The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1877-01-02 00:00:00

CHRISTMAS AT ,THE HI)THE FORT.

We have all read of the time when men shall twat
their PW"PiS into ploughshares, end their spears into
paining hooks, and although that happy time d.,es
not seem likely to come yet, it in not a had foretaste of
it. when our soldiers use their weapons for pretty de•
signs to ornament their walls, when they enwreathe
Aant eamb at with holly and bright rosettes, and net up
the statue of Father Christiana triumpnant on a gun
carriage. Snell was the state of things at the Nothe
Fort .at Monday and Tuesday last, when the gagant
fellows whom 4ergeant Major Teesdale looks after in
a, fatherly a manner, showed that, although fully tore-
ro-ea for war, yet they rejoiced 'in '' Peace on earth ;
will to men." Even the jinn rooms were turned
ha," bowers j beauty. and VX111.v.i.1117, kinallik•ss
met yon on all sides. The nennbers of times we SAW
"A merry Christmas and llaiiw new Year" in the
glinasens might weary the reader if detaile I, they
were done in fancy letters of all kind., On ;.T. 1.1.
and all-coloured grounds, each room viewing with the
rest.

N... 9, being the first we came to. mnst have the tint
chance, and the description of the other., will be some-
thing alike. I ',domed chains of bright miter dei pentled
front the corners of the room and met at the crowns if
the arches, interspersed with festtstfts of evergreens,
tie: shelves decorated with wreaths. On the cartridge
lift w.,'. "V.R.- on a white gisatnd encircles' with
evergreens, ltowths of cypress and launtstinto partly
hid erossed swots, at the base heing crossed tirepipes,
while designs in gold awl colours showed the worker's
skill. The great cannon was nearly come:ilea in a
bower formed of flags, and branches, awl inside was
discovered a full size efhgy of t'ather ( 'hristmax as a,
tesslntan. But it was the vmotlinatt that " spared that
tree." for an exhortation to .1., oio 1•514 fcannl by the
site of Ii i iii , awl a lw•ttle if hecrantl sundry pmvisions
altowed lassupiso...4 emi doyment, tit...tittles:4 :Lbint that
it was better for artillerymen themselves to he enjoy.
Mg 1 ltristwas fare that. III”WiIl,' down fellowmen with
..hot awlAtell. I star of AP'. 416 ;1111 I ,Owr designs
7 completed the adornment of t ‘ll I. Intl Neven's roes.
s
Nt,. was decorated mainly •y I :limier Inglis and
friends. The usual coloured hains and evergreens
were employed, and among the legends were " Long
life to our officers." The lit* were appropriately
deeorated, and on the great gun; was a stand of arms,
with a fan 414 swortls, rifle r. 51,4 awl tettnigts grass, a
a line onnen was near the month of the gun. and on
either side a Prince of Wales' plume. Corporal
I loward was in charge of the room.

No. corn, ulnae; Col-ism:A Daly, evidently had
moue inmates who expected a s iit. fr en the ladies, for
they Lel sMipeuileil an enormous bunch id miscit.
Among the designs were starf eworiiii and their
sheaths, cnommi stands of arms, with swords lived ; an
oetagon of I itle rods stool in the recess between shell
alai cartridge lifts, with large niAettes of all colours in
the middle. The cartridge and shell lifts were
decorntml with ivy, swords, &e., and tin gun was
peacefully trimmed with wreaths ,f ivy, one of the
• triumions bearing a very fine rosette. The windows
w .re here made to tsik more " genteel" with coloured
semi-trump:trent designs. Gunners King, Waring,
Curtis, J. and 11. limwn, were among the workers.
ThiA room hail a merry time in the evening, when
iiinging was ommteneed by " Mks " Hinton, Ilvinner
King following with a comic song, Gunner Waring
keeping up the harmony, and dancing went on to a
• its. time.

of No. -I began rather late : hut they
dhl not make •• half a kel *ho," with their colours,
evergreetet, awl thr;A. t'sprewlanil laortettheut n the
shell lift, rosette, weiheA, !uul ever4reens on the
an.l wreaths everywhere trenle Sergeant Toole'a
nenns look .ea,onable like the rest. .

No. 3, under charge of Ser.;eant Ann, was brightly
ad. wntsl with larg, Chinese I ad:rns, a photograph of
the band lOf the 31$ was over the mantelpiece, stare of
MlS,ci ,lU.OII MN. tteA, awl plenty of miseltoe houghs
levoratol the teetotal n. 'in, the work being mainly
c,rio 'nit by thinner tharp. In the evening most
.14 the hanato-4 spent a ',tort tune with the
R eelta flo itites, in the od Temp ars' 10.1:ereent.
We mast not forget to ment on that almost every
pt. en had at least " Merryl •hri4lnas awl Happy
New Year 1i.41•13ye,1, mot OW men all enjoyeil good
•Itristmas fare, WO as befitted the te.tive
thee.

,
Ml:. El)WAltli'S DINNEIi. TO THE l'Oolt.
Again le,, Mr. Henry Ettwari!,,_ oar Is:loved a.,'., ahown
the kisidnetss of hi, heart I ty pros-plots,- for the poor of this
honsagit above the age of OP a first-rate dinner of hot roast
and Gilled meott. with brunt, veget thlet,, and plum
pudding, with bear to moisten the good things. Mr. and
Mr,. Pago, the original founders of this annual dinner,
were of Cortr.o indiapensable in arranging: but his
a.,,,,hip the mat-or (Mr. Landie) had railed to hi, aid a
very representative committee, including the following:
—Dr. Drew, Mr. J. Vincent, Mr. J. E. Roberuk Mr It.
Thomas, Mr. 1. Abbott, Mr. T. Willis, Mr. G. Eliot, Mr.
W. Lovell, Mr. E. 0. Hallett, Mr. J. Isundie, jun. Mr.
H. Haggett, Mr. T. It. Grove,, M. T. 11. Williants, ;fr. J.
A. Sherren„ Mr. T. It. Charles, Mr. Monmst Mr. E. Ihtnn,
Mr. W. T. Aylesbury, Mr. S. Welsh, Mr. It. N. Hovrant
31r. G. K. Crickmay. Mr. W. Gregory, Mr. J. A. Tallest,
Mr. J. 11. Cole. !tee. V. F. Ibutoinse. Rev. W.:ileitis, Roy.
W. Lowi,, Rev. E. Bolton. Aid 350 tickets were issued,
. and there were supplied over its Il an se. of beef d unittan,
:Pa 11...0t pudding, 51 bu.hles st potatoes, half is cwt. „f
psut.uips, and a tli igen and half al 111. hovel. The +shoot-
room was gaily iler,sraleil by Mr. Scott, of 34, South-
ampton-street, Strtuzd, who kindly gave hi, ~,,rej,,,,,i
There were Itiottoeg in riiSt.in Wimil letters, and fro.to.l,
, awl omio in straw liiistiii. Among the legend, were "A
!Cavity New Year."" linear the Aged," and "A riti„ed
1,, toast its a friend treleed." There were a 1.., monagrams
-"
ii. K." with " M. I'." aorksal In small, of course referr-
ing to the generon, tlonour, " W,P.," (Mr. W. Page), ansl
- J.L." with "The ANT," aided. Flags and streani,:rs
ornamented the rafters, and anionget the flags on the
wall., was one hearing "Edwar,l). for ever." The Mayor
who presided, first read the tolfiwing genial letter tom
Mr. F. brazils:-
"5.3, Berkeley-sonars, W., tith Dec.
" My dear Mr. Mayor—Pleasai accept my bead thanks
for all the troulde you have taken in carrying out the
nrrringenieniA for my isigur,hibudie dinner toonerrow,
nod I pray you ale., to convey iny thanks to the cola-
mittoe for their kite( luminance. I hope you sill have •
large and happy g itherieii, mid carry itot the old saying
—'
The more the merrier. I regret I cannot he present
at the entertainment, but, although absent in bo.ly, I
shall lie present in mind, and I shall feel much obliged if
I you will tell my nu,sts it affords we much gratification
31,1.11,1:astire in entertaining the.t4l, and that I hope they
. will all thoroughly enjoy thew Ives, for the more they
I enjoy thennielves the happier they will make me; and I
. have they will an he my guests again next year. I am
anxious, t, further, to administer their comfort by giving
to every deserving married you le and single person •
blanket, and I shall feel much dliiiited if you will kindly
1....; usa aid in carrying this out Wishing you, my dear
Mr. Mayor, and all my friends in Weymouth, a very
happy New Year,
"Believe ma.
" Yours sincerely,
, "HENRY EDWARDS.
If thet e are any desetviag Point oil folks who cannot
go to the dinner, please gide instructioea to have
something .I.ine for them, for I am Imre they need our
sympathy.' I
Vie Ito ter WU' heartily received, so another token, , not
only t.f Mr. ['Awards's kindneys,- but of the pleasant way
in "hie!, he always complete, hitt good deeds.
' 4:ra, win said by the Rev. T. f alaker. The noniunttne
Were among those. who as.,.ted to carvers, nsid they seere
kopt Asset ints.ly employed, the scene being in,lee.4 a
tu ~ ,!,,,,y one, ii ioi upp,titts were everywhere the
fa.shion. and 11, pie-e. ife reiiaface were reduced in a
spirited manner, tilt a fine showlof bones testified to the .
era> in which "the workouts i., known by his chips."
Yet. tit le was still toted a corner turtle ahlohmal three
hiandredweigut of pudding wiach Mr,. Nage and her
helot pr staced from the side-room, and without which
the Christrnas ditto r woulsi nor I e eomplete. Go-.la-ill
and the !test of.' titles were every Where expre,sled towards
Mr. Edwarda ; but we will let the •pviiki,r,i at the after'
dinner proceeding* he the medium through which the
poor people conveyed their hearty feelings towards the
generous members.
The Karon (Mr. Lundie) after a few introductory
words, said he had great pleasure in stating that the

who had at these tables numbered 360. The
fir! mt had been growing in popular esteem, and Imig
might it remain a perpetuity amongst them, lie had
just endeavoured to ascertain, as far as possible, the ages
of those who were enjoying the hospitality of our worthy
member, and the figures he hail gathered expressed as
healthy • town as any in England. (Hear, hear.) There
were 20fi persons, from al to 70 years, and of these there
were many whose egos reached from tat to ; 120 persons
from 70 to SO, present in good bodily health, as they
would be aisle to testify when called upon; 12 persons
from 80 to IV, and some of them were b 8 or t4l years old.
(Applause.) Ile thought that though these were dry
statistics, yet they showed a good epeciinen of the
longevity of this town, and no one need complain, either
of the purity of the air or of the water here. (Hear,
and applause.) Now, he had a word to say with regard to
the giving of the bleukets. It would be considered is
sine qua non for those who received a blanket this year
,sliow that which they received on the laid occasion.
Moose of then. bad inconsideratolv and improperly made
away with their blanksts, and it was but right that those
who had been careful over them should be rewarded, as
well . that those who had not taken care of them should
be punished. Mr. Edwards wished to foster independence
and self-respect—to make them careful, to show them
that, having 'something about them, and being able to
take care of it they would be worthy of having something
more' Mr. Edwards wished that a very hearty welcome
might be given to them on his behalf. They all regretted
that the douor of this magitificent feast was not present
to witness the joyous faces oti either hand, showing bins
that whilst God had blessed him with riches, he was wit
using them for himself, but as the ateward for those who
are poorer in the world.
The Rev. JOllll STIMIENSON did not know that his ,
friends would want much in the way of a speech trio •
him, because lie heard so many tongues employed, and
could not help thinking that the little chat lietwevn
themselves was more interesting than anything he could
say. Although the weather was not very pleasant outsiCai,
yet it had been very agreeable inside, and although there
were clouds outride they did not seem to have reached
those sitting down here. They would like, perhaps, this
feast to be continual, but if they could not have that they
could have what would give them a continual feast—a I
tuerry heart. (Applause.) lie hail great faith in a merry '
beset—that it doeth god like ti medicine, and believed
that if we had more merry hearts the doctors would have
much lets to do. (Laughter). And be could not hip
thinking that the merry heart was indeed medicine,
especially to them, his poor friends, who h und it
hard enough to Lave • merry heart. It was all very
well for those on whom fortune smiled to have a merry
heart; but it was 1501 so easy for those who were poor.
But Mr. Edwards Lad determined that to-day at any rate
all the old people in 'Weymouth should have is merry
heart, or at lewit he in,01,l thi his best for that ein I. Aed
they would all prove to-ilay that the merry heart dieith
good like a medicine, and would go home not the worse
but the better for what they had taken on this ores.
It was what the doctor called a "tonic," and he triastesl
it would prove a tonic to them. (Applause.) Ile knew
well enough they had a hard battle of life sometimes ,• but
if they would stick to the beef, and go away and keep
away from the beer, it would he easier for them to tight
that battle. Ile was not, as most of them knew, himself
a teetotaler; and at the same time he liked to see those
Who could partake of :God's goal gifts in moderation' loit
the misery is that sometimes, when people heel they have
not a merry heart, they go to the wrong place to get oi e.
(Hear.) Coming together like this as fellow townsmen,
they would say they could have a merry heart without
making application to seine unwholesome beverage Lt.,
give them one, how sorry- he often was to hear of the
lives of those of our poor friends who have gone to the
wrong source! We all want to put away that grumbling
spirit which 14 common to all, rich anl poor, and he v as
wit sure he did not tiud more grumbling aiuougst the
rich than the poor. (Applause.) Might God bless them
all, and teach them all where to go fug a merry heart.
There was just One who could give it ttli and only
and if the poor would open their hearts to Him, be knew
what sunshine Ile would give—The Lord Jesus Christ,
",Who for our sakes becallie poor, that we through his
poverty might lie rill)." Might God bless theni all, and
he (the speaker) joints) in the wish of their member that
it might please (led to spare no all till neat year. (Ap
plause.) •
The nee. E. DOLTON (I;lourerter-etreet)whiressinc them
as "Mr. Mayor, dear friends, ladies and gentlemen,"
said he might le
_permitted to culainetwe his bpoeCti
day by saying "I.7nareustonieil as I am to puma;
iiig.. —(laughter)—but then he should add "after dinner,"
and that woult: Iv an excuse for at once sitting dowu.
Although. he had not been a sharer with thein of the
dinner which had been so abundantly placed on the table,
Le had enjoyed being present, and hieing one of the gutsta
of MI. Edwards, lie wished them the largest poseilde
Measure and happiueas, the truest and highest prosperity,
that God might yet proloug their lives, and that uteri
Year might find them totter and happier, and nearer to
the highest good that is prepared for all of us. Mr.
Stephensou had referred to the clouds outside, and be
(Mr. Bolton) was glad to see clouds within, and those who
made the clouds had just as merry hearti and sO g.iod
hearts for doing so. (Applause.) The ..1.1 book will "lie
that giveth to the poor leudeth to the Lord," and lie (Mr.
Bolton) said " thsl bless the man who giveth to the Wey-
mouth poor, and thus lendeth to the Isord." He believed
that Mr. Edwards is a WWI of large mid geneious heart,
and it he thus that lie gathered them together a.s his
guests ; he believed Mr. Edwards had no other motive
than that. (Bear, hear.) The dinner was a gift from fine
who is able to give, tyliff rent.goisms that Cod has give,,
aI
hini PrPnritYs and it is in that sense [nut lie gave to the
poor, and key to the Lint. -Did he (Mr. lhalten) W,to
reminded te-lay sf floe of Whom it woo taid that Its
found it "mort lihosed to give tlgui te reiret,e... They
gave them acietane in the name ti Mr. Elwards, and
might God grant their drajers I ;..1,0•1111 Lint loles,i,or
to rest upon that good mar.. (Applause)
Alderman Thomas was next called on. In resporrliag
to th, call ,f the a oithy Mayor to address 3 few word.- to
them, Mr. Thomas ainis,he felt that any kngthened
olirirvations from Lim wiitikl be out of place, &IA he did
nit know than he sle.s.ild have respond,' to the call but
f or two retsoli.i. The tir.t Will, to expruao to the
Alio or his at seed.,,,, hint take halt in the
adminstration of Mr. Edwards's bounty: awl in Cm
i:ecorid place, to saj thr.t a bile Mr. Ii I.w.w.ht had she cm,
his Itinduoss to hi: jesse (riemls outside the, Union house,
hail not forgotten those insido. (applause.) tau
Saturday, lie (ii). Timm.) received a letter front Mr.
Edwards, rot:testing binsto .1. as ho bail ilone liefore for
v., limed.: of the Those iseir people gave the
richest offering they t.tild th inks. He (the
socalter) Was there on Christians Day attending to the
wants of the poor people, for the Gnardians, in considera-
tion o' the foyi.ti. set.ton of the year, Away: gat*, the
Mouth:, of the Union sonic additional etijoyintut, nmsl
tie p had :1 1.e.!: 11011A:if ul supply of roast beef and plum
podding. its OW day hollowing and the day after, hews,
3.11,2,4,1 1.. tie I that they were esee,slingly idili4ed to ..ho
rat...1.p,, Ix the treat. One of the first mutti:es that ,ti.e
of the inmates had workial wa. "1.....1.; life to oar
litclaber." (APPlause.) That was before they ku:o• aay-
tlinig was going to be given them. (AppLei g.)
The Maven would next call upin a veteran whom ite
must congaitalate not only on att: ii ii his year, but
On being in poi ession of all his faculties at that so
far beyoud time usual life of man.
Mr. If KAGGITT said old es they and himself were, lie
congratulated himself and them 'lwou being there to-day,
It might be asked by some critic —" Well what has
Henry thiggett to do with this denievolent act of noire
Edwards!" Ile would tell thine that he was the firm
:-Ituirmon who ever sat in a meeting of the constittioney
li' the rot urn of Henry Elwanls, Esq., as member for
this town—(-ilitilause)—aael from that tlay to the hires-lit
moment lie kid been on the most friendly terma There-
fore it was with pleasure and pride that he n mut hese 1 the
name of Henry Edwards, lOth In this town and in any
other place. (Applause.) They wens met here to-day to
partake of old English fare roast beef atitl /ikon
melding, and as to the liver, he mould toll then, thak
one penny a day paid for all the drink he bad
from one end to the other of the week.
. .

hoped they would le careful never to have to my •
a man .1i 1 when hesitant before tlw borough inagistrar s.
" HO not punish me, gentlemen ; it is not any (malt; Mr
Devenish e beer ie too strong." (Laughter.) While they
lel- that Mr. Llevenish's or Mr. Grove's beer Win., strong
mei the Mayor's too—for ho believed the Mayor ,ohl
strong drink—be e ould say " Drink it in.elerately." Ile
had known Mr. Lumlie many years, and lie never knew
luau to he otherwise than a moderate usan. (Hear.)
Nothing would give Mr. Edward', greater pleasure than
to know they were all enjoying themselves : the giving of
this dinner VIM a noble, a generous art, the worthy act of
a ineinle.r of Barlianient—(applause)—he sat uld that all
the members of Parliament instead of spenilmg their
money in less worthy ways would let the poor men and.
women feel that they were remeinlere L as they were lay
the member for Weymouth. (Applause.)
The MAI,IR next called upon the Rev. W. Smith, all
, oat: is. Wlngt, obi age lisid been an kindly as it had to their
I aged friend, Mr. Raggett ; and it would afford them m
'
I when 20 year. ago he *us a Jain ieter of the gospel ill thill
WWII. (Alsidalnu)
The Rev. W. Serrii saki he bail been very pleased to
listen to the speeches which had hewn delivered hat :after-
noon, but he felt a little diffidence in cumin after the
other speakers. Their speeches Mil been so g I that he
was 11141 to say to himself, " What eicall the tis n do that
i,onietis after the king 1" But he was pleases' I le, asain
there and to witness the hospitality of Mr. Fe s aril; and
f.
their enjoyment. Here he (the speaker) was last year,
I and ho was pleaxal to nieet thou all attain, to ../21:,11 many
I happy Caninkliiineed ak.eloblital • and it had been remarked
that, seeing there are Fe mow beaky ohl people in Wey-
mouth, it could not he a very unhealthy place. (Rear.)
I lunnin life has it.. gloomy aspects, 41.4 an His inercy Lis
gi rear more to borne than to tither,; we all haves battle to
paw through life, isut our poorer brethren have more to
i strumlis with than tholle in better rircumetatices, and it
. Ir• A pleasant thing to have some alleviation, sone nuns
lis here we can enjoy souse „ 'sunshine, soine refreshing
' showers. flare to-day we have the etinshine, a pleasant
spot, a happy time. They were wet without distinction
of sect or party Sr politics—clergymen and di--enting
ministera, and dissenters of all sects were here met this
afternoon to enjoy Mr. Edward's' hoepitality. Mr.
Edwards would Ise !Omit happy to witeess what they had
seen this afternoon • the report to bins would give him
plesseure, and the speaker impel that he and they should
come here many rears yet to vritaess his hoapitalitr.
(Applause.)
Mr. Couiscillor Avhicsucai thought it would have leen
better to call lint upon thme individuals who are not se
sell accustomed to public speaking, and upon the test
orators in the fount Lust, for at Van not the custoupto put
a 'sieve of work into the hands of, bungler to be improved.
So he thought it 'wry hard to call upon him to address
this Wetting after the clo,,llelkt kin.clses which liad been
wade, and he can ulgiost thihking of trying to get out of
i:. But her odd assure them it hail elven him very gaet
Pleasure ituleod to ts• present, and for ',ewe pleasure to
see them entertainel than it would to have been enter-
tained Iniaseli. It had oretirt,.3l in WM to ask what
pleasure could Mr. Edwards feel in having this old peeole
of We) nu uth there to enjoy Use mast? Gut les wins sure
that it must be a very peat pleassuie to that gebtleman to
feel that some hundreds of people Imil received pleasure,
and to-night. /IS he laid Into head upon iris bed, Aupr...ine
pisalure would lox WA, and there was none in that room
who would enjoy happier feelings than Mr. Edwards him-
mlf. Wisest a man ICins a great, soul ',horn all, a good man,
they often set up has image that they might look at it,
and be reminded of all his acts of kindness. But they
would not need to set up any image of Mr. E leards in
Weymouth, in every ..ne of their hearts Mr. Edwards
lives, and will live without any statue being erected in
Weymouth to Lis memory, and he felt certain it would ha
go, w. long as Mr. Edwards was spared. Ile very touch
admired the graceful acts of his which are continual!!
tblip4tiedinist.r.;ilan'utllll dtitrigiaglho whout tit it town,
laiii inne nidlilactri ierwe 11,ndan and
the people would hot erect a mouunient to him, but muse
words were written up in the church which meant " If
you want to ACC his monument, look around." (Rear,
hear.) Mr. Aylesbury then told the fable of "Tire Lion
and the Mouse," adding that it taught us there is no one
amongst us but who can do mine act for the good of others.
Ile asked them to he kind towards each other, and help
each other if they could. It was no disgrace to be poor •
but it was a disgrace to Le dishonest; the POW %Lid hcinesi
men lie admired, and the world admired such. Not
riches but contentment of mind with our lot makes us
Lupin, i they saw the man who has difficulties, but soars
above them; wh's 1 Lecauso he has honesty of lanai. So
long ad we do right, there is no dwibt we can .sccomplish
eves ythihs; that we take in hand if it is to Le accomplished.
Therefore he saki to them " Remember the
.p or
widow, who put her two mites into the treasury.' U4O
Gusted he :should have the pleasure of meeting them
again next year, and was sure they would join with kiln
In wishing Mr. P.,i‘vards every blessing that can surround
him in this work; that ho may have a happy ne • yehr,
that all bleesings may eurround him ilk this sire, and v. is
true& that at last all Lamle of us may go up to be iii jay.
(Applause.)
SFr. Couneiner WA.I.LIS being called on, Fd he stood
there elated with joy to sec thew happy. They had en-
joyed thisusseivel, and it would be euperflous on his pert
to mund the praises of Mr. Edwards. All to a nionummt,
they required no monument for Mr. Edwards, for he is
engraved on the hearts of every poor person in Wey-
mouth. (Great applause). Ile wished Mr. Edwards
what he wished himself—every happiness and blaming,
and long life. (Renewed applause).

_
Mr. G. CRICKWAY, junr., here very kindly varied the
proceedings by singing "The Men of merry, merry
England."
Mr. Councillor Rofiees said they had expressed to Mr.
Edwards deep gratitude for his kindness in furnishing
the means by which this feast had been procured, and
they looked at hint as the means by whom they had
been gathered together. But there was another to whom
they were under -deep obligations—He meant Mr. Page—
(applaum)--and he was sure he could speak of hint as
the friend of the poor of this town. (Applauxe). God
distributee his gifts in different ways: to seine lie gives
wealth, and it is a great blessing to thou who passes'
wealth and remember the Donor (rem whont it cornea,
and who use it for the good of others. There are others
who do not poetess this wealth, but to whom God has
given the heart which produces blessings greater than
wealth, and who can find and become the channels
through which that wealth may he distribeted. We
have such a man Us Mr. Page, whose coeduct desen'eu
and receive, the respect of all here. (Applaose). None
present this afternoon has received greater pleasure than
, be, and he receives the greatest amount of enjoyment, an
'he has taken the greatest trouble in praeuring the feast,
i for it was Mr. Page s seff-denial and energy that had pro-
' cured for them the cotuftirts enjoyed this afternoon. And
if he spoke simply of Mr. Page he Amid be leaving hi,
' better half out of sight, though not eta of their retiree,
1 beano. He must therefore speak of Mrs. Page. (Ap-
! plume). The proruptings of Mr. Page's heart led Mtn to
I the .tablishment of this heed ; but if he had not
1 berm assist.' by the excellent woman with whom he was
allied, Le could not have dune what he had, and they
I could not have received the pleitaitre they had this after-
noon, Ile therefore s peke of Mr. and Mrs. Page, and
; asked them to rentially second fife arISCAL to thin grail-
; tude of every heart. (Great applause). While lie breathed
; an earueat prayer that his life !night he spared to be used
: for the welfare .4 the poor .4 this town they mead send
up their hearty "Amen " to that wish. Ile bad great
plesuure in pro/rasing that Um thanks .4 this nieetine be
given to Mr. and Mrs. Page for their hearty and self-deny-
ing efforts for the poor of this town.
i Three hearty cheers were then given for Mr. and Mrs.
I Page.
1 Mr. PAGE said that after the kind speeches, it was need-
' lese far hint to take tip their time. Ile quite :weed with
Mr. Roleao that it Mul bums a soiree of great pleasure to
him and his wife to see the happy result which hml grown
up from their very small heginnings. It was • very
entail beginning at first, I.ut by the assist:sum if k.nd
friends there never haul been a ditheulty Itif to fund..
Still. at the time Mr. Edwards came to the name., there
were difficulties which he (Mr. Page) amid not see his
way to °vermin, Mr. Edwards had now relieved him
from those difficulties, and he acknowledged not only the
kintincale, but the manner in which the kindness was
manifested. The manner in widish Mr. Edwards had
come forward, not only as regards this dinner led es-try
benefaction which be bad given to the town, is shown in
that noble, kindly, generous spirit that none can mistake.
Mr. Page only wished that all who pomess tenth wealth
had mob a spirit—(hear, hear) -then they should not see
so much poverty anel misery RA EISA.% It was not to
pauperise theme, to lower them in their own selfesiteern
that Mr. Fslwarde did It, but tee raise them up. But Mr.
Page reminded there that If any amid raise them iii their
own esteem, and not nutty in their two reapect lett that of
their fellewdownsmen, they could 'ho it thennelves. As
their Mott,/ 011 tile wan ALSItA4I—... A friend in need IR a
friend Melted," and if they were to enjoy true happineell
the greatest friend ,(t num lead is himself. (Hear, hear.)
Let them take care not to mistake him ; be ...111.1 not but
feel there is a higher, a eleeper life to live, a nobler
gathering reservist for all. It was not out of place if ha
said ti thent—" Do not make a thimerreck of your life."
(theta) Every day gives evils-see that life is micertain;
as he looked back on the past fourteen years he misaed
. many who had started with him, and he felt himself that
hearse not so }AMOR as he had been. (Hear.) Ile could
say with Mr. Itohenn that hie wife is the better half; not
only sl Id he never have underteken thewe ditinere, but
he never (should have aceumplisheal them without her
help. (Applause.) Referring to another inetto MI the
wall, he said that while they humoured tho age,a awl
while a happy new year is within the Marti .4 all, they
must remember that true happineetcanaista in taking the
ap”atle's meat.i se their genie —" tiodlitrem with centent-
ment is great gain, having the promise of this life, and of
that which SA to come." It had been a entree of great
pleasure to his wife and tastiest( toil,, what they had Ives
able to, and he :e.keel them to show their gratitude to •
higher WA hotter Friend than earth cart give, (Inn who
w ill 'Land ley them its sickness mid health, ati.i al last
give them much a wehmee that all h n eave shall ring with
e.y, and thee it would be a happy anti glorious year, a
year that shall never end. (Applatiae.)
The Maimt next railed on Mr. Howard XV the gentle-
man through whora they rare:iced Mr. Edwards's gilt.
Mr. ALDERMAN HOWARD Kai,' it alforeled him great
pleasure to he present there again, ant address A 0 pleat-ant
a gat heriug as thia, it happy aud cheerful 4athering.witli,
he hoptel, not one single drawhack to anyone, We: an all
in pursuit of hameinesr. and a grin( aeal depend* nitan
eurselvee, espeeially upen emn giving happittem ti each
other. The happy medium armed,' in thif —" Let them
who eau, give; and those who cam receive." It is as
happy to give RA hi receive, and the questimi was whether
It RNA not happier. They had their ewe self.respaa. in
coming to such a dinner as that; their own self-reelect
was in uo way touched, the ins4tation ehowed that they
were worthy to receive it. Every one who Intel hem, slaked
ts. Carve Malay haul came v illinglr, and some main red no
'taking. ; but almost came without, met all ',Aid it Willi
.., of the happiest ',lathe:titles they ttliet had to COATE Mr.
Ile then tudd them a little story : A gentleman was driving
alone is public road with hi, wife at his side, and as 1,0
Whi driving along, there. WAA u waggon in front of him.
'lie gent:mann shoutial to; he' I . , tut his voice not
bring seri atroug, sail the waggoner being rather hard of
Itearia• the tutu did not pull OR one aide. When they
us-eel, lhe geutlentan aculded lam, and the lady islet gave
toase tee her tongue., iu what they caslot a mato,
~..tylea•
Thee the WWI IstiOited I . self to lis, one, of Nature's
geittlenten, fer he turned to the g.•ntlearati, and instead
of returning the abuse, he mid " I tell you what it is, sir,
I pities yeu very much indeed." " Pity me ; " std.' the
gentleman, "Vs hat for I" " I fell yon %shy,' said the
. waegpaer, " !Nutmeat, I've gut anatfier ,to-1, a CiKen a- that
at line," (loud laughter). If that pea man had 1... en
here teeday, and had looked reined epeui the haptiy faema
instead of pitying Beau lie el.! !LIAO .11.1" I envie:, you
f,,r, pew cheerful INUNI".I.I that Vette ...f pa. bare get."
Meer, mid laughs. it aLviiig hew happy they all vistas.
lie limed that balminess would attend the, in their
home!, that they had no vine-4 there, lest all happioo.
armee' the dausestic hearth. Ile wished shetet all a happy
ii...- year. (Applause).
' 71: . 17toitnetllor CHARLES fonriso AA Lenity deo.. far
' the; r worthy May.,, Ur JOWL L.SISIIIRs. S.
,41sEtLs1,13.1 echo
• had just crene into Bic's, mei whitelead s;t.•3 it .11 aho .., agg
. pre --seed not "rati y' Qpr.e.i.le to elmint.e 1.... t• es ,' mt ~.NR.
see. meetings lot Jule. It must he ray ; hasant. t . Mr.
latialie to ,sse se salty .14 Wommeithians ; tla'y knew
be e e
rtleLetter ta an he (Mr. I lade') ilia, ithel he asked
them te eisae three iearty clesera. (I %vete.)
The al Arne thanked then, very sieeerely for the enritpli•
es sit diowu Mtn. It had been a very ple.t.ant duty to
ant topt,liatiliettht;:tke.:+thnew;:trttin,,h4e.htada
'..surro.,jui a mutt lle Impe4 be
1,4-I.i:reil,e.gti.lii,s
talf,ti:rwma,,e,
øs WUSltst now EMI 111101, thetll hi express in the suite
le'‘li''t.'t.:.ill,l:llrilYmli.‘‘lie-Fit't"hrrie'lls;'ts,l":l',"it'rtnerrisiifue el htilv'e. "clef' sitlii..dvil..rtin‘. I ala'reure'sl7:lltll.4.
Imitiner as they hasl their thanks to Mr.,Page ritel le, their
li ttttt ble mrvant—tleat they e alibi send Op eine intanitmege
. cheer, their hearty tladiks OP the worthy Mawr of this
feast, alio ha. in Mit as in every other way done all in his
payer, aint wh., is in every way thee i l t• r. 4 every•
thing which in g,..1 PM' the lemmata with which lie lOW
been VP beig attoss:Ats st SIR 011 E 111,1111OSE.
. .... . .

...—....... .....
Thr•-• hearty cheers. oft nmcate.l, Went the': giv.l fee
Mr. EAsvarda,
The happy gathering was brought to a ele.e IT singing
14.4 Save the Queen."
'N,xt, day a large .priotity ..f provishar; Wer.• given .litt
by Mr. thirer awl Mr. l'Age GI poor people oho oath! hot
come to the feast.