from
persisting in his course, and at the same time to deter
others by his example from committing crimes of a
similar maitre, and also the reformation of the criminal.
Then two ObjeCtO the plighitrat.• of this county had

always kept in view—first by inflicting on them severe.
hard, and irksome Labour, with • diet that should have
the effect, as far as possible, of impressing upon their
minds that they acre under penal discipline; and
secondly by using the IIIeADI through their excellent
chaplain, of providing for their religious instruction.
How far the letter means adopted had been suoteasful
ho would not tako upon himself to say. He then
referred to stone of the cases in the calendar, and dis-
missed the grand jury to their duties.
John Gibbs. 20, a seaman, was charged with burglary
at Steeple, and stealing a purse containing its. Sjd., a
pudding, and an apron, the property of Hannah looks,
on the 'Atli October. Prisoner pleaded guilty and was
sentenced to nix mouths hard lnlrivr, his having already
been sense time in prison being taken inte Consideration.
Henry Martin, on bail, was charged with embezzling
£1 Us., the property of his master, John Haut, on 14th
October. Mr. W. Rooks appeared for the prosecution,
Mr. Collins for the prisouor. who it appeared was
employed by his master, a miller, to deliver dour and
other articles to customers, receiving money for them.
On the day in question he accounted for certain amount.
but nnjitted to return the receipt of I:11 rom •
Mrs. Harriett Hatcher, the subject matter of the pre•
rent charge. —The counsel for the dcfenca argued upon
the probability of a iniatake in making the entry of
psyments by Christian Hunt, a daughter of the prosecu-
tor, there having been upwards of 20 °little. once
March, and one payment on the fhb of October. Utility.
Sentenced to four months' bard labour.
Thomas Coo, 45, labourer, was charged with stealing
501 b. of hay, belonging to the Fowl of /Icheater, on the
11th of Ilieeember.-111r. Rankin conducted the prowen-
tion.—Ouilty of receiving the bay, knowing is to
have been stolen. Having been preciously convicted
of felony, he was sentenced to 4 months' imprisonment
with bard Lb tor.

THE CANVASS Ro AT BIIDTORT.-11r. W.
Ffooks made Armin:salmi to the Chairnian that the
prisoner, James Wbetham, might be allowed to go
before the Grand Jury to give evidence, so as to
ferther the ends of justice. The Chairman granted the
application, and instructed the Governor of the Gaol
accordingly. True bills were afterwards returned
ng•inst James Whetham for robbing his employer.
Messrs Stephens and Co., at Bridport, and against
Job Crabb for feloniously receiving portions of the pro-
perty.-Mr. Collins at • subsequent peiriodfot the day,said
be appeared in the case of Job Crabb, against whom
eeveral indictments had just been returned, and be was
instructed by Mr. Chitty, of Shaftesbury, to apply to
qiis court to transmit this case for trial at the Assizes.
The learned counsel then stated that Mr. Chitty had on
Friday, applied to Mr. Justice Whitemin In Chambers
for • writ of certiorari te remove the case, and it wee
& to adjourned Saturday, when the question Iv.
before Mr. Justice Mellor and Mr. Baron Martin. They
had endorsed the summons—" No order, but suggest to
the sessions to remand the case and prisoner to the
amities for' Dorchesber, and if they think fit to do so, to
admit the prisoner to bail on sufficient recognisances."-
The Chairman said the ciurt felt they were precluded
by the indorsement on the I4IID MOlll (ruin proceeding
with the cue at theme sessions. therefore the prisoners
would be remanded till the next gaol delivery. They,
however, refused to admit to bail, as they saw no reason
to alter the amingement of the conirmitting justices,
who were most competent to judge of that questioh.—
Mr. Collins said they should renew the application to
the Judges in Chambers.—The Chairman said mot
reason for refusing hail was the previous conviction.
Thomas Garrett, 15. labourer, wan indicted with
breaking and entering the dwellingdioine of Alfred
Hoddinott, and stealing therein part of • fish, his
property, at Shoehorns, on Christinas.day.—The jury
acquitted the prisoner.
Thomas Howe, on ball, was charged with em
bending • quantity of butter, the property of his muter,
William Goodard, on the 214 August, and at divers
other dist. And times, at Gillingham. The prisoner
*as employed to purchase butter for the proiecutor, •
provision dealer at Portsmouth, and on two ot three
occasions he had set down is his account, on adding
up, a larger number of pounds weight than was sent.
On one occasion he bad added up the items against
himself. The defence was, that it was • mivtake, and
several seitareves being called an to character, the jury
acquitted
Margaret Bennett, 21, was charged with having
obtained from Mall Stoodley, the sum of ha 6d., by
false pretences, at Corte Castle, no the 27th December.
The prisoner callvd oil prosecutor's wife and represented
that she had • quantity of damaged soap for sale, from
Mr. Bennett'a, grocer, Wiusborne. Mrs. Stoodiy
believing the representation, bought 16 hare of the
soap for 6s. lid,, but on trying to use it, found it would
not answer, and gave it to the pollee. Sergeant Hitch
said there stae no Mr. Bennett, grocer at Wimborne,
and Mr. Thomas Bennett, grocer, liorchester, was
called, to give his opinion of the soap. Mr. Bennett
said he did not believe it was soap, but numerous
substances mixed up to resemble soap. Prisoner said
it was soap, wised up with salt ar.d water which etre
moulded up herself and sold for the support of hermit
and ehildren.—Robertgterinett, her husband. was also
charged with obtaining 4e. 6d. by false pretencesfrom
Mary Ann Blackburn, at Weymouth, oft the 15th
December. When sold to prosecutor's wife it wee sold
as damaged soap from Mr. Bennett's cellar at for'
cheater, the water pipes in the cellar having burst.
Both Mears. Thomas and Frederick Bennett were
called, and they denied that they bad ever sold the
larticle in question, or had any water pipes or damaged
soap in their «fiery, and Mary Ann Tigard was called
I who said that on the 111th December she saw prisoner
I mixing a quantity of stuff resembling this sorip at tho
Portland Arms, Weymouth, w:iere he then lodged. Both
prisoners were sentenced to 6 months' hard labour
Herbert Hodges, 21, gamekeeper, was charged with
stealing two fowls, the property of William Hicks, at
Thornumbe, on the 24th Docember.—Aoquitteel.
The business of the Sessions was brought to a close
about two o'clock on Thursday afternoon.

flrcoxo Cocat,—(fiefore T. D. Bayty, Doi.)
Samuel Palmer, 43. Edward Cooler, 2. aqd Henry
Selby, 4, all on bail, were charged with steeling 301bs.
of hay, the property of Mr. Dan Sturdy. of Trigon
neat Watch's''', on the BUs October. Selby wee found
guilty of steeling ILI a servant; and the other two pri-
eoners of feloniously recieiving. Selby and Palmer each
received 6 months' imprisonment with hard labour, and
Corer, the Bench believing he might have acted under
the daection pf Palmer, 1 month only.
Jonathan LoVelese, 42, labourer, woe charged with
burglary at Sherburne. arid stealing lb. of black
pudding, the property of Thomag every, on 31st
October. Prisoner pleaded guilty to the charge, and to
several previous convictions, and received as a punish-
ment for his offence, twelve months' bent labour.
. .

. —•
Francis Bownng, 29, labourer, win charged with
stealing • deed pheasant, the property of the Great
IVcsteni Reill4sy company, his wasters, on the 23rd
Deannber.—Aoquitted.
Matthew Gear, 37, labourer, its•
.tharged with
stealing twelve rabbit skins, value Is, the ifroperty
Atom Bowdidge, at Charinouth, on the 15th Decem-
be, —Acquitted.
Mary Ann Staple, 32, servant, was charged with
stealing jib tea and Ib sugar, the property of Richard
Gape, her master, at Symondsbury, on the 14th
Iteennber.—Another indictment charged her with
stealing • gold brooch, the pryperty of Soloman Thatcher
at Bridport. Sentenced to if months' hard labour.
.1•113011 Meech, journeyman baker, piesded guilty of
stealing 11 id.. the property of his master, /Min
Head, at Beaminster, on the 3rd January. Iwo months'
hard labour.

Ann Slocombe, 27, was charged with stealing one
purse, one sovereign, and two shillings from the person
of Jain. Mears, on the 29th December, at the Exhibi.
tion Hotel, Dorchester. The prisonerwas found guilty
of stealing the porpe only, and she was sentenced to
one month's bard labour.
Mary Ann Harbineon, alias Williams, of Bideford,
was charged with obtaining varlods articles by false
pretences from tradesmen at Dorchester and BlAndford.
There were several cases against her, but she wes
indicted on only three of them, to all of which she
pleaded guilty. Sentenced to 18 months' hard labour.
Emma (lough, 23, servant, was charged with stealing
d pair of leather boots, value 7a. the property of John
Stever's, of Lyme Regis, on the 18th October. The
prisoner had been previously convicted for burglary
in Devonshire. Sentenced to 19 months' hard labour.

WEYMOUTH.-011TAININO BOWLED PORTER
UNDER FALSE PRETEIICE:R-0n Saturday last
James Lewis, formerly a warden 4 Portland prison,
was charged before Captain Prowee with having ob-
tained a quantity of bottled porter from Mr.
Robert Baxter, ale and porter merchant, under
false pretences. The case had been remanded from
Thursday. It appeared that Mr. Baxter had
known the prisoner ten years, and that on Wednes-
day last the prisoner, accompanied by one of the
prison officers, went in uniform for a dozen of
bottled porter, three bottles of wine and three of
brandy. Mr. Baxter, not keeping the wine,
articles,
offered to send for it if prisoner advanced the
money. This, however, he declined doing, and
said he was not particular about having the brandy.
The rest of the order woe to be sent by Thresher,
the Portland carrier, to the Grove, Portland, to the
prisoner, though he had not dealt with him for
three years. The goods were accordingly gent as
directed, but some information Mr. Baxter received
Induced him to go next morning to the railway
station, where he found the prisoner with the
hamper directed to "Mr. Lewis, paiseager to
London." Mr. Baxter requested that the goods
might be given up or paid for, but prisoner de-
clined, and he was given into custody. In cross.
examination Mr. Baxter admitted that he had DOE
asked prisoner if he was still • warder, nor did pri-
soner represent himself as such, but be had his
warder's dress on, Prisoner called the chief warder
of the prison to prove that the uniform he wore
was his own property.—Captain Prowls end the
case was one of great suspicion, but as he believed
• jury would not convict under the circumstances,
he should discharge the prisoner. •
AN APPRENTICE'S INDENTURES CANCELLED.—
On Tuesday last, John Bartlett appeared before the
Magistrates, in answer to a summons obtained
against him by John Hannay, to show cause why
his indentures should not be cancelled. The case
had been adjourned from the previous week.—Mr.
Cornelius appeared for the defendant —lt appeared
that complainant had been apprenticed to the defen-
dant—under Mico's Charity—to learn the trade of •
carpenter, but he said hit master had told him many
times he would be d- —if he would teach him the
trade, if be was with him 40 years. He bad, for the
last few weeks, been employed in making " nickeys"
for lighting fires at the barracks, as his nastyr had
nothing else for him to do, but since be was last
before the Bench he had made • sash and cupboard-
door. His master, however, had set out the wort.,
which was the most difficult part of it, or he could
not have dome it, He considered that now, after
having been an apprentice five years, he ought to be
able to do the whole of the work himeelf. What he
had learned of the trade had been taught by his
brother, after having worked for his master. If his
indentures were cancelled he could go to Mr. Brown
for the remainder of hie time, and where be would
get an insight into the trade. Frequently, when he
was not Ea•kinil olobeyri." his meatier set him to
wheels-righting, which be was not apprenticed to.
In answer to the Bomb, he amid be bad frequently

complained to the trustees of Mioo's Charity, but the
reason he had not come to the court before was,
that his master had summoned him lap before the
Mid to walk to and fro and carry the tools,
and Ids muter went by steamer. On Christ.
over-time aotneronCe3sllllll:3n
Mil days and Gond Fridays his master kept
bock his pay. On ODIII occsalon he left his
ibtrot:tulee elite:l;7d, we.'hiwleothke
work writhed{ his master's leave to go and see
the Yeomanry. He called Jonathan Board, who
said he was formerly an apprentice to the defendant,
but hail left him 15 months ago because he would
not teach him his trade. He was working nut the
remainder of his time under Mr. Brown. He left
defendant from no misconduct of his own. He
was at tlefettlant's with complainant 15 or 16 months,
and be hail heard his master tell complainant he
would never teach him his tnsde, lie did pot
to
6114 said he was a journeyman carpenter and that he
ehr
the defence tWall'illiaamm7eterryr owagashcat
worked for defendant two years within two or three
weeks, lie himself served four
appren-
ticeship with Mr. Dodson and three with Mr.
Chalker. He considered that complainant who
forward with his trade as apprentices usually are.
and that he was DOW worth 14s Of 15. a week.
Indeed be was more forward than many apprentices
eamrsp
.oifiihiwist
.0 "
of five years would be. Had never heard complain-
ant complain that his master did not teach him his
trade. He considered that defendant taught him
as much as s master °eget to do. He always had
work to do, and worked at the trade in the usual !
Way. —Coraplai mot maid the sash and window 1
frame his master had produced in oinet were the
first he hod ever made. When he worked with the
last witness his part of the business wad to sew ths
wood and plane it up, and Ferry did all the light
work.—Tbe defendant had also taken out • summons
against his apprentice for misconduct, but the
magistrates considered that the master had not done
his duty towards defendant, and cancelled the
indentures accordlogly.
HOPS CONOREGATIONAL CHATIt.-011 Thursday
evening the first anniversary of the opening of the
Hope Congregational Chapel was celebrated by a tea,
and afterwards by a public meeting. There was a
goodly number who sat down to the social repast
in the schoolroom, and the Rev. Mr. Somerville,
of Bristol, presided over the after-proceedings. In
his opeelog eddrues be touched upon the principal
events of the past year—especially dwelling upon
the American war and the Lancashire distrem. The
operatives had borne their sufferings without •
murmur escaping their his, and the nation had
acted nobly in subscribing .C 1,200,000 for their re-
lief. The past year had also seen the nation dis-
charge its religious duties, in promoting the gospel
at home, and sending missionaries abroad. The
country was highly prosperous both in its tem-
poral and spiritual relations. It had also been • greet
year for the Nonconformists, and he was satisfied the
bicentenary meetings had been productive of great
good. They had not been held with any antago-
Indic feeling towards other religious bodies, but
with a desire to honour the,imble men who had done
so much for religious freedom. Among the Indepen-
dents £lOO,OOO had been raised by this movement
alone, and the Building Society had resolved to erect
300 new chapels throughout the country. He con-
gratulated the Hope congregation with being free
from debt, and expressed his thankfulness that he
had somewhat promoted that object. He
expressed hia regret that the principles of inde-
pendency were so little known, even among their
own membera, and thought that on such occasions
the opportunity should be embraced of explaining
and enforcing them. It was the duty of every man
to be able to gist an answer as to the principles be
professed. The principles of Independency were
{Airy simple—the one great point being, that to be
admitted a member of the church they most evi-
dence that the here of God existed in the heart.
The Bible alone should be their guidance for their
rule of conduct through life. And this should be
the rule for the guidance of the members of all
Christian Churches. He would not say that they
were perfect, not that they might not learn some
good things from the Episcopalians. They should
endeavour to bold fast only to that which was good.
If there was one thing more than Ai:other it was
Christian love and Christian union, and co-opera-
tion. They most bold together and show to the
world that the church was up to its duty in this re-
speet,and In g emend condition. In their churches they
were independent,bnt they worked in union with each
other to spread the gospel among their fellow-men.
In Scotland the Independents were thorough-going
arid he noticed how zealously the voluntary princi-
ple was carried out in that country, not only among
the Independents, bet an..ongst the members of the
Free Church of Scotland, In the Gloucester Con-
gregational Union to which be belonged, the
voluntary principle had extended itself, till now
they raised £1,5e0 anuually for the home work—in
assisting the poorer churches to maintain their
pastors. None had less than £100• year, and they
ought not to have less. So far as he had seen of the
Congregational Union in lawsetahire, be feared the
voluntary principle was not in so sound • condition,
and last summer, when he was visiting at Weymouth,
he was surprised on the announcement of the
weekly offering, at the smallness of the amount. He
urged them to more vigorous exertions in this
respect and concluded by wishing theme happy new
year. —Mr. Bolt, the treasurer, announced that the
whole cost of building the chapel was £1556, all of
which had best paid the last moiety that
everting. The meeting was subsequently ad-
by the Rev. I. flirt, Dr. Grip, the Rev. R.
S. Ashton, and the Rev. Mr. Perkins, of Upwey.
and the Rev. W. Lewis, the Minister of the Chapel.
During the evening several sacred pieces were sung,
Mr. Raiding presiding at the organ, among which
was • piss (air and duet—" Hail, smiling liberty")
composed expressly for the occasion; "The Heavens
are telling," from Handel's Creation; Mr. Parsons
giving the recitative; a beautiful German Chorale ;
and the Hallelujah Chortle from the " Messiah."
Mr. Pothecary, junr., performed, with much ability,
the organ accompanimenta to the choruses, and his
execution of Mendelasohn's" March in Altialia" was
justly admired. Altogether the proceeding* of the
evening were of a very pleasant character.
Mao. GM:EDT'S CHRISTMAS PARTY CONCLUDED...-.
Deer Meister Headbitter,-1 last wick geed yer a bout-
line o' suutthing, as I told my trends here as I bad in-
vited to my Christmas narty, end 1 DOW zit down to gee
yer the remaneder. I thine r left off about teller. em
'o thee shockun bad ways, and as how they 'min% got
but won good footway to walk on, and as how, in dark
nights, people went right into the girt big holes in the
pale/mots as was • deaden vull o' water. Well, says I
too 'em, yer thinks*. how yer ran make people blame
as how yer keeps yer roads in Batch • sleeken Sant
out o'conomy. But if yer don think so, yer be onconi•
mon mistaken. They mayerrt say much to you, but
'em baint blind, and that yelll vivid out sum 'o these
days. It be workun nicely. The old adidge be as 'ow a
stitch in time sides nine, and nothen be more trew than
this in regard to roads. Why there be many o' yer
streets as cold • bin put in tolerable repair if they'd
bin • dome at once, for a few Millen., but yer let it goo
on and goo on till they be so bad that twill now cost
wends. Ter &mint attend to the bizioess o' the town
as yer 'ad tend to yer own bigness. Thor's the clerk o'
the packets. When he was leelMed to be a toun n-
Oiler, he (void the people as was at the 'all, as how he
was vree and independent, and he wad duo for the
tone as he wad dos Tor uneelf. Is that so? Haven't
yer bed, some on yer, that yer giv'd one o' the the town
contraks to • man as ycr udn't hemploy yerselves. Bs
that does the town jaatia? Why heverybody knows,
ses I, as bow good roods be pretty cheaply
kept in good repair, but had 'one coot such •
ossemainou lot o' money to pat'em to rites. Some
o'yer roads be win than parish roads, an parliment
has been • matron they take heed to ther shoekon
ways by perm a highway beet. Ther baint hardly
nothink that yer dos, as I seem, that yer do rite, an
yer'll bile a party Mule o' vial some of these yer
days, if yer demi mind. look at Mesmer Hawkins'a
garden as was spilt. Ter Dever might to alowd the
water to a got man kill all the plants. Yer ought to
hay • sarvint as ud look to these yer things properly,
bet as the garden Was destroyed, yet- ought to • shoved
a proper feeleu an repaired the damrnidge as well as
yer could an sympathised wee the poor eosin. Ytr ad
a done that hif yer had a single particle o' the principle
in yer as doen to others as yer uul be done by. Ter
laff, do yer; I dosnt think its a htffeti matter. lint yer
try to throw all the Maim on the Kernel for not fillon
up the grown iii order to
his faults. Ter ado% a gone on in this way if poor
Hawkins had • bin • torrey, bat yer moms as how he
be a librel, and therfor yer wants to rues un, for yer
Minks as how he Mat got no money to goo to law we
yer. Well, if the Kernel has any regard for his tenant
he'll NOe'llD ritod, and I hear as that be his intentions.
He means to goo to law we yer, said if he do, yer may
depend lion it he'll make yer smart. It'll cost the town
then a purty penny, much more than it nil a done had
yer compromised the smatter at first. If yer had been
honest yer ought to a denied up a cans to submit to
counsel for is opinyon. For the sake o' the town yer
' ought to a done this instead o' goo'en on in yer
blunderen ways. If Counsel had bin o' opinyon as yet
wasn't liable, then the town "mild a justified yer in
resiaten, although twod still a Manned Sir Voyer for
is carelessness, or whose ever carelesmas twee. But
if Coonsel was agin yer, then yer ought to a left it to
harbitration to say what the damages should be, or else
to • offered • compensation. That Counsel ad • bin
agin yer I think ad • bin sartin from the followen
reason—that the dram as busted belonged to the town
ais not to the public, an twee yer duty to • kipt yer
own property in ropers. If yer twee • doubt bout yer
bein liable, I'll gee yer just oae case in pint. Yee
knows as there be • barrow town in this smutty as be
called Dorgester, doant, 'es? "Fos," said they party
nigh all together. Cause, sez I, yer dears sin, to know
match. Well the Town Contrail o' Dorchester made a
slight alteration in one o' User drains, and twodn't carry
off all the water duren • heavy thunder storm, al-
though twod do for all ordinary purpose. Well the
blbuidwsteredo,bzu.tpeitnfasortienewhialey, and quits
cooseauence was, {feaster Seiko, the wine merchant's
puler and kitchen, bein below the drane, was flooded,
and Messier Bollen mat for danmidges. The Coanail
mod by •
lafiW'owyu7dPre'smifdledtrerhe eumd, and procieedins was a goons on.
when the Council begun to epee their eyes an look about
etn. Then they got counsel's 'Mayen, and then they
went to %Luster Holten and outside it op we 'int. That
shows yer a bit what yoo may expect ; but I shan't talk
no more to yer tonight, for tis DO use talkie to peopi•
as a got no sense nor cant Nee nothink makes tee in
Norm o' thee own party. So good nits to yer, sea T,
an rand the bell to tell my (Minim to show 'eul to the
door. Your umbel owlet, Mrs. GIIUSDT.
PORTLAND. —A Christmas tree was exhibited on
New Years Day in the Wesleyan School Room,Foitunes
Wells, and though it WM only proposed • short timit

ago, yet all concerned proved themselves to be members
of the " Try" ooruplutv, for a great number of useful
and fancy articles were got ready by the time fixed.
The day was very boistemus, min cense down without
ceasing, bait nothing could damp time seal of the ladies,
and that seal was rewarded by • arst.rate att.mdance.
Everything was sold. and • very *meat afternoon and
evening were spent by all. The Wesleyaa Brass Band
was in attendance, and tea wax provided at 4 sod 6
o'clock for all who wished to partake of it, the proceeds
of Illiristniss tree and tea, amounted to EV, !which will
(after • few trifling exptmws are paid,) be equal,
divided between the Wesleyan 1/sy and Sabbath SehooL
The l'onmittee and teachers of those schools will do
well in making this An annual affair, thus combining
pr,fit with pleasure.
Tale BIITTANIA.-30 shipwrights have arrived bee.
from Portemouth dockyard to repair 11.11.3. Britten*,
proviog what we have helms advanced that she will
not be removed from Portland even for repairs, but
that 1./1 that i: necessary will be done here.
STU R 511:1STEIL —The New Year was ushered
in at this place by the merry ringing of the church
bells, which, for many years past, have been silent
on such occasions. We trust that this practice may
be kept op on future New Years' mornings.
FESTIVI G•TIICKING.—A large and respectable
party of gentlemen in this neighbourhood, patro-
nized the annual sapper at the Crown Hotel, on New
Year's Eve. and expressed themselves as highly
satisfied with the catering of the worthy boat—Mr-
Raesiter.

, ---
1 TOLYUDDLE.—On Thursday last the neer
' Wesleyan Methodist Chapel at this place was opened
for Divine Service. Three sermons were preached
by the Rev. Mr. Richards dining the day, and a
i collection of Lb Its was made after the servicea A
, banisr and tea was also held for the same object,
' when a great number of people were present, not-
withstanding that the weather was very unpro-
• pitious. Altogether, however, a very pleasant day
was spent.
HIGHER LYTCH ETT. —TEA Mem:fn.—On
Wednesday the anniverssry tea in connection with
the Temperance Seciety took place in the Wesleyan
Chapel, which was tastefully decorated for the
occasion. A goodly number sat down and partook of
the cheering cup. The tables being cleared a public
meeting was held, the chapel being well died with
attentive listeners. Mr. Ansty, of Organford, pre-
sided, and opened the meeting in an able manner,
after which appropriate and instructive addressee
were delivered by Messrs. Toenrow, Vaughan,
Abutter, and others At the close of the meeting
thirty-eight enrolled themselves under the banner
of total abstinence. We are happy to know that
the good canoe is flourishing in this village.
SWANAGE.—The annual Congregational tea
meeting was held in the public school-room adjoin-
ing the chapel on Thursday, (New Year's Day.)
The tea was provided by numerous friends of the
cause, and the specious room was quite full. After
the visitors partook of "the cup that cheers," the
Rev. T. Simons, of Cork Castle, gave a highly in-
teresting and instructive lecture upon "China and
the Chinese," illustrating their manners and customs
corset ! with point and exactness, and closed with an
• to the audience to aid in the great work of
, t evangelization of China. The Rev. T. Seavill
presided. Several hymns were sung, and the meet-
ing separated, highly gratified with the evening's
entertainment . . . .. . . .

POOLE—We are given to understand that a
, well.known sporting gentleman of the neigh-
bourhood, is strenuously exerting himself to de-
prive the inhabitants of the town and county of
Poole, and the public generally, of a privilege which,
their ancestorahave enjoyed from time immemorial,.
namely, the shooting of wild fowl on the sand banks,
which is a narrow strip of land dividing the sea from.
Poole harbour, over which numerous flocks of wild,
fowl pass and repass during the winter season, thins
affording • source of amusement to the respectable
inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood, and
means of subsistence to the poorer classes when the
state of the weather is such as to prevent them from.
following their ordinary occupation. We would
advise the lord of the manor of Canford to pause
before be sanctions such a proceeding, as it.
would cause much dissatisfaction to exist anionsid
the inhabitants of the town; and doubtless tend to
the defeat of any candidate which he might on any
future electioneering occasion bring forward to fe-
rment the borough of Poole in Parliament; and
what is still more, we should in all probability
witness • procession headed by infuriated fisherniso,
the principal feature of which would be defunct wild
fowl dangling in the air, and • quacking chorus
performed by the mobility.
Great expectations are entertained in Poole at
the present time, that the long-promised steamer
to ply between this port and Cherbourg on the
French coast, may be expected to run shortly.
The above project has been mooted for a very long-
time, and as it is one that will materially benefit-
the trade of the tows, we cannot but wish ita•
spirited conductors every succor.

J CH RC'M SUNDAY SCHOOLS. —We.
are happy to announce that the inaugural tea and
festivities at the opening of the above schools were
a complete success, and left nothing more to be
but greater accommodation for the unmet,
oua persons who were unable to gain admission. It
is promised that another tea will soon take place,
when we hope the disappointed ones will be earlier
in the field for the procuration of tickets. The
tea alone produced a sum of £2O, which will be
appropriated towards the general building fund.
and altogether there was never such a successful
"get up" is the way of teas in Poole.
WI NI BOHN E.—NATION •L SCHOOL DRUM AND
Firs BA ND. —The children of the National School
drum and fife band gave an entertainment in the
National Schoolroom on Friday evening, consisting
of vocal and instrumental music. The entertain-
ment was well attended with all the principal
people of the town and neighbourhood. The object
was for the purpose of raising sufficient funds to
meet the necessary expenses of the coming year, aa
no grant can be made from the funds of the school
towards the support of the band. The above, and
occasional presents from kind friends, are the only
means by which it can he maintained.

LONGFLEET.—The annual pigeon match came
off on New Year's Day, in a field kindly lent forth.
°erasion try Mr. G. Stone. The meta was under
the superintendence of Mr. C. Collins, the energetic
landlord ot the Portraahon Castle, and, as usual,
off in a mTh
snout spirited manner. e gun,
from sonie unaccountable reason, was not shot for,
but the sweepstakes was admirably contested foroind
Barber's eigliteenpenny blue rocks were brought
down in first-rate style. We are, however, sorry to
learn the Landlord, through over generosity, and
being a young hand at the sport, did mot get re-
munerated according to his deserts. Let him for
the future remember " number one" to be the Bret
law of nature, and not be advised by too many
friends.

CATHERSTONE.--Sr. MAitv's CHORCIL
decorations for Chnstmas at this church deserve
notion. On the altar are two vases filled with ever.
greens, the metal crossover the altar is banded with
berries, and on either side of the East window are
stars of evergreens. In front of the pulpit is across,
composed of yew and berries, with wreaths on either
side, and around the top against the walls of the
nave, are hung emblem aof the Trinity. On the.
font is a cross of yew and holly, and around the
string courses of the chancel, while underneath each
window are bands of evergreens.
CHARMOUTH.—Teithissmucs' Bm.L.—OnWed-
nesday evening, the 31st ult., a ball took place at
the George Inn. The company was large and re-
spectable, and consisted of 110010 of the leading
tradespeople, farmers, to., of Charmouth, Lyme
Its, and neighbouring places. Dancing proceeded
with much spirit all the evening, from eight o'clock
until the approach of daylight, when the party
broke up. All the arrangements gave general satis-
faction, and reflected great credit on Mr. and Mrs.
Love, which were admirably got op, and were oldie
beet kind, pleasing the most bAidions epicure.