The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1863-12-22 00:00:00

MS ANNUAL DINNER

took place at the Crown HoteL The large banquet-
room was very tastefully adorned with wreaths of
flowers and evergreees, and presented a very chaste and
cheerful appearance. The company began to assemble
shout three o'clock, end soon after the chairman,
Willett Adye, E-1., took his seat, supported on his
right by the Hon. W. H.B. Portman, M.P., Colonel
Maisel, Major Farqubereon, and F. T. Johns, Req.; and
on his left by H. Ker &pair, Esq.' M.P., Rev. IL Far-
quharson, and E. A.li. °sideman, Fag. The sioe-ohair
was taken by )Mr. H. Fookes, and there were also
present the following leading agriculturists and gentle-
men of the county': Messrs. R. Fowler, & Rawlings,
H. Symonds, 0. Keyee.e, H. Bart, J. H. Mitchell, B.
Fowler, Higgins. G. ILsrding,
_E. A. Smith, G. Hill,
William Fookes, J. Ford, j. Keynes, M. Small, J.
Ainsworth, J. Roper, 8. Pond, J. B. Roe, H. G.
Godwin, J. Rogers H. IL Thurston, 8. °Akio", Am!
he. We need sear:mly say that everything vrovided
was of the very best, and reflected great credit on the
ceiling of this deservedly popular hotel. The sillies
also were of first-class quality. Mr. Eyers' celebrated
quadrille band was in attendance, and discoursed some
excellent music between the various speeches. Ample
justice having been 4one to the good chin t provided,
and the cloth removed,
The CHAIRMAN MOO and said, that in eonformity with
the usual custom which prevailed et all meetings of
Englishmen, especially those of a convivial character, he
bad first to propose to them the health of Her Most
Gracious Majesty the Queen. Every Englishmen con-
sidered, and had good cause for considering, that his
own country stood A. 1 among the nations, and he
believed that very few would be found who would not
give It as their opinion that the present reign was one
of the brightest that had been known in the annals of
English history. The flacon was as perfect a sovereign
is could be conceived, and she had had the advantage
of being connected with one, who though not so well
understood at first, was afterwards recognised as one of
the moat noble men of his day. Last year, at their
anniversary meeting, his death was the melancholy
topic dwelt on, and since then every testimony
had been given to his nobleness of character. As
Englishmen we bad caste for gratitude. This country,
under the Queen and by the *deice of her oounsellers,
was governed in a moat excellent manner, and the
marriageri which have been contracted seemed to give
every promise of happiness. After a few remarks on
the present peaceful state of the country, and contrast-
ing it with other nations, the Chairman concluded by
willing upon the company to join heartily in drinking
the toast. (Drank with loud cheers.)
"National Anthem" by the baud.
In giving "the health of the Prince and Princess of
Wales and thereat of the Royal,fausily," the CHAIRMAN
remarked that the Prince of Wales bad commenced his
career with every promise of endearing himself to the
nation, and especially to the oottutry gentry. It was
his good fortune to be married early In life to one every
way fitted for the illustrious position she was called to
fill His Royal Highness wee passionately fond of the
sports of the field, and was an excellent horseman, and
by thus identifying himself with the people of this
country In their sports had fairly won their esteem. He
therefore proposed the toast in the usual way, but
hoped they would receive it with more than ordinary
enthusiasm. (Drank with three times three.)
Band: "God bless the Prince of Wales."
__. .

TheMunn then Raid : We have now very eatia. 1
factorily dispatched the affairs of the State, but there
is one constitution closely allied with it, arid which, he I
would fain hope, would always be joined with it, and I
that was the Union of Church and State. (Hear, hear.) I
He then referred to the loss sustained by the parish of
Blandford, through the lamented death of the Rev.
W. Bade, to whose kind and Christian ohararter be '
paid. just tribute of respect. He was glad to hear that
his place was abut to be lilted by • gentleman of whom
report spoke 50 highly. The tosst he had to
propose a.. he "health of the Bishop and Clergy of
the Diocese." lie knew of no one who move con-
scientiously discharged his duties than the Bishop of
Salisbury; and the manner in which the clergy identified
themselves with the people of their charge, and the
sympathy and anxiety they showed for the poor,
demanded that on such occasions MI that on which they
had met, their services should be acknowledged. He had
great prewar* in coupling with the toast the name of
the Rev. R. Farquharson. (Loud cheers.)
The rev. gentleman, who, on rising, was very enthu-
siastically received, said it afforded him very great
pleasure to return thanks on behalf of the Bishop and
Clergy. It was a source of groat pleasure to see so much
harmony and good feeling existing between the clergy
and those among whom they laboured. Both parties
were very materially interested in each other's welfare.
Your mofortunes and trials are our misfortunes and
trials. Your joys and your prosperity we share in, and
therdore it was with great pleasure be responded to the
toast. Leaving that subject be would now direct
there minds to what occurred, or was about to occur, this
time last year. The rev, gentleman then referred to
the Alterations made by the new Highway Act. All altera-
tions. he was persuaded, were not advantageous, and
therefore when the change was proposed he looked upon
it with considerable spprehension, and he now feared
that the change would be proved an evil. The rata
were getting heavier, and at present, so far as he had
opportunity of observing, the roads were no better but
rather worse in sonic districts. The rates levied on
behalf of the poor were less, but the county rate had
increased during the past six months EDI. For some
time he could not conceive bow this was, but when be
looked again at the matter be found that no less a sum
than PIALOOO had been expended in building • magni-
ficent asyluiu for lunatics. A building, capable
of Answering the required purpose, might, he
thought, have been built for less money, and he
considered that before such parge sums were ex-
pended the opinion of the ratepayers ought to have
been consulted. (Loud cheers.) It was his opinion
that the ratepayers ought to have a voice in the manage.
scent of the county rates, and he advised theos to rave
the matter on the attention of the gentlemen present
his friends on the right, (Mr. Portman and Mr.
Seymer)—to see if they could not get this matter
rectified. At any rate they (the ratepayers) could
petition those gentlemen who had the manage-
ment of the county rates to moderate their
demand, and have • little feeling for their pockets.
(Cheers.) He hoped that there remarks would be re-
oeived in • friendly spirit, and not lead to any angry
discussion ; but he thought he had a right to state his
opinions. (Hear, hear, and loud cheers.) Ho returned
them his sincere thanks for the honour they had done
him in coupling his name with the toast. (Loud and
prolonged cheering.)
Mr. Formai rime and proposed an extra cheer for Mr.
Farqoharson's speech, which was very warmly re-
sponded to.
The CHAIRMAN said the lard toast wan in honour of a
body or men whose province it was to diffuse peace on
earth. He had now to give Ni.% beies altha oftb: who.
waste body of
men, or rather or foes separate b
duty it w be prepared for war. His opini m.
on, however,
was that in being prepared for war we secured peace.
After eulogising the services rendered by the army and
navy, and comparing their present with their former con-
dition he proceeded to show the advantages which the
country would derive by having, in connection with the
navy, a reserve of men well qualified for duty, and said
thist tbe same spirit had also characterised our army, as
was shown by the establishment of the Volunteer
force, which might 0015 be Iflerded as • permanent
institution of the country. With the toast he would
couple the names of Major Farquharson and Colonel
Mussel. (Loud cheers.)
Band : "Th. British Grenadian"
Colonel MAterthL, after thanking the company on
behalf of the army for the enthusiaatic manner in
which they had received the toast, said he could assure
them that no body of men had more interest in the
success of agriculture than the soldier, for the better
the land was cultivated, and the more bountiful the
supply, the better was his bread and his beer. There
was also great sympathy between the two classes,for the
greater part of the army were composed of men from
the agricultural districts. He then combatted the
opinion expressed by some writers of the worthlessness
of the rewards given by agricultural societies to labourere
for good conduct and skilL Ile believed that the good
conduct stripes, and increase of pay which accompanied
them, were incentives to the soldier, and that the prises
awarded to the skilled labourer had the same effect on
him. As regarded the volunteers they did net think it
beneath them to wear the cross-rides, which were given
to the good marksmen; and lie hoped that next year at
the review he should see 6-6th of the Dorset volunteers
with this honourable mark of distinction. He was
happy to say that the volunteer force was increasing,
and that several recruits had lately joined the Blandford
corps. Every man ought, he oonsidered, to put on uniform
in these days, and he should be most happy to enrol any
one whose oonscienos pricked him for not having joined
before. (Laughter and cheers.)
Major FARQUHARSON returned thanks on behalf of the
Yeomanry, and stated that one gentleman present had
given in his =Me •• a member that evening, and he
hoped several more would join during the year.
Comic song by Mr. Taylor.
The CHAIRMAN, in proposing the health, of this
"County Meroben.," said that it was a generally-under-
stood thing that certain subjects must not be referred
to at their meetings, but as • certain gentleman, from
whom he did not expect such things, had set the ball
a-going, he supposed it must take its course. He had
received a letter from Mr. Gerard Start, who would have
been pelmet, but was prevented, as Lis company was
required at home from family reasons. He would now
call on the Hon. W. Portman and Mr. Ken Seymer to
address them. (Loud cheers.)
The Hon. W. H. B. P , in responding,
said he very heartily thanked them for the kind
way they had received the toast of the County Members.
Wore be proceeded to speak on a few points con-
nected with politica, he must congratulate them on the
favourable circumstances under which they had met to-
gether, which were calculated to esti forth a feeling of
thankfulness, In that we had as • nation almost reed
the end or another year in peace and prosperity. While
other lands had been desolated by war, we have escaped
iti horrors. Notwithstanding this was the case, it was
impossible to d*nins the fact that certain am tineeseree
might arise which would require us to interfere by force
of arms. Bach for hiatuses as the violation of the treaty
entered into by this and other countries with refocuses
In Denmark. He was of opinion that if that treaty was

broken it wonld be the bounden duty of this country to
inte-fere. (Cheers) We might wish not to interfere,
but there was danger of carrying out the principle of ton-
intervention too for, and then lead other nations to snp-
poee that so long as we had peace at home we
eared not for our honnur. a belief which would
be dangerous to our positions. He thought that we
ought to be very thankful to the Government fee
keeping us out of the Congress, which, he was fully
of opinion would have ultimately led us into • war.
Coming to borne questions, there was one or two which
had been referred to, and on which ho should like to
make • few observations. As regarded the New
Highway Act, and the increase of taxation consequent
upon its attention, he was of opinion that though for
the present the roads were not much better, yet that
in the course of five or six years a great change for the
better would be observed, and he also conaidered that
the ratepayers had ample powers under the Act to have
their gnevances remedied. Reference had also been
made to the new County Lunatic Asylum, and here, he
thought, Mr. Farquharson was treading on delicate
grounds, as the gentleman who had the first and chief
management of the county funds was nearly related to
him. As regards the expenditure consequent on its
erection, they must remember that they were suffering
for what would be of great good to posterity, and he
was fully of opinion that when the asylum was
in full working order, the expense would be leas than
having to send several of the lunatics to another
asylum out of the county. At the same time he should
be most willing,if a bill was introduced into Parliament.
I, give the ratepayer • voice in the levying of the
°unity rate,to give it his !support. (Hear, hear.) There
was another qmotion which had been often alluded to
of late, and that was the labourers' cottages. This
was a questi in which ought to be approached with
the greatest care. Many admirable letters had appeared
in the public papers on this subject, but while they
pointed out the evils they did not give one practical
remedy. The building of cottages was a very unre-
mum-melee way of investing capital, and herein was the
chief difficulty. Many landlords who have large
ose
old
down
remedy—dividing ewundet eh r cottages
nnh.;
pt a nir
tp det si name: ag.woolutthr ehhbinedtiur ,
g:h ulani
land
tcoceamuttamlidlicinotthwaeffroborirdnh:tolduppoun,llanaddloi.
ry
on
new ones. Another difficulty was that in many villages
though in one place you might build • cottage for ElOO,
the building of the samekind of cottage in another village
would cost E:10 or £4O more. The hon. gentleman then
rionewref..fbepeijr.ed.u.sewl:t4as:l7d,spossMrhbery.:ittiaßhtlheerieibehtin'tegsween the rich and the poor.
to see it abolished, but be
be done..
hope that such would be the case
larger share L. en another. As regarded the Malt-tax
he should be yen pleased
Gould not give much
'allor of the Excheqner
at present. Without L'oty could find out something
be
expenditure at any
else on which the tax coti.'4 Owed, not hearing 50
hard on the industry of the country, he feared they
would not succeed. If the Chan,
had a larger balance of income over
tirne,then be would advise them to prea: the claim. In
what he had said Ise hoped he had given no offence,
and trusting that they would have another yea; a Peso.
and prosperity, he would resume his seat with w.'siting
them a merry Chriatmas and a happy new year. (Lead
cheers.)
H. Kis SETYKR, Faq who was received with
deafening cheers, after tbankine the company for the
kind manner they had drank his health. said he was
rather embarrassed on what subject to address them.
He had seen by the papers that some of the gentlemen
who had lately been addressing their constituent. had
taken them a voyage almost round the world.
(Laughter.) They first started in Japan, then went to
China, from ibence to New Zealand, then to Poland
and Denmark, and then to North and South America.
He should not travel quite so far, but would first touch
upon one or two howl subjects. He would first advert
to the labourers' cottage. No one could deny that the
labourer ought to hare a omfortable cottage to live in,
and that many cottages were tinfit for habitation. Some
considered that the law of frett:ement was the root of
the evil, and he should be glad see such • chattge
made as would enable the agrioniti:ml labourer to
leave a locality where he was not well ;and for hie
labour and seek one where be could obtain higher pay,.
and that would enable a master to obtain the most
skilful hands for his farm work. He certainly should
blame the government if they let slip the present lull is
political excitenient without turning their attention to
this matter. But notwithstanding that the law of
settlement might have something to do with the case,
his belief was that the reel difficulty was that cottage
property did not pay, and he would ask, ought we to ex.
pan it to pay? Did barns, cattle-sheds, or pig-styes
pay? No, but we cannot have farms without them.
It was to the tenant farmer they must look for a champ.
Suppose he went to take a farm as a tenant, and after
looking over it found everything according to his wishes
but cottage accommodation, be would may to the land.
lord, I meat have comfortelfie cottage. built. I want
skilled labourers, and I cannot get them without I haver
suitable cottages ,for them. I shall not agree for them
ti live two or three miles away ; for as I give a fair
day's pay for a fair day's work, I know if they have to
walk night and morning that distance they can't do me
justice. Do you not think the landlord would sooner
build neeessary cottage acoomusedation than Mee WO ma
his tenant? This of coulee could not be done till farms
go out of occupation and fresh tenants come in. He had
no wish to see landlords up a tree, or be up • tree him-
self; but he conidered they ought., wo far as they were
able, to provide suitable cottages on their estates for
their labourers. Another question he wished to refer
to was the malt-tax. His opinions on this subject were
generally well known. There was no doubt that the
imposition of the malt-tax was a great injury to the
farmer. It had been proved by Mr. Fisher Hobbs apd
other gentlemen, that malt was a very excellent article
for feeding cattle, but the termer was deprived of !le
use by the duty levied on it. Now many people woad
say, you get the molt-tax revealed, and let the
Chancellor of the Exchequer find out something to levy
on to make up the lose to the revenue; but perhaps bee
would pet it on something which would be worse. The
Government had an opportunity once, but it was
I frittered away in the abolition of • duty which
, pressed hard on no one. The great evil in
the matter was, that the people of this country
wont allow a Chancellor of the Exchequer to
hold a surplus. If they would they might soon hope for
, a reduction of the tax. He could not bold out any hope
of large fortunes made by terming. So long as it was a
gentlemanly and healthy business, so taro would there
be a run upon it; and if a farmer was able to bring up
his family in a respectable manner, and properly keep
up hi•fann, and have the wherewith to us.' that hos-
pitality for which farmers were noted, and especially
Dorset farmers, it was all the generality of them
could hope for. Sometimes they beard of the cam of •
roan buying his farm, and he was always pleased when
Stich was the cam After adverting to the stmcgie
gong on between the Northern and Southern States of
America, sod naprnaaing his opinion that the majority
in this country were in favour of the South, who were
fighting for freedom, and against the North, who had
shown themselves our bitterest enemies, Mr. Seymer
proceeded to state that he considered it was premature to
come to any conclusion as regards the working of the High-
way Act • and az regarded the CountyLunane Asylum, be
considered a very useful and mammary bulletin, which
would, though the first outlay might appear Leese, be
leas in the Ica( run than sending several patients to
another asylum out of the county. Alluding to the
remarks made by the Rev. It. Farqabarnie, he said he
was very glad his learned friend wore the cloth he did,
for his views were not wily well expreamd. but so en-
thusiastically received, that he would be • dangerous
person to contend against au • political opponent.
(Loud laughter and enthusiastic cheering.)
Mr. FOOILEB. at the;request of the chairman. p. • ° 0414
the "-health of the Lord Lieutenant and the Igagins-•1
of the county." After alluding to the many excelleol
qualities of the Lord Lieutenant, the worthy gentleman
alluded to the increase of the expenditure°, the eounty„
and said he perfectly agreed with what had fallen from
Farquharson, some of the roads were certainly in a
shocking state. He trusted that in course of time an
improvement would take place, mernhat the magistrates
would endeavour to curtail all expenses as much as
Cowen MINSKL returned thanks, and said he was
duty. 'When he was at the r Sessions he had
and he
fairly and
reow4 1:11 a g ao:l3t they
iettyxor ati:l-ta nnl I they could
residentfrtlinterestyed discussed.o? Id h t
htri t

Comic song by Mr. Taylor.
The C3isiaiicx, in acknowledging the toast, toadied
upon the various topics dwelt upon by the preceding
speakers, and refemng to the cottage question, said he
much regretted the absence of Lord Osborne, who
would no doubt have given them some very useful
suggestions on the subject. For his own part he con-
sidered the cottage question a moral one. It ought also.
to be the aim of the landlord to render those he employs
physically qualified for their work, and this could not be
the case if they were obliged to live mill-ventilated houses.
After alluding to Mr. Cobden and Mr. Bright's views,
which he said he considered were dangerous ones, and
oongratul,ting the audience that there was no fear of
their having a seat in the legislature, the chairman pro.
needed to speak on the benefits arising from Agri-
cultural Societies and or the success which bad attended
the Blandford ACsociation, and proposed "The health
of the President and Vice-president of the Society."
(Loud cheers.)
The Rev. R. FAILQUBLIMON said he TOW in his
father's and brother's name to return their sinossis
thanks for the kind way their healths had been pro-
posed, and the enthusiastic way in which it was re-
ceived. It was apecially pleasing to him, as his father
was now rtting an old MAO, to find that be was still
held in high estimation in the musty, and more
especially by the members of a society, in the welfare of
which he took great interest, he was sure, 0°
long as his health lasted, his father would do
all he could for the interest of the waist'',
not only by his presence, but by his active exertions.
He had • remark or two to make as to what Mr. Port-
man bad said about his having forgotten the position his
father held as treasurer of the county finance committee-
All his father had to do was simply to endorse the
cheque for the sums required, and he was sure all
present would give him credit for the most honourable.
intentions. (Hear, hear.) He trusted it would not go
out to the world, that he, his son, had said one word
reflecting on his father. (Cries of "No, no.") He
trusted his young friend, Yr. Portman, would qualify
his statement.
The Hoo. Mr. PORTMAN said, after what had fallen
from Mr. Farquharson be falt bound to reply. What
he had said was on the spur of the moment, ...a he put
isermi:orretcolddF:hober;pnbroaieg;ranrilly.
elzoilbed:te"rwtotasopthf
tltielfinenstinf
ilaretdgbenr.tgenbtriletaancaLasy
than he bad. (Cheers)
Comic Song by Mr. Taylor.
"The Health of the Committee" was then proposed
and acknowledged by Mr. POOILIJI, who then gave
"The Masters of Foxhounds," which was acknowledged
by Mr. Portman.
"The health of the Secretary," Mr. J. B. Roe, was
ohm proposed and very warmly received. Other toasts,
interspersed with singing acid mnaio followed, and a very
pleasant evening was spent.

Printed and psblished for the Proprietor, by Casual
WHI MILLARD, Of Dorchester, Priabsr, et 11b•
Offtee of The Dorset Otssity Expr Cbmdrotaist,
Dorchester, Twatlay, Dauber 22.

121 e