The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1876-01-18 00:00:00

WEYMOUTII.

BENZOLINE t five on Sunday
night a tire wiis reported in No. 9, Cove-street, in the occu-
pition of It :alien Grove+. It is said that Croves was
filling a lamp with benzoline, pouring it out from aouart-
bottle, while lie held a lighted match in his hand. Of
coarse the whole ivass of oil took lire, and it was very for-
tunate that, assistance tieing raliel in, the lire was
promptly smothered with mats, before much damage was
done.

PLuIOPORTE AND VIOLIN ItcriTats—Mr. T. Avant was
fortunate in securing for Monday evening last, the talents
of Mr. Charles Italla ant Madame Norman erude, who
g ice a grand plan )(one and violin recital at the Royal
Motel Assembly Miami. The attendance in the reserved
seats was fairly numerous, awl that in tha inure popular
seats larger than might have limn expected for an enter-
tablillent of such a highly-retinel class. The selections
were Weber's Grand Sonata for pianoforte in A flat,
exquisitely played by Mr. Ira ; 11Iaser's vielin solo—
on "Der Freyschlits," by Madame Norman-
Neruda, a triumph of artirtic p 'war ; then followed
Sohubert's duet for pianoforte awl violin—reran brilliant
in It. minor, which rhariind all who heard it. The second
psis iecliried Spolies violin solos, Adagio front the con-
certi in K minor, awl harem-olio in G , and here the lads
displayed her wonderful talent to admiration ; Mr. llallti
gave /01,40 delightful iiianobirte piaying —Chopin 's
Nocturne in D. flat, and Itiminberger's " Wanderer's
S lug," au I "Ilmimitiug Piece,- embracing some of the
most touching and sweetly inelmlious strains, also some
stirring inure% The Imt on the programme was
Iteethoven s Grand Sonata in D. lip. Ig, No. 1, for piano
mut violin. The last Wael a remarkable specimen of how
wonderfully tie human hawl and ear can be trained to
educe the most complicated ant yet most pleasing sounds.
Of the two musicians nothing used te said, they are well
knawn to have 11104 C.)1111•114,3 mastery over their instru-
ments, combined with exquisite taste.

NIERCIIIATS:. AND
.TRAII?EIW Ip!NNER.

Tlll4 annual friendly meeting tvik place this_yeaz at the
Victoria Hotel, on Tuesday evening last. The Mayor
(Mr. G. IL %Vels(ord) presided, supported on the ristht by
Mr. 11. E lwards, the popular borough member, and rimed
by Mr. C.suncillor lambs, in the vicwchaw. Among the
others present were: Dr. Moorhead, Dr. Tizard, Ur.
Alderman It. N. Howard, Mr. Smith, Mr. Councillor It.
Tllollla4. Dr. . s ~,, , .1.P., Mr. Councillor Aylesbury,
Mr. G. R. Crickmay. Mr. Crickmay, jun., Mr. W. Smith,
Mr. Andrews, jun.. Mr. Cards, Mr. J. Ford, Mr. Keeping,
Mr. Councillor J. Talbot, Mr. It. Wheeler, Messrs. Wo4
Mr. Dring, Mr. Turner, Mr. W. Legg Mr. T. A. Haunt:,
Mr. Councillor It. A. Ayles. Mr. .1. Sly, Mr. I'. Roberts,
Mr. 11. T. Georze, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Polly Ilwmer, Rev.
Mr. Whittle, Mr. A. ?Jason, Mr. Hibbs, Mr. Councillor T.
R. Charles, Mr. li. Korridge, Mr. E. Ilaunton, Mr. J. Lee,
Mr. J. It sunton, Mr. Plowman, Mr. 11. Fooks, Mr.
Lowman, Mr. E. Cross, Mr. T. CM1,38, Mr. T. Peeks, dm.
Grace before iscat was said by the Rev. Mr. Witirirte.
host Dunn provided • tirateclass dinner, with all the
usual accompaniments and excellent wines, followed by •
go?ill dessert.
. .

After dinner "Non nobis" Wai sung by a glee party.
Mrs4rs., Board, Pratt., and Watts.
. _ . . . . .

--
The CHAIRMAN said the first toast contained hut two
short wools, bin the mention of them would send a thrill
to our hearts, and caust them to be indelibly imprinted
there, lie gave "The Queen."
Elee party: National Anthem.
In giving "The Prince and Princess of Wales, and the
rest of tlie Royal family." the CHAIRMAN said this toast
used to be given as one we should drink ai a matter of
curie, but it is... no getting more and more important
every year. The Duke of Edinburgh had brought from a
cold climate a princess to represent the interests of
Russia, the Duke himself had recently been gazetted to
the Monarch, and he and Prince Arthur, at Gibraltar,
were doing their duty to their country. Prince Leopold
was perhaps performin: a loom ion”rtant part in carrying
out those scientific question. which are of so much im-
pirtsnee to England. Nor must he forget the female
members of the Royal family, who iii every work of
charity and kindness were foremost. Ile had reserved to
the last the locution of the most important—the Prince
on whose life the hopes of England hang, and who in a
foreign clime lw advanced the interests of England in
the most irksome position he could find himself. Raving
expressed his wishes for the Prince's safe and prosperous
return, the Chairman gave the toast
Wes party • "Gaul bless the Prince of Wales."
..• •. . . .

The tlitoiiis 0: said he was far too inefficient to propose
the next toast, and he called upon Dr. Moorhead.
Dr. Moonlit: in eloquently gave " The Bishop and
Clergy, and ministers of all tlenominati, ins," This diocese
is remarkably free from the heresies which have un-
fortunately crept in elsewhere, and the Bishop and the
clergy down to the humblest curate, are most anxious to
promote the spirtual welfare of the community, and
works of practical philonthropy have their most earnest
support. Ministers of other denominations are doing
their utmost to promote vital godliness committed to their

Glee : "Now pray we for oar country."
Rev. Mr. WHITTLE respinded. Ile felt that he, a visitor
in Weymouth, shill be the only representative of the
profession. Perhapa the Weymouth clergymen hal got
Conservative fever, and they could ,oily get rid of that by
Liberal measures —(laughter). The clergy did not mix
sufficiently with their brethren of other callings ; but he
remembered what the Bishop till hiin when ordained—
" A house-going psrson makes a churchloing pariah."
The more they, whether C inservatives or Liberals rubbed
agunst each other the better they would know each other,
and as a child said when she saw the Bishop of Man-
chester, after all lie was but a man, and the clergy were
but iuen—fatildenseh
Mr. Luemegive " The Arniy,Navy,and Volunteers." To
be properly prepared for the enjoyment of peace, his con-
viction hit long been that they moat be prepared for war,
ant if it should arise, England stood in a proper position
for resisting unjust claims or pretensions, and even to
dictate terms to the world. Under the Doke of Cam-
bridge as the head of the British army, they might have
the fullest confidence, and both as to details and principles
they had reason to be prowl. In past English history it
was not usual to find so many members of the blood royal
POW-4,411g such intellectual power and it is a matter of
congratulation that we are not simply Islind followers of
royalty, as such, but that we find in the Royal Family
Intellectual power, administrative ability, and honesty of
purpose, such as have before been exceeded in the history
of our country, or of any other. The navy when • boy,
he considered the only strength of the country, with its
wooden wall and Nelson's to guard the silver streak of
sea; and now the wooden walls hive paused away, in the
construction of new ships England stands preeminent,
and two to one as regards the tonnage of our ships, and
two to one as regards the courage of the men and officers,
England stands shove other nations, and it needs not a
Nelson to say "England expects every man to do his
illity"—(applause). He regretted the 141.011,e Of any repre-
sentative of the regular army, but called apin querers
master Baunton (Yeomanry), i4eirtertuaster Sergt.n.,ee
(sth D.R. V.) to respond, and Mr. Smith for the mercantile
marine.

Glee itarty: "It's a way we have in the army."
gaartermaster E. Batairrox responding said actions
speak louder than words, and wherever the army wents
north, south, east, or west, they always carded their
colours to victory—(appbeise)—and the Yeomanry if ever
the enemy came, would show they hal equal pluck and
endurance with the regular areay—(applause).
gitaxtermaster Lee also returned thanks for the volun-
tears and said if a fin eign foe attempted to land, they would
take care the coast was defended properly, and none of the
enemy should return alive —(applause).
Mr. W. Sarni, for the mercantile marine, said perhaps
it was not quite in so efficient a condition as he could
wish; but he dented the statement that it was under-
manned, for with the machinery now in use, patent
topsails, stc., they are better manned now than formerly
when, without appliances, they were manned one-half
more. They had also better navigators, he could boast of
a brother in the China and Japan seas, and many had sons
who could navigate these gess as well as any captain in
the Royal Navy -(applause).
The emulate te gave "The Borough Members"—(loud
and longeontioucil applause). They rejoieal in having
a ~,,, ngst them the presence of their senior member, Mr.
Elwards—(renewed applause)—and his worship regretted
that Mr. Edwards's worthy colleague was absent from ill
health. Acting under the advice of his medical advisers,
he hwl been directed to escape the winter and perils of
our uncertain climate, in a warmer clime. A letter from
hint dated from the Hotel de France, Nice, stated that the
shortness of the notice would prevent hint coming to the
dinner; but had there been tenger time, his medical
advisers would have told him he must not think of
canting. They hoped that when this stormy weather had
passed, and the genial spring returns he may be able to
return perfectly restored to health—(b,eer). They were
very it indebted to those who would take the
onerous post of representing them; their hours of rest
and MSC, their pleasant evenings, were entirely done
away with during the session. He acknowledged their
vigilant attention in the Common's House of Parliament,
henever an important division took place, in the lists I
were always found the names of the members
for Weymouth—(applattee). But with all their assi-
duity, they had Jenne complaint against the members
During the existence of the former Government the New
Reform Act was passed, and it was supposed to be perfec-
tion itself; but a little occurrence in the neighbourhood,
with which we have nothing to do, showed there was a
great defect, and he thought Mr. Edwards Will a little
deficient in his duty. (Cries of "Ni, no.") He thought
when it happened that an electian took place, and all the
candidates were on one side, then the Act ought to have
Provided that the gentlemen should have nothing to do
with the election, but that it should be left to the ladies
—(laughter). That was the only defect ; but when he
attempted to speak the praises of the borough members,
words failed him. Of the two they had every reason to
be proud, if any good was to be ilooe in a national point
of view these two gentlemen were at their posts, and
nothing would induce them to abandon the principles
they represented, while the local interests they had
always been found ready to forward to the utmost extent.
It was unnecessary to say anything in behalf of the
gentleman on his right—(applause) -his actions spoke
',idler than words—(renewed oppLause) ; but he had a little
more knowledge of Mr. Edwards than some of them had. I
within the last twelvemonths, awl he found hint a gentle-
man who, when there was anything to do, took it most
thoroughly in hand, and never rested until it was
thoroughly carried out—(applause). He was the kind of
man they wanted, and while they had him they might be
perfectly satisfied that when there is anything to be done
to the House of Parliament, he will always be ready to
de it to the utmost. Of course Mr. Elwards was the '
senior member ; Sir Frederic Johustone WADI an untried
moan; but he was ready to follow in the steps of Mr.
Edwards, and show which would lie most willing to do all
they could for the benefit of the town.
(Voicgs: "Mr. Edwards.")
Glee party : "So say we all of WO
Three times throe was then heartily given.
Mr. EDWARDS, MP., was received with immense
applause. He sail: Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, it is
difficult for me to find words to convey to you my heart-
felt thanks for the honour you have done myself and my
bee. colleague in drinking our health/. The deepest
refrist I fccl L.; that may worthy colleague is not here to
participate in the pleasure I feel in being aware of the
enthusiastic way in which you tisae done honour to this
toast. I certainly was not aware of my worthy colleague's
indisposition, awl I am very sorry for it; but I an, sure '
the short notice he received was quite sufficient reason foe
his absence. I have always considered this merchant/
and trailers' dinner, since you have resuscitated it, one of
the most agreeable and pleasant of my visits to Way-
mouth. It brought together all parties quite indepew
dently of politic:, awl in the most amicable feeling, and
I should like V) have seen it carried on more and more
every year. This year, in the absence of my colleague,
and the impossibility of his having had sufficient notice,
I should recomiuend to the Mayor—for I hope I shall
have the pleasure of seeing him In the chair next year
that a day should be Axed /or hoeing this dinner, eo that

there could be no excuse for non-attendance—(hea)-
There should be this understanding between the mer-
chants and traders of Weymouth, that we meet as one
family jowly, and I am quite sure we shall all be the
better for it, and none the worse —(hear, hear, and
applause).

_
PARTY POLITICS.
We know that what are called 'party politics" are
quite forbidden on on occasion like this; but I should like
to ciii the attention of the Mayor and of you, gentlemen,
to the fact that we have almost arrived at the time whyn
party politicsi almost reasc to exist. I mean party politics
within the walls of Parliament, and you can form your
opinion of what they are outside. We have had a session
the dullest I have known, and not even enlivened by a
"scrimmage "—(laughter). Towards the beginning of the
Session we had a scrimmage with regard to the Army
Regulation Bill, but beyond that we have had none, and
it was the dullest session lever remember—(a laugh). I
should like to call your attention to what amused me
very much, and! suppose it amused you; at • dinner held
in Shaftesbury, where the deservedly popular and much-
esteemed Conservative borough member was present, and
also the late' whip" of the Liberal party, Lord Wolveton,
these two gentlemen at the dinner could not fled words
affectionate enough to address one another—(laughter).
That will give you some idea of the state of what
are called party politics, in this good county of Dorset-
shire.

MR. STERT AND THE DURIALY BILL
But what startled us all, beside 4, was that the much-
esteemed Tory member for Dorsetshire should go out of
his way to introduce the subject of the Burials Bill, and
should almost wish he were a parson, when he would let
Dissenters bury in his churchyard, and not only that, he
went so far an to say that if it were • wet day, he would
offer m the the church also—flau k ghter). We now very
well that this worthy gentlemen was a great friend of the
Pritue Minister's, and doubtless he was in • Stste secret;
but what the proof of that will be in Parliament we do
not know—(hear, hear). If he with his Liberal notions
will enter the church, all I can say is he will find Inc one
of his regular attendants—(laughter).