The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1871-07-04 00:00:00

ODDYELLOWS DEMONSTRATION AT
DOUCHESTEIL.

The two lodges of °Mellows in Dorchester held a
isomblned fete on Wednesday last. In the morning the
weather seemed very unsettled, but as the day
advanced, the threatening clouds passed away, and the
afternoon and evening were ail that could be desired
for pleasure-baekers. Bet it was quite evident that
very many, despite outward appearseicea at an early
hour, had maintained firm their faith in "Qneen's
weather" as, of course, it should be on Coronation day.
for the trains brought large numbers to the town, and
the neighbourho contributed • goodly contingent.
So that when the Oddfellowa assembled in Mews.
Eldridge, Pope and Co.'s Meld, near the South walk,
they were regarded admiringly by • respectable crowd.
In due time a procession was formed which made •
gay show with two handsome banners of the Pools
district, two from Weymoutii, and one belonging to
Dorchester, besides flap, officers of the district res-
plendent with badges, visiting brethren WEAring dis-
tinction. of various kinds, and Minims and members of
the local lodges in a long line and the attendanoe and
musics ot two bands—the Dorchester ride baud. under
••••• reir- r brass band. They
proceeded with beads playing and s . :-„
High-street, attracting eis row& a large number of spew-
titers and attended Holy Trinity church. The Rector
(the Rev. H. Everett) was the preacher' and ha won
golden opinions from the Oldtellows by hi, short prac-
tical discourse. After this the procession was re-
formed, and a "demonstration" was made—it was
shown what a thoroughly reop3otable body of men
belong to the order, and whether that is cause or
effect it is equally satisfactory. Ending their pomp.
bulatious at the field they found dinner imminent, and
not only that, but there now seemed tho certainty of a
flue afternoon and • large gathering, A capital
marquee was erected, and, in due wine, here was
spread a capital hot dinner, excellently served, and
with every detail as it ehould be. Mrs. Dann, of the
Junction Hotel, provided it, and all were well pleased.
Dr. Aldridge, who has on former occasions kindly taken
the presidency, now occupied the chair, and Mr. Ramsey
acted LS vice-chairman. There were • few tradesmen of
the town present, but the company consisted principally
of 0441 owe. Amonpt those were Prey. C. S.
Western, of Poole, Secretaries W. J. W. Pike and 0.
T. Old, who had spared no pains in perfecting the
arrangements for the fete, the committee who zealously
aided them—Mews. F. Davis,Lintell, Stevens. Gerrard,
Brushelt. Wellman, Roger'. Bartlett, Wills, Plowman,
Groves, Talbot, 'fodder, and Franklin, and from a die.
banee—P.D.G.M. Jackson, of Luton district;
Allen, Warden, Poole district; 041.Shur/ix:2AV
Eastern" Lodge, Weymouth ; P.O.
Lodge, Weymouth; P.O. Baker, trikrallens, P.D.
Leighton, P.O. Bennet Weymouth; N.G. Chinni,
Y.G. Persons, P.O. Warren, Portland; P.D. Maple,
Blandford ; Bro. Tidley, isle of Wight. kn. The Chair-
man gave the loyal and patriotic toasts, Sergeant
Ramsey responding. for the volunteers. This was
followed by the " Bishop and Clergy and Ministers of
MI Denomination.* and then the' Manchester Unity,"
enlarging on its organisation and beneficial Influence.
In conclusion he referred to unhappy France, and re-
marked that had the principles of Oddledlowship and
Forestry been cherished in that land, instead of Cora-
minium. Atheism, and other " isms" of that kind, we
should not have heard of gush mournful devasta-
tions and bloody tragedies as had recently taken place.
Bro. Western responded in a lengthy speeA
on Oild.fellowahip in general and the Unity
mid Poole district in particular, which was well
reasived. "The Dorchester ledges" was then given
and Mr. Secretary Old, briefly bore testimony
to the successful career of Oddlellowshlp In Dorchester.
Mr. Ramsey pve the health of the a, erbleh
WU drunk with mooted bosons., sod Dr, &dada