The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1863-01-06 00:00:00

•

Sigffil

Tin Ntw HIGHWAY ACT.

The CuAI CLUI said that at their previous meeting.
wish was expressed that two of their members should
look through the Haw Act of Parliament in referee*,
to the management of highways, so es to come pro.
pared to the present meeting to Ilse their opinion
thereon. He would therefore beg to call on Mr.
Hodges to glre the opinion he had formed tipon the
matter.

Mr. HODOLS said that agreeably with their request,
expressed at their list meeting, he had carefully reed
through the get, entitled " An Act for the better
management of Highways in England," coil in expres-
sing to them his opinion, formed train • perusal of the
Act, be would as • preliminary remark say, that a great
deal of the Mitred entertained in reference to the sub-
ject had no doubt already been anticipated by the
meeting held • fortnight since, when the subject was
exteesmely unwanted, and • very strong opinion en•
pressed during the very animated debate that then
erode as to the effects that would be produced, should
th• Act he brought into operation it this slietrici. In
giving this opinion, therefore, he should confine
cell to what struck him, while perusing the Act, in
referent's to the actual results and the effect it was
likely to hare in this locality if the measure were
carried out. There was • very commendable principle
in the Bill, and that was the care whieh lad been
taken to previae that no pan of the oonntry should he
brought under the operations of thi• Act hatily, and
without due deliberation. The Act stated, that flee or
more justices' might, in writing, make an application
for • previsional order for a proposed district to be
brought under the operation of this Ant, to the court of
Quarter tensions, ...larder) wain bed been Once to the
overseers of churchwardens of every parish to be in-
cluded in such district, but ascii order could not be of
any validity till a final order was obtained of the
justices at a subsequent court of General or Quarter
Session& no that ample time was given to all parties in-
terested in the matter. This was • novel proceeding in
legislation, and • very good one, as it carried out the
Minatele of the right of those who were subject to local
taxatioh to see whethet they would or wool I not tome
under the operation of this Act of Perliament. Ample
time was given for the consideration of the subject, and
to shape their course accordingly. Then the Act went
on to point out the restrictions for the formation of
, Highway district., the constitution of the Highway
, Board, and the machinery that was to be brought into
operation. There were to be • treasurer and eurreyor,
and. if necessary, a junior or assistant surveyor, and
clerk. Now, no doubt, two of the office,* connected
witb the board, moult have to be paid • salary, and .0
far, the intent would be °minuted with expen.. The
vestiors then was, how wield the tide% Week' The tame
kind of machinery had been in operation In boroughs 'Cud
other lure, towns that had been brought under the
Local Board of Health and Local Improvement Acta for
some years past, and, in many respects, with consider-
able awes. They bad provoked considerable difference
of opinion among the inhabitante. He, however, was
a opinion that when well •djusted, the arrangement
had been productive of very greet benefit--that when
fully developed end weU managed, these Boards had
beep promotive of • cut amount of good generally. But
then came the question, if this Miehinery Was applicable
to towns, was it also applicable to the country' It, towns,
where these Local Acts had been brought into opera.
tion, the population was numerous, and the amount
produced by taxes large, so that the burdens necessary
for sash inhabitant of the district to bear were compa•
natively light; but it forcibly struck him that in
country districts, when the population was mach more
scanty, the hardens upon those on whom the expenses
fell would be mush more anode. let them take Dor-
chester for easomple. The borough, being Under the
Local Board of Health Act, was exempt from the opera-
tions of the Act under discussion. It could not be
brought under the operations of the Highway Act. But
all around Doraliester yea a large area, a great ninny
toilers of road, and • population exceedingly swot!, and
the question tie More was, whether very serious
doomed' would not have to be made upon the few who
contribeted towards the espenditare. The burden on
those resisting within the liotouph, he thought, would
be found to bear no proportion to those eontributing ho
the repair outside the borough. If, hemm•ver,they went
to other towns, where they were not under the pro-
visions of • Local Act, or Board of Health Act,
theme would be • large population to contribus•
lowa docks roads lying outside the town. The principles
contemplated by this Act were of • very important
character, as the godness of roads were • convenience
to all who travelled.upon thein.as well as thee, who dwelt
ir. the distrieL For instance, when many of the old
roads fell into the hands of turnpike trustees, the roads
fursued into turnpikes were found to be of suoli great
convenience, that all who travelled open them very
readily contributed toll towards the road for the ad-
vantages thus derived. By the system of levying t011..'
the trustees were e,nabled to obtain rernuneratiou for
their on II from all who derived advantage from the
improve.l state of the mats, without throwing the
burden upon any particular property, but this Act
threw the whole of the imperials upon the district
through which the mail pawed. And this brought
him to the applicability of the Act. He was not
verses' in the details of the management of Highways,
and therefore be was not qualifies' to speak with any
degree of authority, but he thought it was • matter
for consideration whether the machinery suggested by
the Bill was not too large for the charge made upon
the rateable value of each punch on whitish the amount
wee to be raised. According to the 214 remise of the
Act, the maxinsuni filed for any one year was 2s. 6.1.
in the L, but be apprehended that this would be eon-
sidered • very heavy rate In the rural districta for the
maintenance of highways, and by the 20th clause the
saleries of aliens was to be charged to • district fund,
am be contributed by the several parishes in the district,
in proportion to the average of the expenditure during
the throe years Last proceeding. In reading this Act
be had discovered what 1141 considered • great defect,
and which lie could not help thinking was adverse to
al modern legielistion. It was in reference to perms.
nent improvements. He was quit* sure that all woulsl
agnse with lila, in saying that all outlays for permanent
improvement, ought not to be charged upon occupiers
of a limited tenure—that parties who perhaps would
have to leave the neighbourhood in the course Of •
year or two ought not to beached upon to pay the
whole expires. of the work which. when once done.
will be enjoyed for along umber of part. Prevision
was marls in the Local Board of Health Act, that when
an outlay of • senons nature was required, connected
with permanent improvements, the Board had the
power to borrow the money and extend the
payment froin the rates over • long period
of years. And if they considered this matter they
would perceive that this principle was • jibe one. If
they had a necessary improvement to be carried omit,
involving • very Leavy outlay, it would hi' e,ry unjust
for three who happened to be the mato-urea iroperty
at the tins, that they should be subject to the whets exo
penes of • benefit which wordl be felt for 20 or 3
years to come. Let them suppose, for example, the
for the improvement of • road it was numeracy to en
dawn two or three hills. It was not only desirabl•
that the work should be done, but when done, it would
be a great benefit upon the whole dietricst, not for one
or two years only, but for ever. NOW would it not be
very unreasonable to expect that the amount of carry-
ing out this important and dnirable work should be '
levied upon the immediate occupiers who, perhaps, '
would have shortly to leave the neighbourhood? Per-
manent works, when ones done, were done for all
time, and the benefite eonferred would go down to pee-
corny. In works then of this kind it was exceedingly
desirable that provision should be made to throw the
charges over • long eerie, of yearn. He supposed that
the omission he had named had been on oversight.
and he had no doubt that the attention of
the legislature would be directed to it with •
view of amendment. In its present shape there
sru certainly this very great objection he had named
against the carrying out of all permanent . improve-
menta. Then was one morn circumstance in souse.-
tine with this Act, which be Queen deserved notice,
as it introduced • somewhat new principle in the
alminietratioe of public affairs. The highway boards
were not made up exclusively of inewben who were
•Itogether ex-officio, but it was pertly mule up by the
mamstratae, who were ex.officio members, and by
others who were ant there as the representative. of
Dime who paid the taxer, and upon whom the burdens
would faL As rewarded their county extmnditunr and
other natters, the duties were no doubt well performed;
nevertheless there was the absence of the principle that
representation and taxation should go togs ther,arrd which
was always beat caleubsted to give utietaatioa to thole
who had to find the money. They would therefore
have their own repreeeetatine to control the funds
and to attend to the intereets of their constituents.
Having offered these few remarks he would eonolude
by observing that so the gassation would come before
the magistrate. es Tweedy he the Quarter Boestoos,

eery intereoting discussion would no doubt be the re-
sult—iiiudruetive to aU rho desired to soe the mainte-
nance good roads iu the constr.
The CMAIRMAN before Sir. Hi•lger sat down he
would like to ask idin how the Ilighw.iy Board semi
constructed, as he did not quite underbioind hi,, iu that
portion of his renisrks?
Mr. HuDGES replied that, on the formation of a dia.
trlart, lie Justin's of the county reodiog within the di.-
triet, would be es-cinch, iuelnbeni of the Board. An 4
crell'i.nri•i, forming part uf ii,, district would 'mil on"
or nuire waywirdelis according to extent of such
punch, as the ju-ticea :night determine. The
wardens would he elected by the ratepayetii sonrewhat
after the wanner of electing gusrdians of the poor.
The CRAIIIMAN : In the event of a district being
formed into a Highway Board, ore there any limits
beyond which they MIAMOR go in carrying out their We-
provenientit
Mr. HOMIER: They cannot their •e etpense viscera-
2s. in the E in any year, except with the corniest of
four-fifthe of the ratepayers of the paridi pfeseht at
a meeting specially =lied for the purpose, of which
ten days notice must be given. It will therefore be
seen that 2s. 64. is the maximum that can be levied.
The ViCIL•CHAIRMAN Paid that this would tske £125
a-year out of his pocket for the maintenance of
highways.
The CHAIRMAN nest asked Mr. Andrew* to his
opinion upon the subject, after reading through the
Act.

Mr. Asnatwe said he regretted to say that he could
not enliAten them much 11:41t1 the sulijeet beyond
what they Already knew. In the trot place he would
simply ask, were their rusts in good repair. because it
they were not in good repair he thought it was very
likely the niagistrated would carry oat that Act ef
Parliament's whereas, if they were alreaily in good
repair, there ...mild be no acessity for their ;:oing so.
V. hether or not the Act was applicable to this county
he cou'al not say, as hi never rode Upon wheele if be
could get upon • bone. He knew that in this county
there bad been a great number of highways illegally ,
stopped, awl the traffic diverted to • dangerous road,
and it might be that such menurer had been adopted
in other arts of the country which bad led to this Act
being passed. In just looking at the An he saw ROMP. I
thing which inclined him to think that it was very
desirable tbst it ahoulil be carried. Perhaps they sup• ;
posed that he lied thoroughly staled the Act, cede
hayelf acquainted entli its provisions, and found out
what districts were to be formed, end so forth; but be
must tell them that he never read an Act of Parliament
unless he wes paid for it. (Laughter.) But n he had
just said he noticed one thing that very much etrrick
his attention, and that was the formation of districts
for the purposes of carrying out the operations of the
Act. Now it did not appear to him erectly bow the
expenses were to be defrayed, but if they intooded to
place theunelyes under the peovisions of the Act, he
would advise them to form a oimunittee, get up cob-
seriptions, ind employ the Secretary of the Dorchester
Fanners' Club, and tie would do hie nmint to carry
out their wishes, (Laughter.) Then he lOW 11000101.
thing. Be saw that there were officent to We appointed
under the Act. It was not for him to dictate to the
magistrates what they should do; but if they would
allow him to offer • suggestion, that in the event of
deciding to mime under the provisions of the Act, if
they should so decide, they ahould divide the high'
way divisions according to the magisterial divisions of
the county. Then,as there woeld have to be a treasurer,
clerk, end district surveyor, as he happened to Ilan the
honour to he clerk to one of the magistrates of one of
the divisions, he should be in hopes that they worad
appoint bins, aa a fit and proper per•on to fill the office
of clerk in the highway bosril of one of divisions'.
(" Hear," and renewed laughter.) Bat Leaving this
matter. At the meeting hell on Saturday week to
meinorialin the magistrates against the adoption of
this Act, one argument employed against it was that
the present system of managing the highways, if
carried out, was amply sufficient for the keeping of
tht roads in proper repair. Now this argument entirely
hinged upon the ,f—if duly carried out. But the
question wss not, what the ii.esent dram was capable
of. but whether it had been duly caned nut tinder that
system. He fully agreed with the remark of Mr.
Hodges that if there were to be any extensive
improvements., it was desirable the payment
should be carried over • number of year., or the ex-
pense pressed very hard upon a very few men at
present in acupation—that it premed equally hard
upon a man holding under • long lease, who took his
farm on • supposition that his rates would continue
about the same as they were, as upon the men hol log
for a sheet. term. But at any time, according to the
present ...nem, it was competent for any individual to
Complain to the magiatratte with the highwsys of their
districts, if they were not in proper repair, and the
megistrates having proof of the same might give notice
to the waywerdens to repair within a certain time, and
if not repaired, might indict them, so that although
there was. seeming hardship in the Act there was really
no
hard.hip as eoinparei with the present system.
The only haidship he saw in connection with the New
Act ens the establishment expenses ; but, a. he had
aireesly told them, here he was treading on very tend. r
ground. He Woad, however, ask the question whether
landlords who hail tat their lands on the understanding
that the rate. rbould be kept down, had not been to
blame, and others who hal not the firnmess to fires
the keeping up of the routs, and whether accepters in
many districts too had not also been to blame, in allow-
ing the neeesaity for the paring of this Act, bonne it
was well known that during the last quarter of •
century an inane. number of eneliwuret had taken
place, the public reeds stopped up illegally, end the
public had been driven into certain grooves which
ought to have been psit Into proper repair instead of
leaving them (or people to break their rinks over. If
such roads sere not kept in repel., wait their any
hardship in compelling their being put in reruns., hesidea
the establishment charges? NOw he could not bieself
see that then weo any hardship impaled by the New
Act, any more than under the present Act, if the
present Act were duly and properly carried out, nor
any additional expense likely to be incurred, beyond
the payment of the offieen. According to this Act,
the waywarden of their own parish would be elected by
them pretty touch the some way as he ever had been.
He of course could not h-H what the working of the
Board would be, but there was this fact, they would
certainly be represented at the Board by their own way'
warden, whose duty it would be to ten care of their
interests, and if he would not take care of their
interests, they had the power of patrol by ejecting
bite from office. He did not like the principle of a
person being able to dip his hands into another's paket
without heying to pay himself, but this Act was based
on the principle of net and justice, laniard., lie was
hews, to be represented whoesys. If they bad bad roads
and did not wish to come under Hie operations of this
Act, the small bit of advice and warning he woull give
them was, "Mend your wan."
Mr. C1411E2478 said that he had acted Ai waywarden
in the several perishes he resided for the last 30 years,
and lie had always acted strictly op to Johnson's Act,
and if that Act was strictly acted an to it was perfectly
in unison with the present Act of Parliament, but less
catty in its oaratioas en account of the establishment
charges. He had kept the roads of his pariah in as
good repair as any roads need be kept, and he had
never exceeded 2.. in the and often it had been
such len. When he went to Saltwood, the hate
lamented Mr. Deedes, one of the members for Ent
Kent, wished him to be waywarden, and asked him to
follow the example of their previous road surveyor in
employing the old Dien upon the highways. He at untie
told him that he could pot really carry out that prin•
ciple, as be bad no idea of making the bikeway rate
pitying the poor'. rate. The consequence was, he
eniployed none hut ablebodied men upon the roads, and
he believed that that was the best system that could
he Wonted. He therefore was able to give his opinion
from los experience of the past, and he could tell them
that if they appointed local surveyors, and and up to
Jolinsen's Act, and employ none but able-bodied nice,
and make them feel an interest in the roads, they
would be able to keep them in proper repair at very
little expenes. On the other hand he considered the
new system would boa most expennve one and mat
ruinous to the perishes. It was the mine with their
roads as it was with their poor. If the parish"s had
paid proper attention to the mlnsioistration of the old
DOM' law of Queen Elisabeth, there never would have
been any necenity for the new poor law, and if perishes
would carry out Johnson's Act, there would be no
neeemity for coming under the operations of the new
Higbee, Bill.
The ieg-Cnatairae said, after an experience of 30
rearl, he was prepared to way that the present law was
amply sufficient for the efficient keeping in repair of
the public highways. He could remember when along
the roads from Shyers-lane to Higher Watenon the
rute of the wagon dragged upon the ground, and they
were obliged by sufferance to go through 11r. Pat's
property. Now all this had been remedied, •nd the
roads in hie perish were quite et for the magistratee
or any of the Queen's eubjeets to travel on. And all
thin had been done at Vie tenants' expense. Why th; n
rhould he hy stalled upon to pay for the repair of the
roads which had been neglected, and bear the burden
for those who had neatened Co pat their ehotater to
the wheel? There were instances where magistrate"
had not done their duty, but shy should than who
had done their duty be taxed for sash neglect? Why
should their parishes be thrown into slistricts—why
should he be called upon, after having made his own
roads good, to pay £125 a year for then who had not
done so? He trusted that the good sense of the gene-
rality of the magistrates of the county would induce
them, seeing the respectful manner in which they had
petitioned them, to see they had justice done them.
Ma. Dauer quite agreed with the remern of Mr.
Harting. He remembered the roads for • great number
of years around that neiglibourhood,and he had nen them
going on iinproving, so that now they were far different
from what they were formerly. If there were had
roads, it was the fault of the magistrate.* themselves,
who had the power to call upon the perishes to im-
prove them. Then, owing to the introduction of
railway., the traffic had, in a great many instances,
been diverted, so that • great number of the existing
roads were utterly melee.. Nobody wanted them, mod
it would be a great waste of money and perfectly use.
len to put them in repair. Mr. Andrews hod referred
to the fact, that under the New Act the parishes would
be represented at the Board by their own waywarden.,
bat they all know vary well that there was a vast
cumber of persons renting under gentlemen, who had not
the moral courage to go against their landlords' within.
He would rather yield to the proposal of his landlord,
even at considerable expense to himself, than thwart
Isis wishes. For his own part be thought the present
system ample for the maintenance of thy roads if acted
up to, resins that the magistrates had the power of
enforcing their being kept in proper repair. and that
the new Aet was unnecessary.
Kr. JOHN Houle, referring to the 41 section, pointed
out that towns might exempt themselves from the pro-
Vielolllll of this Act, by adopting the Local Government
Ad, so as to throw the expenses wholly upon the
cultural community. The clause was, "any parish or
part of a parish included in • highway district, may
adopt the Government Act in the same manner
and under the same circurrudanoss, in and under which
it might hays adopted the same if it had not been in-
cluded in such district ; and upon such adoption being
made, such, parish, or part of • parish, shall cease to form
part of such district, subject nevertheless to the Nl'
ment of any contribution that may at the time of such
adoption be due from yeah parish or p.rt of • pariah to
the Highway Board." And then, by the sth clause, it
was stated, "that when part of a county shall be
divided into a highway district, not lees than two of the
in justices. making such proposal, shall be resident in
the slid district" Now, as in IMMO parts ot tb•

county, the Inagietrates were very thinly scattered, it
was evident that there, for the (tarrying oat the pro-
visions of thie A:et, tie di-trict Moat be a very largo one,
and C 1.,, Isrme the diatrict the greater cruni I be the
expeom. It had bees mid t!ist the eatal.lie'iment
chargee could not be very beery, lint they lomat hare a
surveyor, a clerk, • treasurer, and in large doitricm,
moat likely, an amistant surveyor. He thought if they
compere.: ft with the New Poor Law they would find
this Act soinotErat *Molar. Before the new root haw.
woe broUelit into opleratitm. it era/ said the establfith-
isieet ch • would not exceed one per cent. Bitt
whet had been the fact? line rvrvieli that be culla
',Ant to, the poor rates were tinder the old law £l2O a
yeti, cud one, although no more went to the relief of
the prkit thew formerly, the rate. were 1:1110 a year—a
treat portion of it going towards eetabliahment charges.
Mr. Andrewn had asked if there were any objections to
the New Highway Act besides the establishment
thanes? He tiought there was, and that *nth* prin-
ciple of esntralisdion—a principle that was meal de•
etruetive to the liberty Atha subject. The adoption of
the Act would also do away with the employment of I
their ampler labourer. when there Wee Blackness of
work upon the fate= He thought that at lilacs when I
there was • large number out of employ. it 'resilient as
well to sot them making good roads as it was hold
them wander about half-starved end in Menem.
Hr. THOMSN HONK. Sakenelin said he
his landlord to repair his roads. He emu hie ono sin-
veyor , he could always get the material, and alien his
men could not get upon the farm, or when there wee
outline.; to do, he neat them upon the road.. He ehould
hare to keep the same stall of labourers if lie did not
repair his roads, so that the repair of the highways wag
thre• times m cheap to him now as it would ho under
the untie:ions of thia Act. lr. If ADDlrri.:: AAA your
roads stem good newer ] Yea, Ilia roads were in good
repair. Now some farm., if the Act came into operation,
would have to pay RlOO &fear way•retes—a great
portion of which under the existing chat went towards
paying the landlord his milt ; and perhaps, lender tide
Act, the rent would never find it. way to the land•
lord. eepecially as the Mani would have to be first
I Paid. lie thought if the neagistrate• looked at the
metter hi this light,. they would some of them pause
before they formed the Act upon them.
Mr. AeuuigWß, in replying he • remark that fell
from Mr. bunion, said the megistrates must not be
oontidered wholly to blame for the roads not being
kept in better repair, for they had no more pow. r
Over the roach than other peop:e. The noigiAtratan
could not indiet without a complaint being trot made
and subotanliated, and it would be most invidumie
for nonistrates to make • complaint, mot then to pit
in judgment upon the cram. The parties who were to
blame were those whose duty it was to keep the road.
in proper repeir,
The CHAIRMAN mid lie thought there would be no
need for them to come to any remlution upon the
subject that evening. The large lend influential meeting
th•t was held a fortnight ago had mernorialieed the
mogistrates sgainst being placed under the operations
of tbe Act, and the ground upon which that memorial
was limed was, that the tinging Act of Parliament
was sufficient for the porpoise of making good made
throughout the country, and that the great objectiona
to the operation of the new Act—and if he understood
the feelinp'uf the majority of the present mee•inathey
were the mine—first, the expense of the establishment ;
and see iodly, the principle of centralisation, which takes
the power out of the hands of the load authorities.
lie thought these were two substantial grounds of
objection, and he therefore perfectly agreed with the
memorial which bad been sent up to the invostrates.
He thought the memorial would prevont theebringing
into operation of the new Act as wise proposed.
The ground the memorialieta took, that the old Act
was sufficient for all the purposes required, was almost
tantamount to • promise on the part of all the occopiera
woo signed it, that they would see to it that their roads
should be mode good upon the old principle. And now
they had another important topic set down for dis-
cussion that evcomg, but an it was now 2.5 minutes
past 8 o'clock he would put it to the meeting whether
they should proceed with it or postpone it till their
next monthly meeting. At that late boor he woo afraid
they would not he able to pay that consideration to it
that its importence demanded, but he was entirely in
th!.l.aq.s of Mr. Homer and of the meeting.
. .

Mr. !lowan said for his own part be would prefer
that the consideration cf the subject should be post-
poned, and upon the motion of Mr. Gene., it was re.
solved that Mr. Homer should bring forwent hi. subject
at their neat meeting, mid Mr. Galpin the lecture he
bad undertaken at the meeting following. The company
then separated.

DORCHESTER.—Pircamo CORN MARKET, Sa-
turday, January 3.—Wheat and barley of rood
quality firm at late rates inferior and secondary
qualities, as well as oats, wers dull of sale. At.
tandance large, but very little business transacted.
MILITIA BAND.—On Thursday evening last the
men and boys belonging to the Drina and Pife Band
of the Dorset Militia were most liberally entertained
by Captain Smith. Previous to partaking of the
excellent cheer provided, they played a selection of
' popular music in front of the house, which gave
great satisfaction. We need hardly say that the
kindness shown by the worthy captain was most
gratefully acknowledged by the recipients of his
hospitality, who spent a very pleasant and happy
evening together
EPIPHANY PIDISIONN.—The quarter sessions com-
mence this day (Tuesday) at the Shirehall. when
the question of adopting the Highway Act will be
brought forward, against which there has been
strong opposition manifested by the leading agricul-
turists and others of the district. The tAlowing
proposals, in pursuance of four requsitious signed
by more than five Justices of the county, and
transmitted hi the Clerk of the Peace, will be con-
sidered, namely : —l. For dividing the county of
Dorset into Highway Districts. 2. For constituting
the parishes iu the Cern. District • Highway
District 3. For constituting the pea-aphis in the
Wimlvorne Division a Highway District. 1. For
constituting the parishes in the Sturtninster Division
a Highway District. The trial of prisoners will
commence on Wednesday morning, and will be of
more than lIIIU2II interest nu account of the examine.
tion of the parties implicated in the canvass robbery
at Bridport. The calendar contains the names of IS
prisoners.

A W 0)1 AN WITH A LA HOZ NVIIIIER OF A LIASIML
On Monday afternoon, Mary Ann Harbinson, alias
Cann, alias Williams, alias Wilson, abas Jones, alias
Hutchings, was bronislit before the borough magi'.
trates on remand, charged with obtaining a large
number of goods at various places ander false
pretences There were but three cases heard, nue
was for obtaining two pairs of ladies boots of Mr.
Mills, Cornhill, under pretence that she was a
servant, and that she was sent for a pair of
boots for a lady who was staving with Miss
Coombs. She had previously tiro' there, but
had left, and Mr. Mills allowed her to take two
pairs of loots to "try on," and she never
returned with them. She also obtained two pairs of
clogs of Mr. Jacobs, for M is, Coonths. A third case wu
obtaining a silver watch, value .CI 171. 6d. and a
guard-chain, value Is, from Mr. Heiman, watch-
maker, I3landford, under pretence that she was a
servant to Cot. Topp. She had also obtained money
at Maiden Newton under pretence that she was.
servant of Lord Poltimore, and other things in the
name of Archdeacon Buckle, of Upwey. It appears
that about a month ago the police were informed of
some of the cases, but no clue could be obtained of
her whereabouts till last week, when it was dis-
covered that she had been in Dorchester, and had
slept at the Exhibition Hotel, on Monday night,
leaving next morning for YeoviL- -P.C. Cousins was
accordiugly dispatched in pursuit of her, and found
her at a publichouse there, and brought her look
to Dorchester. A number of things were fotind on
her, including the silver watch, and pawn tickets of
articles pledged at Dorchester, Weymouth, Yeovil,
and Exetar. She was committed for trial.
E'.'t•LINCI a Puce or CLOTH. - John Gawler
was brought before the Borough Magistrates on
Monday, charged with stealing a piece of cloth,
value 10s, of a hawker named Cayton. It appeared
that the prisoner was at the Chequers with several
others, when the packman came in and offered to
sell a piece of cloth for 2.55. After a while, the
prisoner offered him 10s, for it, and he threw it at
him, and said he should have it. Prisoner auntie-
quently skedaddled without payment, and the
packman giving information to the police, prisoner
was taken into cuatody. He pleaded guilty, and
was conimitted for 7 days' hard labour.
FRAMPTON. —Tarrolostat TO yes Ray. J. P.
F. Davit:mos.—The Rev. J. P. F. Davidson, the
late curate of All Saints, Dorchester, having been
presented by It. B. Sheridan, Esq., and Mrs.
Sheridan, to the Vicarage of Frampton, Dorset the
parishioners of the parish of All Saints, and others
who occasionally visit the church, decided on pre-
senting the rev, gentleman a testimonial, as a mark
of their esteem and respect, and in grateful remem-
brance of his ministrations amongst them for the
past four years. A subscription wiui accordingly en-
tered into, and a silver tes.kettle, and handsome
case of silver dessert knives and forks were selected
for presentation. On Friday, the 26th of December,
Messrs. If. Lock and W. Slade, on behalf of the sub-
scriber., waited on Mr. Davidson at the Vicarage,
FrampLon, and presented him with the same , and
he has returned the &Bowleg acknowledgement
Idy ,trer Frionee,-1 he. received •Ith seers !I- Aware an
errie • the I.:0 rn. eta.' lo' your nig, .i, pr. sewed to ne. on
theocrat um of sty rernovel free anions y. a.
.111 u cardu b whtvhiy I bet vs,. It re a t hen of ms.,y past
Meadows-oe. and will neon •• a renternOanoe of that splrita..l
fellows. 'w In which ler lose year... sewer. coiled p aloe an,
.eh. '! hat dela es, at len t outwardly, is now mewed. Hot
obeli s•• eel,. .1(1,M the prayers atio ordses In wh eh we. in
nevoidg..l tejoht t (her yet await their answer and 141:atri tit
biped his eat Oily scene of th.tsge, we @hal Itel %tilt lowerd.l
and In vii.. have atilt ab, le anion sth vett o• her,
leg oe *trowel' all tbangwe Into the Ile re Onfter.,Ylti alb, our
hauls onward wile. a coma* bops loth .t div when our reyere
vital it Weikel before the tvone tar ',id. Is thi, hope, .et u
oot awe • to pray e•blinteally ,-nu. for thee het, that, Inoue, &b.
mot is h• Is 11, we may often vow Ineeth r ii, Ile spirit.
aloe your rentereb-snee of me. and eba'l 1,1 r.j ice
time that the snit 01(.k4 Is abounding am qua y s aa,ay ~4
wards the nnur wont roc I fel sa tseeetal • er4 of
lu vs, at flew c.tlage ho rues I have teasel oft times Is, ow,- then,
, see, %let, a•ni teciv-d moe Cou. 'is iui thai I have beta ahl vi.. I cannel kiwi- gaup my terns, L:esires for y
inse tr. .ye this its 'ha- wer es to, whet', hoe ever d ,doi wu
shall be meal is tee oar. us yGay. th twe may all
'be the ,Inoet ocy ci as. 1t,., and eokataney of .s at ti even net.; G. th, glorify tip 's Ii ly same'
.1!e ire • *to r. main
HY dew friends.
" Veers env • Iset:ma.,is 'o tbs Lord,
r.F, uAviusox.
rss,pase Viewers. 'awes's' bay, Int."
BLA DFORD.—Cou STY Bati..--Ou Thursday
evenii g a large and aristocratic assembly were gathered
togetl or at the Corn Exchange, the roof of which
was t”ry tastefully decorated with evergreens, and
the.w..lhi papered with maroon coloured paper, the
kfirli!ei•ting pillars covered with design, and paintings.
room was further embellished with mirrors
and timing of the graces and other devices.

; refreshment rooms was fitted up at one end, which.
teeiled much ti the comfort of the guests. Couches
filled the remeses, and • orchestra, fitted up in the
same style as the rest of the apartment, gave to the
' whole a neat and finished appearauoe. The whole•
' of lb., arrangementa reflected the greatest eralit on
Ithe taste salt good judgment of Mr. Errs. Supper.
I wee served in the Townhall. H. G. Stun,
I was the munificent host, and provided also the
whole of the wines. All the delimciis of the
season were presented, and sherry and champagne..
seltzer water and Claret were abundant. The mare
were
e e okl f
cook r.
fSrotumr t
uttrats
.r
(Mr.wee engaged by Mr. Myers for the supper_
The following ladies and gentlemen were present t
L,era meby, Hon. W. H. B. Fortino,. r r., and Mrs.
end the Misses Portman. (2), Mr. Maurice Portman, Col.
Neville end Mr. Medlicon, Captain Augustus Foster,
Capt. W. Bower. Mrs. and the Misses Bower, (2),
IL F. Hower, Mr. Grandy and Mr. H. S. Bower, F. T.
I Johns,- Esq.. end Mrs. John's, H.. Ker &inner. ge."
INP Mfs. and
MGAlrissrmt.sylricSetteriwinfnd.nr.oirees.,MpicSit.lgierri.litnyi:au:cEe.l...;3lff.H.er.:7(-7:11,,irier"...
tliu.Ci,silwiek, Mr.. Mrs.. and Miss Torkint.,n, Mr.Trs,U
end Mi,.. King. Miss j)avi,., Colooel Parke. Capt. B.sset.t,
Me. Do Cat'., Mr. F. Fryer and the Nl'.. Fryer, Mr.
Mr.. and Miss Yeatinan, Mr. Oliver. Mrs. Dishy, thee
StTyFreat.g:ocunr.B.q.ere.ill)l,:xMrs'Yrr.....aMefd.dt:Marrs.4l.hymTsroi.Aky:tesa:BßlMtu:lis«Mukbrt.7l:ll:mr;:jHondrare.ll.o:l7ld.
Mrs. Portman, Mr. ('err Glyn, F. King, Cope
Glyn, Mee. Okeden, Miss °kedge, Mr. A. Okeden, jun ,
Mn. Collier, Miss Evelyn Portman, Mrs. Fitsharding
B. Portman, Mr. Allen. Mr. John Wyndham and the
Misses) Wyndham (2), Mr. J. W. B. Hawkeinvorth, Mr.
R. Fryer. Mr, Fryer, jun., Mr. Blennerheseet, &a.
HINTON A RTELL —A very happy and suc-
cessful entertainment was given in this parish on
Tuesday evening, 30th ult. We were fortunate
enough to be present on the occasion ; and we are
bound to my that never, or very rarely before. have
we seen so much intelligent enjoyment among •
country assemblage, nor so thorough and hearty an
exclrange of good feeling between the people and
the rector's household. The Bev. Charles Bridges,
so well known in the county and in the church
, generally, on this occasion had provided a liberal tea
for about 100 of his grown-up parishioners, who
were comfortably seated at three long tables
stretching the whole length of the school-room.
j The room had been beautifully dressed with ever-
greens by the rector's family, who conduct in it •
well-worked night school during the winter. At six
o'clock the first-rate brass band of the village struck
I up a lively tune outaide,shortly after which the guests
' took their seats. The waiting was excellently done
by young men of the place, under the supervision of
Mrs. and ?dim Bridges, and Alias Torlease. Mr. E.
Bridge', and Mr. Stokes nee. also busily engaged.
I The rectory piano, which bad been placed on a high
platform next the seats provided for the band, was
kept going during tea, and the greatest animation
I appeared to prevail throughout the room. After
imaging the concluding grace, the guests moved into
the playground, and listened to some more music
from the band while the tables were cleared and
the room re-arranged for a lecture on "Lancashire"
by H. Motile, Fee_ of Dorchester, who had attended
the meeting for that purpose. Before the lectors,
the well-known glee " Hail, smiling morn," was
given with excellent effect by the members of the
band and other singers, ll trained by Mies Bridges.
The lecture was a concise and simple sketch of the
present Lancashire crisis. Its connection with the
American war, and its history from the very origin
were clearly drawn, and some deeply interesting
facts and statistics were given. Mr. Motile, after
drawing the attention of the audience to the different
claws of sufferers, bore testimony to the vsrione
ways in which he hoped each clasaaocording to their
ability, were doing their part to mitigate the genera
distress. He spooks of the patience of the sufferers•
themselves, and after contrasting their noble endu-
rance with the riots and rebellion that took place'
years back when the introduction of steam power
produced • temporary scarcity of work, he chewed
that this difference was clearly traceable to the
spread of more liberal and Christian education
aneugst them. Mr. Slou:e also spoke in the highest
terms of the habits of frugality and enlightened
economy showing itself in the different co-operative
institutions, &c. The moral effects of the lecture,
we hope, will not die away. It enlisted much true
manly sympathy, and we have reason to believe
that in many instances self-denial and self-
sacrifice, which the lecturer sheered to be
at the root of true sympathy, will be more
practised than they have before been. The
lecture over, a number of songs and glees were
sung, the chief being, " What shall be have who
killed the dmr!" " Some folks love to sigh,"
'• Foresters sound," " Say a kind word while you
can." Mire Bridges also sang the "May Queen,"
and " Ring out, will bells ;" and the band pissed
several interludes with greatapplause. Miss Toil..
kindly and ably presided at the piano. Hoare of
laughter were drawn forth Ly the song of " Husles,
bye, baby," but through all the merriment of this
social and cheerful evening, there was a display of
good taste and manners, which reflects real credit
on the Dorset labourer. After a few parting words.
from the Rev. C. Bridges, and the singing of" God.
save the Queen," Mr. Stokes, in a few ridable
words, called for the thanks of the meeting to Mr.
Bridges and his family, on which several rounds of
hearty cheers were given for all concerned in the
proceedings. A collection for the Lancashire sufferers
was made at the door, which was excellently re•
spooded to by the guests, a large number of copper
mins appearing in t4e plate. So ended, in goodwill
and harmony, fitted to the season, a festival which
we reaspiaurted at
Hint"
Marta'
anti
oparoti!hfOn Wednesday
truste"
may
yL - imitatedTb e l
li: often
ri nne
look
ly
ea
there ct
e erected
nmide a't a nyi *Ch. co
scholarsfplaceorl parents
4 thTeriananbli:feriCehnnuedFcof
h.
A large number of tea-drinkers assemble and
did ample justice to the viands provided
After the social cup had been freely discussed
over, • meeting was held. Mr. Penny, one
of the churchwardens, in • lengthy speech, dwelt
upon the necessity parents were under of seneing
their children to school, and of giving them • good,
plain education, which would be useful to them in
afterdife. He scouted the idea of some parents, who
said they could not afford to send their children to
school, and contended that if they gave them •
good education they would soon get money. He
wanted for all young men to be calculating men,
and stated that he never heard of such men in the
Bankruptcy Court. The children of this town, he
said, were sent to work too young, and he had men
children of seven or sight year. of age at work, but
he was of opinion that if instead of this the parents
were to send them to school, and give them • bound
and useful education, they would ultimately derive
more benefit from them, than they did from their
earnings. The meeting was then addressed by
Messrs. J. Curtis and William Burt, who asked the
parents to assist the Sundae School teachers in their
labors by sending their children regularly to school.
Mr. J. K. Chant then made a few remarks, observing
that education in Yeovil was much neglected, and
said that the only society which worked in earnest
in the town was the Temperance Society,
as hardly a week went by without their
hissing some sort of movement. He next referred
to the low estimation in which the advantages of the
Institution were held by the young men of the town,
and said he had even beard from the pulpit that tile
rifle corps movement ought to be hailed with joy by
all members of society. He denounced the good
accruing from rifle corps, and thought that if young
men would bestow their time to literature instead
rifle corps, it would be much more to their &dean-
!age. In conclusion, he said he supposed they alt.
! anew the inscription of the school at Martook—
" Mattock, neglect not thine opportunities," and
be hoped that Yeovil would not neglect hers.—The
ered
reGiltpeecue:doOivvee.:rniji.to.t.mh i:libe)ntadarda.hteEtghslieLvoteinhtconeegdythuie7eb:reiumaievifnueegmed :a.cohtawflihocthenhhanalleoch:dcanfaiditioottneydlie.,:thtegteltxttlbwiang:toe:
altogether upwards of £1,200. The school was in-
tended to receive children at the age of two years
until they became nine )ears old, and they would
begin their education by being taught to read,
write, and cipher. The Bible would be read, for
never would he dissever the Bible from education.
If they acted upon the suggestions of the Govern-
ment they would appoint a committee of ladies to
superintend those important branches—sewing and
knitting--and every girl would be under the neces-
sity of learning this work. He said he could not tell
what would be the cost for the attendance of the
school children, lint the Government bad promised
this aid —that all children under 6 years of age, who
attinded school more than 200 times in the course of
the year, they would give the managers of
of the school a penny a day for all such attendances.
in order to encourage the parents to send their
children regularly to school. Mr. Elliott said perhape
the cost for each child's teaching would be twopence
a week, and for the children who came more than
200 times in the year, the parents should receive
one-half of the Government grant. The cliddren
would have a good education at the cheapest possible
rate, and in the beet possible way, and in • room
where their health would be consulted. The rev.
gentleman concluded by an affectionate appeal on
behalf of the Sunday-school. The proceedings of
the meeting were much enhanced by the choir of
Trinity Church singing several pieces of sacred
music at intervals, under the conductorship of the
organist. Mr. Harding. On Thursday the scholars
and teachers attending Trinity Church Sunday.
school. were plentifully regaled with tea and cake.
After the tee several recitations were given and
hymns sung, by the *cholera, add the meeting was
brought to • close by the exhibition of • magic
lweteen, at which the young ones seemed highly
delighted.

Printed sod published for the Proprietor. by CHARLis
WHITBREAD MILLAIID, of Princes-street. Dorchester,
Printer, at the Oboe of TAe Dared County Lepers.,
Chorab•strest, iD•rebestet, Toemoisy, Jsaaary 6,

(1i

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