The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1879-12-09 00:00:00

BLANDFORD.

VOLUNTZU Serl;;;;l;;lii—iiratlTATlON.—The
Bth D.R.V. was inspecte I by Captain and Adjatent
Harmer 03 the Corn-exchange on Thursday evening,
when there w s a muster of upward' of TA The men
afterwards sat down to • capital supper at the Crown
Hotel, provided by Host Byers at the expense of
Captain John. who occupied the choir, an I was
supported by the Adjutant, Lieut. Smith, Assistant-
Surgeon Spooner, Mr. J. R. Wareham, Mr. R. Eye's,
tee. The loyal toasts having been given from the
chair, Captain Harmer distributed the prizes won at
the merit shooting competition as f 'Rows :—E3,
qgt. G. Groves; £2, and the challenge Cr'.. for the
highest aggregate scorn Corporal Hideout ;
Lance Cotporsl Derham ; 264' Private A. Litman;
20., Private Vincent 15s. each, Drill-Instructor
Thompson, Private Ricketts, Laztoe-Oorp)ral Roe,
and Lance-Curporal Light; 12a. 6.1. each. Private
Daniels, P. A. Barnes, and MO.. 101. each,
Privates G. Hideout, G. Orchard, A. W. Bartlett, and
J. Hunt • Is. 6.1. each, Privet,, Carter Private G.
Dyke, Anziorer-Sergt. King, and CorporalHorlook ;
5e., Private Cutler; teapot, Private Paull; cup,
Private Hodges; case of stuffed birds, Lance-Corporal
Archer; album, Pri‘ ate Thorn.; butter dials, Private
Holman ; a revolver, Private Davis; half-a-dozen
spoons. Bugler Dowding ; electro-plated match-box,
Pioneer Park; cradle and doll, Lance • 0 irporal
Gibbs; "Robinson Crime," Private Riggs ; half-pound
tea each, Private Goddard And Corporal Bartlett;
bottle of pickled, Private Watt.; 6.., for attending
every home drill, Private fiedlen • wooden spoon,
Private March.—The Chairman proposed in =habit
terms, "The health of Colonel Steward and other
members of the staff," and Captain Harmer, in re-
sponding, said the muster that evening vs. decidbdly
the best he had ever witnessed of the Bth, and he
hoped they would continue to attend welt—lb.
Adjutant impressed upon those present the absolute
necessity of thorough proficiency in drill and shooting,
and then proposed "The health of Captain Johns"
In complimentary terms. —Captain Johns, in reply,
said he had been a volunteer nearly 20 years, and it
was his determination to remain in the service as long
00 he was able. Than were only four members new
belonging to the corwreho joined at the time he did,
viz. ,Quartermaster t Davis, Armorer-Sergeant
King, Corporal Horloc end Corporal Gibbs. During
11. time he had enrolled 366 members, oon.equently
there were many old hands—one especially (" dergt."
Wareham he had almost said) on his left—ready to
come out if they should be required for actual service.
For a long time he had 03 subaltern, but now he had
a very good one in Lieutenant Smith, whoa) health he
had much ;demure in proposing.— Lieutenant Smith,
referring to some remarks made by the adjutant as to
marches out, expressed the hope that the company
would find their way to Lotion House as early as
wsdble.—The Chairman next gave "Th. Donors of
Prizes," and easociated with the toast thenames of the
sollectors, Messrs. T. M. Park and J. E. Wareham.—
The latter, in returning thanks, said his love for the
movement was unaltered. He left the corps on ac cunt
of ill-health, but he was thankful to say his health
had improved, and should his services be required, as
hinted by Captain Johns, nothing would afford him
greater pleasure than to come forward as an old heed
and do his best. It was not a very agreeable task to
collect subscriptions, but if spared, and he should
again be required to aid in that capacity, he would
gladly do what be could.— The Chairman then pro-
posed the toast of "Mr. Eyers and the Band,"
with thanks for their services at church parades.—Mr.
Byers acknowledged the compiling, nt paid him, and
said it always afforded him pleasure to tender any
service in his power. Not only was Captain Johns
heartily welcome to the services of the band whenever
such could be arranged for, but be had much pleasure
In offering the use of the Crown Meadow for drill at
any time when it was not laid up for mowing. As an
amateur bandmaster he bad been very successful,
having kept up the band for a period of 37 years. In
conclusion he proposed" The health of the non-c un
missioned officers," and coupled with the toast the
name of Sergeant Gilbert Groves.—ln response
Sergeant Groves said he had been an efficient
volunteer 19 years. He ha I been successful In shoot-
ing and it was to their late drill-instructor, Sergeant
Fitzpatrick, that he owed good training.—Sergeant
Bird, Corporal Nesbitt, Corporal Horlock, and others
also spoke to the toast—The band played several ,
selections, some songs were given, and • very pleasant
evening was spent.