The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1860-05-15 00:00:00

OPENING OF THE RAILWAY FROM
GILLINGHAM TO kiHERBORNE.

THE SALISBURY AND YEOVIL LINE.

Another link in the direct chain of communication
with Exeter and the western counties, which Salis-
bury ought to have possessed long ago, was completed
on Monday last by the opening of the line from Gil-
lingham to Sherborue.
By the line from Basingstoke to Salisbury, the
route from that city (which before passed round by
way of Bishopstuke, and traversed two sides of an
angle), was made as straight as the crow flies, and
the distance from Salisbury, or rather from the new
station at Fisherton, reduced to 83i miles, the
Andover extension being 35 miles of that distance.
From Fisherton to the Gillingham station is 22
miles, and from Gillingham to Sherburne l2i miles,
making the whole distance from this town to
Waterloo, miles. To the point of junction
with the Yeovil and Exeter, is four miles, and it is
a mile and a half further to the end of the Yeovil
loop, making the distance of that town from London
1231 miles against 1411 by the Great Western.
There are three stations on the sectionajust opened ;
one at Temple Coombe, 64 miles from Gillingham ;
another at Milborne Port (as it is termed—it is really
at Ililborne Wick), 2i miles from Temple Coombe ;
and the Shear-mile station, which is 31 miles flow
Milborne. The cost of the whole line will average,
we believe, from £12,000 tor:13,000 per mile. It
is very heavy in earthworks; the average of these is
50,000 cubic yards per mile, but on the Salisbury
and Yeovil the average is 55,000, aud on the just.
opened section 70,000. The masonry works are also
very numerous.

irolu a very early hour in the morning our townsmen
were astir. The first up-train started at half-past six,
some hundreds of personn had collected on the platform
and by the side of the level cramming to see the " Hecate"
pails out with the first passenger train from Sherburne.
Several Slierbornians availed themselves of the oppurtu-
nity to drop in to an early breokfast with an old towns.
man at Wilton, and there waC a very fair booking. At
5 minute. to 10 another train iterted, and as e e hail an
opportunity of proceeding on the engine to Gillingham
we are enabled to pronounte an opinion on the state of
the line. The distance of twelve miles and three quar-
tern was candy performed in 28 minutes, stoppages in-
cluded—a rate of 28 miles an hour, which on an entirely
new line, and with . gradient of 1 ill 80 in two parts of
the line, we take it as exceedingly satisfactory work.
We think it may be matuned that the line just opened
may, when conaolidated, be easily worked by expresa
trains at • rate of speed equal to that oil the moat favour
able portion of the old line. It enClllll to have been very
solidly constructed. and to do great credit to tlie con-
tractors.

The first down train, bringing the Directors, left Gil-
linghtm about twelve minutes before twelve. So large
a number of passengers were in waiting at Gillingham
that a couple of extra carriages were required, and with 12
first, second, and third clam carriages the engine pro-
ceeded WI it. way. At Temple Coombe the population
turned out to greet the arrival, the bells rung, a tiund
played, and a salute was fired, the old church tower
being decorated with flags and evergreens. At Milburn.
Port a large number of Natio' children were asseiubled,
who greeted the directors with a most hearty cheer, but
the niost imposing acene was reserved for the end of the
journey, when nearly 1,200 schiwil children, and several
thousands of adult spectakom were assembled to welcome
the •rrival of the train. The line runs is ti.e valley of
the Yee. and is commanded for a considerable distance
by the Slopes, winch rise by successive tenaces,affording
vantage ground for thousands of spectators. The platforms
we need not say were crammed ; on either side of the level
crossing, and far into Purlieu on each side of the line,
were hundred, of spectators. In a hanging field im-
mediately facing the station, and kindly placed at the
disposal if the celebration committee by Mr. Tool); were
ranged the school children, and all over the terraces
were dotted groups of gaily dressed people, who viewed
the whole scene beneath them with comfort to them-
selves, whilst May added animation and picturesoaer.cus
to the scene. AA the train ran in, a salute of cannon was
fired from the heights shove, the bells rang out a wel•
I come, and the band struck up the National Anthem.
The coininittee were in waiting to receive the director*,
! but in the great crush these gentlemen quietly walked
off the platform without ',easing through the station,
and were not formally welcomed until they proceeded to
the de/teener at the Townliall.
Flags were displayed from the Brewery, King's Arms,
Hall Moon, Mermaid, Swan, Greyhound, Mr. Pocking-
ton',, Mr. Sherren'a, Mr. Parsons's, Mr. Penny's, Hr.
Brown's, Mr. Pollanrs, Mr. Kr. Fume's,
Mr. Adams's, Mr. Ellis's, hr. Allen's, &c. At the
corner of Cheap-street there was an evergreen arch,
decorated with flags, and upholding the Crown, and the
motto, " Where there's a will there's • way." There
was a handsome arch opposite the Black Horse, erected
by Mr. Edward Pragnell, we believe, and from C. Raw-
-1 tliee Cheap
-street,
garnliandenlwaang
lage
adorned the Antelope Inn across to reHill's, Math-
maker. The windows of several private houses were
also taatandly doormat...l. especially that of Mr.
Dalmorars. chemist, itt Hound-street, which contained •
very tasteful device.
Prom an early hour to the morning a law nnmber of
visitors from the neighbouring towns and villages poured

into the town; and by noon the concourse of persons
was immense. Previous to the procession (formed on
Green-hill) the children and teachers of the National
&I Is assembled at church, where prayers were read,
and an appropriate address delivered by the Vicar from
Daniel, " Many shall run to and fro, and knoeledge shall
be increased." At the conclusion of the morning's
servic the children proceeded to Green-hill, where the
procession, consisting of nearly 1,300 children, with their
teachers, marched down Cheap-street to the station, the
band I.laying national sirs, nag* and barmen of the
gayeat colors being carried by the children. Arrived on
the DOW Mai, they entered a field immediately ,ipposite
the station, where they awaited the arrival of the train.
the interval tieing enlivened by the fife-and-drum and
the other bands, which played a variety of lively airs.
The drjragnmer wan held at two o'clock at the Townhall,
which Way profusely decorated with evergreens, barmen,
and large engravings, and an elegant cold collation was
tastefully laid out be Mr. Mesa. The wines included
sherry, inoeelle, claret, and champagne, and the repast
was very speedily done justice to by a party of ladies
and gentlemen, numbering 150. Several gentlemen who
had nut secured ticket* were disappointed. George
'Wingfield Digby, Esq., High Sheriff of the county, pr'.'.
sided, and amongst the party were Mrs. Digby, Sir W.
C. Medlycott, H. Denby Seymour. EN., M.P. for Poole,
chairman of the Salisbury and Yeovil Railway; John
Chapman, T. Matthews, and It. Halley, Earini., direc-
tor* ; 11. D. Townsend, Eaq., solicitor, it. Notman.
EN., Treasurer, It. Neiman, FA+, secretary, -- Fraser,
• engineer. Captain Mangles. Captain Johnson, and
Colonel Loan!, Directors of the South-Western Railway,
L. Crombie, secretary, A. Beattie, Esq., locuino-
live superintendent, -- (helmet, EN., superintendent of
traffic, Joseph Locke, Esq..ffi.P.for Honiton, engineer of
the t!alisbury line, John Goodden, Req., M. S. Yestaimi.
• Reeds. H. D. Harper. Thoninaon, Lagden. Har-
sten, Lyon Henning, Grant, and Messiter; Jitlin Penny,
EN of Lyon,
H. Harrison, EN., Mrs. Harrison, and
Misses Batten, W. Batten, EN.. Shaftesbury, Mr.
Card. of Norton Ferris, Mr. Jodeli Hannam,
Mr. Em.or and Mr. Longuuiau. of Milborne. Messrs. G.
and J. Game, Mr. and Mrs. R. Willntott, Mrs. &hole-
field. Mrs. Butler, and meet of tbe leading inhabitants
of Sherburne.

At the conclusion of the repeat, the Chairman pro-
posed "The Queen, and the members of the Royal
Family," which was duly honoured, the band outside
playing the National Anthem.
The Chairman then proposed the toast of "The
Directors of the Salisbury and Yeovil Company," who,
he said, were a cosupaoy which, when we were in
difficulties, stepped forward at a moment when two
companies had already unsuccerafully tried to give us
that advantage which i we sought to possess—and under-
took • work that others had been unable to perform.
(Cheers.) These gentlenien showed • degree of energy,
spirit, and determination that was not often to be found
among ouch bodies. They had carried out this under-
taking in a manner which, he was sure, would produce
all those happy consequences which they at present
looked to from them. The town and its neighbourhood
would be greatly benefitted, and the iirospects before
them were of • most encouraging nature. As for as he
was penainally concerned, he would du all in his power
to contribute to the welfare of the town and its railway.
(Cheers.)
Mr. Denby Seymour, M.P., follewed, and in the
course of his speech said that the railway was pressed
upon the public by local people; local shareholders
invested their money for local interests ; and when
other means proved impracticable the Salisbury Com-
pany CROW into the field, and he was happy to say that,
conjointly, they had brought matters to a successful
issue. (Cheers.) He would now remind them of the
unwearied exertions of several gentlemen at that time,
without whew energy and ponieveranoe this railway
would never have been in existence. Amongst others
he mentioned the name of Mr. Townsend- -(chore.)—
their legal adviser, who, through good and evil report,
had followed out this line in • manner which did him
infinite honour, and entitled him to the gratitude of
those fur wham the line was now established. (Loud
cheers.) There were many other gaitlemen who had
fought hard, and bad made frequent journeys to London,
before they could accomplish their object. There was
no body of men who more deserved the thanks of the
community now assembled than those gentlemen.
(Cheers.) He must not forget another interest which
came forward to help them in the most liberal manlier,
the secretary of which, and several directors of which,
he had the pleasure to are before luium ; he alluded to
Captain Manglis, Captain Johnson, and other directors
of the South-Western Company. (Cheers.) Had it
not been for their support, this railway would not have
been made, for they came forward when the company
was in difficulties, they bad obtained for them larger
credit, they were large holders of Salisbury stock, and it
was through them that their scheme had been carried.
(Cheers.) . .

Several other speeches followed, congratulating the
promoters of this undertaking on their success, and
'stoning the advantages of railway communication in
general; after which the company rose.
The Directors were shortly afterwards conveyed in a
special train to Salisburv, which had been just before
preceded by a heavily-laden train to the seine place, set•
ting down in its passage the excumionists from the
various stations on the line.

During the afternoon the children of the several
schools repaired to the " Terrace," where games of all
kind', had been provided for them. There were swings
and greasy poles in abundance. Bonnets, asps, orange',
and money were ran for by the children, who evidently
enjoyed the fun and recreation. The choir of the
Wesleyan Chapel sung a variety of airs, al
_Prue°, with
pleasing effect; others amused themselves with dancing
to the strains of the brass band ; whilst the fifeoind-
drum band marched to and fro, and attracted the atten-
tion of • troecistorsblai parties of tics ptscsore eoskairs.
A marquee was erected in which lemonade and " cham-
pagne" ginger beer was served by Mr. Praguell, who
was largely patronised.
At stven o'clock the rain came down rather heavily,
and continued till after the time announced for the ex-
hibition of the fireworks; but this did not deter a very
large number of persons from witnessing one of the best
displays we have ever seen in Sherborne by Gyngell.
The fireworks over, the spectators retired in the most
orderly manner, some of them, we fear, getting drenched
with the rain.

The various inns in the town were crowded during the
day, so great was the influx of visitors ; bet we have not
heard of a single casualty, excepting that of a horse which
took fright in a wagon, when near the level crossing,
Just before the 12.55 a.m. train was due ; but owing to
the presence of a large number of persons, the animal
was speedily quieted.
A hall WWI held in the Townhall after the fireworks,
under the auspices of the members of the Working
Meta' Reading Rooms, and dancing was kept up till an
early hour in the minting.
The inspectors and superintendents on the line dined
together at the Swan at 2 o'clock, Mr. Evans inihe
chair. The dinner, which was given he Mr. Harrison,
was a handsome one, and there was an abundant supply
of wine. Mr. Collier's catering gave great satisfaction,
and the party, numbering thirty, enjoyed themselves
greatly.
On 'Tuesday a large number of the estplopies gat down
to a capital dinner, provided by the Contractors, and
served up by Mr. Collier of the Swan. Mr. Scholefield
presided with great good hunionr ind effect. Several
speeches were made, and songs sung, and the proceed-
ings passed over very pleasantly.
111111.POKT.- Town Conacif.—A quarterly meeting of
tbe Cuenca took place on Tuesday (sat; the Mayor, A.
Templer, Esq., in the chair. Fifteen members of the
Corporation were present. The minutes of the last
'netting having been read, the Mayor observed there
was a sum of £2l Ins. due from the farmers who bad
taken the lower market house for a pitched corn mar-
ket. Since the huit meeting, application had been made
for payment; but. strange to say, no response had been
made thereto. After some conversation on the subject
by different members of the council, it was resolved that
another notice should be given. The Mayor next called
attention to the bye laws, whiel. had been d.awn up in
conformity with the " Local Govennnent Act," and
which being rather voluminous, occupied a considerable
part of the time of the meeting ; but with reference to
the new supply of water, he begged to inform them •
competent surveyor was engaged on the subject ; the
committee had done their utmost, and for his own part
he considered it hail better be left open, until the
surveyor had furnished them with his report.
Respecting the bye laws, as • whole, they would doubt-
less cause inconvenience to many owners of property ;
still, the local board liad powers to abate the mere
stringent portions thereof. Mr. Legg (builder) :It will
. be leading • man in the dark who wants to build a house.
, —Mr. Beach : He had better consult the survejur.--
; —Mr. Templenum : What is the penalty if he builds a
I house which the surveyor might object to ?-- Mr. Legg :
Why be would pull it down to be sure--Mr. Jefford
thought it would be the duty of the surveyor, when he
observed • house in course of erection, to point out any
; infriti=r, and then bring it to the notice of the
' local . The subject of the emptying ash-pits led
to some discussion, the act requiring that they should
be emptied twice a week. ThW was considered unneces-
sary.—Mr. Legg (builder) thought they had better
I remain elated during the four summer months. *r.
Legg remarked that there was an open asii*pit at the top
of Lownes-etreet, winch lie had known to be on tire
for • week together.—His Worship remarked that ac-
cording to • *rough survey of Mr. Holland's, 1,000 gal-
lons of water could be supplied to the inhabitants, if
I generally taken, at one peony—The letters from the
; Secretary of State's office, and the Town Clerk's reply
; thereto, relative to the unsatisfactory state of the health
of the town were read, which called forth some rather
; stringent remarks KS to who the parties were who had
furnished the officers of the Crown with such • deltic)-
, ruble picture of time state, of the town. The result of
I the discussion was an aliened unanimous resolution that
all the currespondenew should be published.- Mr. S.
Stepltens prow...ea, sod Mr. W. S. Oillard seconded, •
resolution that time bye-laws, IA read, be submitted to the
! Secretary of State for approval. tarried unanimously.
I --Mr. Hutchings,of the Greyhound Inn, applied for the
; renewal of a life on a portion of the wmid Inn. The
Town Clerk stated the matter was of a very complicated
nature, and it was at length resolved to refer the same
; to the Valuing Committee.