The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1870-12-27 00:00:00

. Thee maul _ WEYMOUTH. '
1:21 Paten,* triTeenirtary display by our tradesmen
the72,W_ Mount,
elle festive 111•400 of Christmas, was
lonnisew right hefting last. Taking it altogether
than Ileell • hed tetelettated as good as those of
arosersB4l4 le lere has certainly been seen
bun . 0 the shops. This no doubt
I'
Weser Whirga ma leanity of feed and the immense
Sherbet ek._ Wade
POWs** " to some establishments
4"11,1317 C.1."41'
weie4.m.l,__ ow kr ,----7,7 r. Cum —lt is with extreme regret
At
...S. 'Wallis, so long the indefatig. nise Of tin%
after rove club, has resigned his office.
...., wreated,t4,4,4 of the members on Thursday,
ortanately ineffectual attempt'
_wl• enattimoo., t'welleder his decision Mr. li. Gibbs
vote of iktti;7 elected to fill the vacancy. A cordial
frnee nakin, toiree then given for his long and very
we reWied. nrewhich Mr. Wallis with evident mew
elhottethor min, hr.." Pleased to hear that we shell not
11. vill••• eantin "' "eel, voice in the cricket field, as
Caine ea to i..,
-•-• an active Le member.—Commani
nny -
'Algona rahkill7T ffOR Pnowantio Cethiemunrr
Mar* at wirink-Allfferes tep belied of this society
'S. 7 lelle, Irks reeeh andilladipole this week. Oa
ae the • J. 2. Broca*, M.A., ueociation
L
- '416.41.. s ..,seQweetrY. Preached sermons at St.
", aftere....._—'• Mr Bow H. S. Clieeold preached
T.
......... The reeler of Meleombe Regis. Rev.
. Jeffs sad liff.'-'"well_ et &dipole church in the morn-
! .i.'.:11115001M-o, led tojer°,._ll the afternoon. The collections
' ..,.wwfreettit "0. Sd. The annual meeting of the
the association was held et the
...Mk Mooney evening, Rev J. E.
via
.1 vw. inithiath:
etir,putatlon, and the A En,. T. A.
VW,
• *Oa asead...l4l 44%•10/.-0a Monday evening last,
rut had at the Wesleyan Schoolroom,
After tea hail rot !rhea about 150 friends sat down.
. . wheel method away. About 200 assembled
• ilLeitgpon. ..,"°_,,le to hoar • lecture by the Rev. J.
—...7lletetwleat minister on ".1 amaica."
..r.Z.:._ delightful indeed, and we have
werr...._. heurt=eth bird declare that be never spent
.. etereelne. aer.—^• Pleasantly than at this tea and
M the men , then commenced with the discovery
aborinfon. tbeirwele. and described the character of the
cruel treatment by the Spaniards, Led
hiseel: aof the race. Mr. Henderson brought
~ gantribee .00"11 to. his own entry into Jamaica, and
:•lee wow etahment at the beauty of the seedery,
out he "5O( the atuatry were most graphic,
wiz inimaratod his lecture by digressions
jeee—"emlien
_subject*. 8o abundant was his flow of
•that theta is enough left for another.
Peths""" zero lee Henderson as
nminag
ea be , es, and I 4 Mr. is
MA 00 Monday night, further treats
8" trA
was dire. Til• Object of the meeting and lectors
t. beige:ate • ithan th eial scheme for e benefit of
111,..._
_delete,
_ha whit& the friend, wish to raise £l,OOO.
•wwwwaT &Woman POPOL&R Farrzwratuter ts.—On
remiss last, the committee made trial of the
Royal Merl Arm* Rooms, and were rewarded
with 4 blllwlehl7 leemerous &idler", though there wee
roma anoltin sod to
lady e attraction of • new
itei.aill=p. a rear; Th
by G. Bishop, Esq., and the
, drew many of our fashionable people
' le. Vii.L.....lemellee the entertalatamn, and assist the Eye
..
, for whose funds it was got up. Mr. Dawes,
311111 r el thestaiband. offered an apology for the large
Celleztiptrod music in the programme, whit&
by reminding us that it was the centenary
a 855•hoeellord at the Orystal Palace and other
satertatmente,the made largely consisted of his week,.
Should it he feted that they had been too ambitious
Is &Wee. piing snob diffirmlt music,he hoped the audience
lte into consideratiou the facts he had nosed,men. Ind by theiz attention show that they wished
we rive the same honour to Beethoven as the musicians
wore attempting to give. The toren vu then
gone throe& as follows :
°wild"' • - - ' Przeistrue" - - - The Band
ilthelegu; "The Preachnum arid the Boxes" - Rev. F. Fisher
Dom • Sonata In D. Op. 6 - Mr. and Miss Dame
am - - • "The Wreath" - - •
=.1.. - "I Wept, mad oh I bow sweet" -
- - First Symphony -
Roosts Ardesix Return"
The Lugger -
Pall? IL
°"rilire - - - " Italian*" - - - The Band
"Meet me In the Twilight" - The Band
- " The Dream of Eugene Aram" G. Bishop, Bob
Duet. wad piano roue In D. Oy. it - Mr. & MI. Dawes
"The Red Cross - - Rev. F. Fisher
Quadrille. - ." Duchess of Malakoff" - - Tim Band
God save the Queen.
The instrumental musk was performed throughout
with gnat tame and appropriate expremion, and in
ffallesal with correct execution ; but we caanot help
thinking that the room is rather too large for the
powers of the band, at all eventsby the time their
skeins had reached the end of the room, there was •
suspicion of weakness in one or two selections, and
where the band was strengthened as in the second part,
there was • decided improvemeet. Miss Fooka's singing
was a unmistakable surer • the possesses a sweet and
dear voice of some consideisble power, which appears
60 be dovehiing under stile traininx. A little WIT,
roef
ea y ee, in the first song "Kathleen and the
ftw ow," Mir Peeks gained oonedenee each time the
&period, and was warmly encored. Mr. J. Parsons
won the approval of all, and • very hearty encore, for
the genuine manly way in which he sang, "The
Lampe," with which he made the room resound. The
. waned "Maiden, tell as why?" was very poty
indeed. In the readings we must place first "The
Dream of Eugene Aram," read by CI. Bishop, Req.,
zlitt, • full round and rich voice, and wan,
and the Bars," which we. fanny, and Mr. Terre
" Earth Arden's Return," of such a deep sadness that
all felt • great relief when it wall finished. The soiree
herd much too late, end many of the principal of the
mediums wisely left someitime before the end, although
. the q by the band, served to enlin ue 41.
. Betweenva
-pest 10 and lithe National Anthem was
gang, and the party broke up.
Worm Sewn° A MOSIMENT Soctrry.--The drama

- Iliin Fmk.
- Quintet Band
- Mr. W. Tarrer
- Kr. J. Plflllls

_
ems la the asoesdast on Monday evening last, at the

sow Contort Hall. The mete-urn determined to re.
wooed tho whole drama of " Bleok•Ereal Susan," the
maw sad music part was gone quickly through.
Mr /sad ooramenwal with the spirited and modern
oolootios, " Lord of Lorne": Mr. A. J. }limiter
_ . .

-.411411. sang
" Mesiba; Wright, sad Phoebe Brown." with muter
mom animation than usual, and ao well that he was
heartilly applauded • Mr. Dover, the favourite dancer
nod actor of the Concert Hall, then appeared as a
newitel imitation of the sham military swell, and ssng,
s. NOMA da Wellington Boots," Ids asaumption of the
Iramrdly-dardy swell's manner, a in Dundreary, bring
exqaisite, ; but Mr. Dovey wisely relieved the
action with a little more animation than usual' so that
his wen was ludicrous without being wearisome. The
whole repremintation was lint-rate, and Mr. Dove,
was deservedly moore& when be promptly returned
without Ms wig, whi.kers be.. and very pleasing
Moir "I will stand by my iriend." Mr. Legg, as Pro-
fessor Julius Omar Hennibal, with blackened face, in
portentous frills and an astonishing coat, gave another
stump speech with most amusing effect, exciting the
intense admiration, especially of the gods, and grave
awe wars forced to smile at the suggestion that to stand
cm Chesil Beach with the wind blowing and only a
m spiritual" wrapper on would be raytker cold.
rim "Professor" announced by way of having fun
for • Obrismas holidays, the Christmas drama
0,1 " The Mistletoe Bough," and a Christmas
Pantomime would be performed on Monday and Tues.
do eo,y; this provoked more applause, and Mr.
Legg's exit was suede amidst manifestations of delight.
mn ginger very musically and with taste and spirit
gave a natitiod balled "The Ironsides," and mug so
well, that be was Nimrod, when be gave "To the
West r Mr. B. Greenwood sang a funny string , f
rbynos about advertisements, and received spplau 3.
Alba as into-vat and more instrumental mush:, a
m
cars." no "Black-eyed Susan," the following
eg
having been announced as th. east:
William gi..Birls.tish sailor). - Mr F. C. Style
- - . - - Mr Barton
MA:r_in . - - . • - Mr Staines
-Mr Butcher
Door, - - . - Mr A. Harvey • -
Tbe Admiral - - - -MrC. F. Jaen, ...
Mr Durscy Le r
' - - - - Mr R. Greenwood
Seaweed
o..tbrao (friend to Susan) Mr W. It. P. Jeffery
- Mr Johnson
Pike - - - - Mr it Ica
- .-MrA. J. Remitter
• NrOeuwys
ileruisan - - - - Muter Oas

some seer ladies and gentlemen appeared in the piece,
mad roomed their parts very well indeed, though
free their Daises not appearing on the bill we re.
they do Pelt wish to be mentioned. Master Zos
otaujoed the difficult part of the heroine with
Aweson'
was ably played by
Bei Mr. .
sailor-like awing that won him
14,127.Z.0 ; dr, Dewey was admirable neerberstill
imam in,-;-. Nr. V. Jeffery was inimitable in Gnat.
Vireo's was an excellent representation
ehoslog oat the tyrannical and sneaking
of
eargrostthe old scan; and Mr. Roseiter wee oddly
a
amusing as the limb of the law. A capital horepipe
by the moors and e
arb°l° 01":* generaldance was really capital, and
was well pat on the boards, and well
th
performed.
you CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS -Our dramatic
FITS FOB
ours who have kept the stage filled at the New
arse 'mg out stronger on Monday and
_ ~__ eeepinge,.. when they will represent "The
'p!e!?.•.;_._ bough. This famous Christmas piece is
yliatimgdese, ; but more than this we are to have •
franeetogisie, " Harlequin Guy Faux.' In this the
:rtooei fyies" have been u
se' arranged as to " strike"
th
4woryhedy, without e.% eTt any' Personal Injury.'
The
seeek @Doppia. rilgoomomed arranged (not begged,
bellowed, nor tholes from aevera“•*,,,,,.., ..p..... j
end G. Joins. The •• Costumes" will be
by hissere• •
fogiad la
oorge.4 keeping with the petiod (ee pa..
MIDII). sm4l pi II" Dmit-.-Vrie4ns. n"t4w4l-the •1-t:
iikee is axPlm/ r to. out out" all previous
lorice_ssuy blot Igoe and essisbuita. The "properties"
pea aa embingvo we are afraid to
are uPos • them fearing •
my ethell &Wu- , __!..., ___"Property Tax" might
he wend, The ' mo!. my of the most extraordinary
asearipao. ;
hoia.d gar sritirre were employed to
resew : they were unable to work
ocesrrarassidnisioala a the sem. thil hoes, oomiequently were
disabused. wars Deulti entirely completed by Mr.
opeehose. These ars to be the characters,
Staple lia
good, bed, sad iadigiordat :-
Clirlows. • • - Mr. W. R. P. Jeferr,
- rather
ahmeoge 000119 • • • • • • .. Master Gander
obrieumas Tuella . "*" • • • • Master Cackle
ow
awry
.. „ .• .. ...Mr. P.O. Style
0.7
Iva
.. .. .. ... Mr. J. Butcher
Trimhoo
. ..
.... . . Mr. A. J. Rowdier
.r_ - •• •iiiiir. C. T. Jeffery
pi .1.00
aea.gla ..• Mr. R. il:"
rigon=yoe••
.. '. .. ..
• • • • .. 'Yr. 111.1111rinirstolli"eneh
Aso
piare,
.., ... • •
.. BY • imdiLim.arisur.
TbeZikabi 4 ebs.peatenidno are ii.e. follows :-C.gogie
--the meeting
ad Mbar Obeietoss of friends-tbe song
_the ehodoesge!:....ibesteci-th. ,of kinsa -kbe Nam.
ra_____.....iiss— al • d tatberstal daughter-the thhteer--Gtuhys-vPianiaima
pieee_au'a—seet4essitibil ComMiratore-the gunpowder1
. .
the molting of the Bing aiejeAlaasis
721 saaekror-Hisd Jame? chamber-the un t
ofidese..-00111110110 dbloPrlirstiee of On; Falk and
II"
amoimpaddea
••••alobarsown.°l fair
is toQueben.• maerrrydtitisrumfe each
sad, wia, es they me devaed to bonds ig
sgs•
kt bp le taiddillebb beg. aid the pamositia

ET COUNTY EXPRESS AND AGRlr''

(loud hughter). He would have liked to say more
about the army, but in the preemiee of a most distin-
guiabed offloer, of whom every man in Dorset had just
catue to be proud—Colonel Parke—(lood applause)—
he (the chairman) thought it would be out of place to
add more. Colonel Park had rendered good service to
his country in India, and WU entrusted with • most im.
portent command in that country during the Indian
Mutiny. Be had left his mark on toe annals of hie
country. and his name would he associated in the
history of that rebellion al ore who most faitlifulty and
sucoessfully maintained the honour of his country—
(loud applause). With the tout ho would couple the
name of Colonel Park to respond for the Arrny,Querter-
refuter. Tett for the Yeomanry, and Lieutenant-Colonel
Naomi for the Volunteers—(obeers).
Colonel PAULI In reply said: In C01:111041011 with
that tout their minds would naturally revert to the
terrible war raging on the continent, and to the fearful
losses sustained by their old ally, the Frimult nation.
For nearly 20 years the Emperor of the Frisch had
proved a staunch friend to England, and he could not
look upon his B.d reverse of fortune but with feelings
of deep sympathy. Had it not been for his friendship
and good will towards this nation. England might
have presented the same sad elegem a• France at the
present time, with her villages and towns destroyed,
and their farm produce devastated by fire. Wry much
had been said about their insular position, and to that,
no doubt, they might, in I great measure, ascribe their
freedom from invasion, but he considered that even the
bare possibility of invasion ought not to be. But what
were the foots of the case. The army was never pro.
bably In • better state of discipline, but it war very de-
fective in orpoiution and they had not a sufficient
number of horses for their cavalry and artillery. Refer.
enoe bad been made by their Chairman to the militia
and volunteers, but they knew If they wished to suc-
ceed like must meet like, and one party ought to be
equally prepared se the other. They had lately seen
by the sweats gaily taking plaoe in France, that to
bring • number of undisciplined men against • well
diseiplined army well organised must preys most dis-
astrous, and that the greater the 1111133bnr the greater
the loss. It was folly, therefore, to expect that the
reserves would be able to t.ke the field against regular
troops, except they were thoroughly trained, and com-
manded by efficient officers—(much applause).
Quartermaster Tirrr, Q.0.H.Y.C., in responding for
the Yeomanry, expressed his satisfaction that the
Government had at last recognised their urviess, and
required front them axtra drill to make them more
effigleak . .

with peater
heartily wiahe
happy New Ye
The CH aria,
the health of '
BLaadford /
Colonel

Lient.-OeL usii said that as regarded discipline
his saurian* of Dorset Volunteers was most setae:-
tory ; but what they required to be rendered effective
as a contingent regiment lo the regular forces was
organisation. With referees, to the army he expressed
his conviction that its effective strewth must be kept
up. They had been told of various ages in the history
of the world, sod the present might be justly galled,
to tar r this country was unearned, the seenornie
age. But be hoped that the year 1871 would be ooe of
common senie—(langhter and cheers). He would have
the army reinforced, and the sollida placed on such e
footing with it that they could make up sash regiment
to its fall strength of 1000 men. So mush had been
said and written of the defective state of the defuses
of this "country that others began to conclude that the
British Lion had lest Am courage, and that be would
turn away with his tail between his legs—(laughter)—
but they had found out their mistake. He was sure
they all highly approved of the suggestion of Earl
Rummell with respect to the reinforcement of the militia;
at the same haus be regretted that Lord Russell did not
do that which he advised when in office. They would
then have had a wall-diaciplthed and well-trained force
to rely upon. With respect to the Dorset battalion,
Colonel Maned stated that out of 28 officers, 21 went
up for battalion examinstion, 14 at one tune. The ex-
amination was by printed questions, sod of the 600
answers given only 26 were wrong, and the officer who
had the unducting of the examination expressed him-
self as highly gratified at the result. Passing to the
matter of enrolment, which he characterised as one of
their chief points, Colonel Hansel said he felt sure
that not one of those who had resigned when their
period of service had expired, but would come forwsrd
again and join their companies in case their services
were required. He only asked that those who criti-
cised the volunteers would do so fairly, and expressed
his conviction that had the voluateers soon after their
enrolment been drilled in battalions with the regular
forces, they would have been a most effective body of
men for the defence of their country. Before be sat
down it might be as well to give them the state of the
Dorset battalion. Its strength was 762 as against 764
last year, being a decrease of two, but they had now
700 extra efficients, as against 657 last year, being an
increase of 43. The reason why the total strength
was somewhat less was frogs the weeding out of the
ranks of thou men who did not attend drill. So that
in point of fact the battalion was even stronger than
last year, and, no doubt, in the spring many more would
join—(applause).
The health of the Lord Lieutenant and Magistrate"
of the county was proposed, and Mr- J. C. /fusel
responded. Some did riot understand the laws. Ile
hoped the young men who were made magistrates
would make these subjects this study. He would not
gay that there thould not be paid magistrates for he
believed the time was towing when such would be the
the case (cries of "No. no," and "Yes, yes.") In
conclusion he proposed the health of Mr. Portman
(theers.)
Tem times three, twice repeated. was the cordial
greeting which the Hon. Re. Portman received on
rising to respond. He said he most heartily thanked
them on his own behalf, and on behalf of his trolleagues,
I i gr,lfeelimstarat. reception they had given the toast.
to make a speatatar.tr
as it was the last dinner in connection with the Agri-
cultural Societies for the luau, being the back end of
the dinner series; and he therefore felt, as Mr. Tett,
had remarked on another subject, that they had either
heard, or read, all that bad been previcouly said at
former meetings; but he might be allowed to make a
few remarks, as one of their representatives, on the
measure' which had engaged the attention of Parlia-
ment during the pest session. Several very important
questions, chiefly relating to home affairs, were die'
cussed. The first in his estimation was the Education
Bill, the carrying out of the objects of which might
le.d to 110030 difficulty in country parishes, but he
believed that difficulty would be best met by their
potting their heads into their poeketa, and making
provision for schools on the voluntary principle, by
which they would avoid 'school boards, and be spared
flue discussions and disagreements which thou boards
would occasion. With regard to the asi-ealled religions
difficulty, he was of opinion that all dogmatic teaching
should be avoided, and children taught in the simple
truths of Christianity—their duty to Gott and their
neighbeurs—liond applause.) There was RO question
which to bill was of more importance than that of
maintaining the hollow and dignity of the country,
and be must my he thought the thinks of the nation
were due to Earl Granville, who had done his utmost
to maintain that honor ia his answer to the Russian
despatch— flood applause.) He Mr. Portman) was very
math pleased to find that his friend and colleague, Mr.
Start, in his speech at Sherborne, so eordially approved
of that answer, and spoke in such high terms of cam.
mendation of the Foreign Minister. He considered
Mr. Start was an honest out-elder, and he yet hoped to
see him on their side of the House—(loud laughter and
cheers.) Whether England would be able to keep
aloof (ruin the great struggle which was taking place
or not, ha maintained that hitherto she had not inter-
fered in Any way calculated to cause displeasure to one
or the other of the two nations now at war. The only
interference had been that which would redound
to the honour and glory of this country, namely,
the merciful interference of charity and benevolence,
the sending out of men and money, and other
necessaries, to the sufferers of both armies, and for the
relief of the poor peasantry of unhappy France. He
wu very grateful to see that at the Smithfield Club
show a project had been started to supply the inhabi-
tants of the country districts with seed for their land
next year, and he hoped that such a laudable project
would be carried out. Such an interference England
might well be proud of. and it was one which Prussia
could hardly complain of. Referring again to educa-
tion, the bon. gentleman said it was very evident that
children were not so ignorant as some people would
have them to believe, and that they had some know-
ledge of the passing events of the day. In a village
school • short time ago the teacher, in the course of
instructing a clue, asked them the meaning of the
word "adoption ;" and as they were not ready with an
answer, said, "Suppress that either your father or
mother were to take • little boy or girl and bring them
epic their own child, what would that be r. The cl.ss
were somewhat mulled, but at last a little fellow
answered, "Baby ferming"—(much laughter). He
considered that the high ecomplimente which had been
paid to the °mangy members by Kr. Hansel, and to
which they had so heartily responded were • proof that
they continued to live in their esteem, sod though •
general elution might not be very near, yet he believed,
if such were themes, there would be no change made
In their representatives—thear, bear). Reference had
been made by Mr. Tett to the readiness with which,
in cue of invaidcm, the Yeomanry would set in defence
of their country. He considered that the great value
of such • force would be, not in acting by themselves,
but as outposts of the regular army,to carry orders and
intelligence from cue part of the field to the other.
Some people might say that anyone could do that, but
he contended that when 40 or 50 men were required to
do a certain duty, it was better that they should be those
bound to obey orders, and be lad no doubt whatever that
in soeh duties the services of the Yeomanry would be
invalimble. Colonel Mused, In his speech, had made use
of a rather startling assertion, He called the present
an age of economy, and expressed a hope that the year
1871 would commence one of common sense. That
appeared to him (Mr. Portman) • somewhat singular
assertion, when thus were so many voioes for the
reduction of the county elpenditure—(abeers and
laughter). What he (Hr. Portman) considered was,
that that was • false economy to cut down our military
establishments to the lowest ebb, and thee to have to
raise them at an enormous loss—(lend cheers). A great
deal of disonadon had urine with regard to the
20,000 men, and in • conversation with Colonel Parke
on the subject, he had expressed his opinion thatinetead
of the reduction being made In the army, the services
of those men ought to have been retained by giving
them a small pension. Itorse somewhat singular that
the same views were bald by every common soldier. A
short time ethos he fall in with • man who be soon
found out was an old moldier, and as they walked to-
teti be made use of the same argument, witting that
et!berought the government should have retaiuenl their
services by giving thus a pension. He (Hr. Portman)
did not know what Mr. Cardwell indendsd doing; he
supposed he would re-orgenhe the army, but he did
not thlek be had done well what he had done; and
trusted that the strong expressions of public opinion,
which had been Put forth, would lead him le do what
he could to maintain the honour of the country, and
put the national forces in an ellialect state. It was, he
egesidesed, a taus for stash thaehfalnas that they
had so able a moan as Kiri Orsavllle as Foreign Secretary,
on whom the nation could safely rely to maintain its
haunt, Paring from these public matters to the object
of the meeting. Yr. Portman reld be could have wished
there bad bees. ierger party. When he came there
he 'leap looked upon himself as a neighbour, rather
than as their sweaty member. The year 1870 had
bees to himself, end many others in the neighbourhood,
a year of mash eenew, heavy trial and peat anxiety.
He trusted that the trials of the old year, wig& was
now tart dying cat, end the strength meth to bear
them, would have the elect of preparing them to meet
other trial% and Mai the new year might be tamed

and in that hope he most
all a marry Christinu and a
ciontinued cheering).
. them to drink with all honour
inhuman, the President of this
_el floolety—(applause).
returned thanks on his behalf.

---rec
wish am
or? 7,
Y long
luoked
. Mararqt
Agnetkra
r

Mr3püPieleitill the health of Mr. Portman
In his mint* eagoity sad as chairman of the meeting
(cheers).
/dr. PortmAx,in responding, thought it would be
much better to bee one annual dinner for • district,
comprising, in tat part of the county, Gillingham.
Sherborne, Stall:edge, Sturminster, and Blandford, earth
PA"e buying itilblM show of stook. He SU also in
favour of forint/ an But Dorset Cotten* Garden
Society, to give rises for flowers, fruit, and garden
produce, to wide, he believed, Mr. Bart had devoted
his attention. • proposed the health of the Mayor
and Corporatioenf !Sandford.
The Mayor (It H. Ott..x.) returned thanks.
The heslth 1 Mr. Freeland Filliter, as a weloome
guest, was nextroposerl by the Chairmen, who said
that be consideed it &compliment to himself, in haring
his company tht day. lie asked them to tell him by
• hearty reaspion that they were glad to see him—
(loud cheers.)
Mr. Firms said he considered It a very great
honour to haie his health proposal by a gentleman
occupying the pillion of their chairman. He happened
to be in the neighbourhood, and hearing that Mr.
Portman wino t. take the chair, thought iii suitable
opportunity to chow his respeot—(hear, and cheers).
His pleesnr, I'd been very much enhanced by mpatinjg
with Mr. Mane!, whom he could wish resided is bis
neicliboorhood and also in meeting with Mr. Parke,
and indeed wit so happy and pleasant a company.
The health°, the Committee of Management was
next proposelity the Chairmen, who with the West
coupled the nese of Mr. It. Fowler—(applause).
FowLit, in re4ponding, contended that the
present spites by which the holders of real property
were exempt from local taxation was most unfair,
whilst the linden rested on the hollers of personal
property, aii be believed that the litter would only
be too glad to pay the whole amount of the burden
towards the defences of the country. They had now
an excellent man as their Chairman, and he sincerely
trusted thaftbny would be able to make their views
known, and influents° felt in the House, and that they
would see at their meetings one or more of their
county inetthers.
Colonel Massa proposed the health of the Judges.
He referred to the condition of the homes of the Dorset
labourers, ant expressed his opinion that they were
under very great oeligations to Lord Portman for
Introducing • plan * which the wells of houses weld
be built at half the wet than formerly. He also sug-
gested the giving of • prigs to the proprietor of the
best ootaages as an inducement to landlords to build
those suitable for families, and also that the militia
should be called up for drill at those seasons of the
year when emoloyinrist was soiree.
Mr. ICY returned thanks.
The health of Mr. H. Fookes, the vice-Chairman,
was next given by Us' Chairman, and heartily received.
Mr. Focetie reaps:led.

The health of M. d J. Parke was then proposed by
the CHAIRMAN, and suitably acknowledged by that
gentleman, who gave" The Masters of Foxhounds in
the *minty of Dorset" coupled with the name of Mr.
Portman—(applause)
In reply, Mr. POSSUM acknowledged the kindness
he had always met mth from the owners of covers and
farmers generally, sal stated he entirely agreed with
the old couplet of Cleahlre hank

"One good fog more sport will bring
Than a thousuul pheasants on the wing.'

He proposed the Press, followed by that of the
Seeretary to the Society.
Mr. 0- ETZ&S, is acknowledging the 03mplime0t,
stated that there were 133 members.,

Theevening proceedings were enlivened by some
excellent sons; espitslly sung by Mem'. Blandford
end Dyke, with pianoforte aceompaniment by Kr. C.
Ryon, and cornet ay lir. Skivington.

,TURAL GAZEIVE, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, MO,

HOW TO AVOID RAILWAY ACCIDENTS.
Commenting on the recent railway aceidents, the
Tints suggests that Railway Companies prorite sopa-
rate lines for goods and passengers, and says the saving
in wear and tsar upon the rails by a special goods line
would be considerable.

OUR MILITARY RESOUROIL
The SlanSard, apropos a Lord Ritual's letter on
England's military resources, urgem that we owl have
an army of at least 100.000, and our miiitia and volun-
teers so organised as to bs able to take their Oxen with
regular tioups.

LOOSES OF Tint BAVARAIN OORPS.
The Bavarians, says the Tina correspondent, are
now redueed, comparatively speaking, to • soars band.
fol. This Corps d'arinet left Germany 30,000 strong;
they have been slues in 16 battles, without reinforce,
manta, Lod General Von der Tann cannot number now
above 6,000 effective bayonets.

THE IRISH LAND LOT.
At • recent meeting of tenant farmers at Bally.
money the chairman offered oongratalations upon "She
gloriorui fact that • man could now Moos, drain or
other•bie permanently improve his farm, and no agent,
landlord, or officious bailiff could, at lout without some
rick, seise and waft/ate the whole:"

PENALTY FOR "LETTING THE CAT OUT OF

TkiE BAG."

The St. Petersburgh eorrespoodant who sent to •
foreign paper a summary of President Grant's letter to
the Czar, sioneerniag • possible co-operation of Prussia
mid America, has been banished to (Moneta. The letter
being private, ill pablioation is regarded as oonatitntiog
an off,noe against the person of the Emperor.

TEIE CZIR'S REPLY TO A PETITION FOE
LIBERTY.

The Moscow Town Council, having in theiroongratn-
lat .ry address on the Black Sea question, petitioned
the Czar to add liberty of the Pt.,., tolerance of ell
religions, and other reforms to the blesainp he boa
conferred upon bit subjects, their address haa been
returned with a reprimsnd,