The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1863-11-17 00:00:00

MARTOCK AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The annual pinughing matches in connection with
this society, came off on Thursday, in a field belong-
ing to Mr. Darby, at Bowering. The ploughing on
the whole was excellent, and, considering the un-
favourable state of the weather, better than might
have been reasonably expected. The umpires were
Messrs. Wellington, Wilcott, and Harding. There
were eleven prizes offered for ploughing, which were
divided into three claws,. In the first, for farmers'
sons, there were five competitors; in the second,
twenty-five; and for the third, for boys under
eighteen years of age, three. The prizes were
awarded as follows :—Class I.—For the manager of
the plough who should best plough half-an-acre of
land within • given time—Joshua Pottinger, £2;
George Duddridge, 41. Clam 2, subject to similar
conditions—Job Caller, £2 10i. ; driver, 4s. • Amos
White, £2; driver, 3.; John Chislett, Li 10.,;
driver, 2s. 64. ; John Elliott, 41 ; driver, 2s. ;
William Arshcott, 15.; driver, Is.; Edward
Garland, lOs. ; driver, le. Class 3—Thomas Dyer,
41 10e. ; driver, 3e. ; Robert Hutchings, LI ; driver,
2s. ; James Stickling, 10s. ; driver, Is. There were
also two other prizes of £1 each—one for the man
who had worked the greatest number of years as a
farm labourer within the panah, and bad brought up
the greatest number of children with the least paro-
chial relief, given by the Rev. E. A. Salmon, and
the other to the domestic servant who had lived the
greatest number of yeses with the same master or
mistress within the pariah, given by W. Poole, Esq.
The first was awarded to William Byrnes, who had
borne an unexceptionable character, and hail
not only lived with his present master, Mr. Palmer,
for twenty-two years, but with another gentleman
previously for 27. He had also never received
' pariah relief except in cases of sickness. The second
was given to Fanny l'itman, who had lived with her
master, Mr. J. Bicknell, for the space of 13 years.—
The labourers were aoheequently entertained with a
substantial dinner at the Townhall.
The dinner took place at the White Hart, State,
at three o'clock, to which • large number sat down.
It was supplied by Mr. Spong, to whom we should
not be doing justice if we did not give him the
greatest credit fur the manner in which it was served
up, and which we have very rarely, if ever, seen sur-
named, on • far more expensive scale. The wines.
to,, were of excellent quality. The chair was takt•
by K K Richards, Esq., who was supported on the
right by W. 11. G. Gore Langton, Esq., M. P.,
and on the left by the Rev. E. A. Salmon, the
worthy rector of the parish. The vice-chair was
ably tilled by Dr Stuckey, and amongst those in
attendance we noticed .1. Wood, F. 51., F. M. East-
mutt, Esq., Dr. Adams, Dr. Marlyn, W. Poole, Esq.,
.1. Richards, Esq., T. Dight, Esq., W. Stuckey, EN.
W. Palmer, Esq., &c., Mr. Summers of MB., Oxon,
Weston-Super-Mare, presided at the pianoforte for
the singing. On the removal of the cloth the Chair-
man proposed successively "The Queen" and "The
Prince and Princess of Wales." They were
both enthusiastically received, and at the close of
the former the National Anthem was sung, and of
the latter, " God bless the Prince of Wales."
Mr. Gortz LANGTON then rose, and said the next
toast was • very satisfactory one indeed, "The
Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese." (Applause).
He was very glad to see their worthy rector was
there on that occasion. (Cheers.) They all knew
what interest clergymen generally took in their
respective parishes, and he was sure Mr. Salmon
was extremely active in endeavouring to lead them
in the right path. (Hear, hear.) The Bishop, too,
took • great interest in the whole of his district,
and he was only afraid that it was the case with
him as with the reverend gentleman who was
present that evening, that he worked too much.

(Cheers.)
Glee.—" All among the Barley."
The Rev. W. SALMON, on rising, was greeted with
applause. He said he was sorry that his health
would not allow him to venture.° make such &speech
as he should wish, though he desired to do so
from the bottom of his heart, for the kind manner
in which they had received the tout of
"The Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese." In
oonsequence of his ill-health he had been obliged to
give up an invitation to a dinner in honour of '
Captain Spoke ; but he had determined, God
willing, that nothing, if possible, should prevent him
attending the annual meeting of the Mattock Agri-
cultural Society. (Cheers.) The society was one in
which he felt that the Bishop and Clergy must have
the most deep and lasting interest, and he hoped and
trusted that he should be able to meet them on
many other occasions, and see the room filled as
well as it was at that time. (Cheers.) He spoke in
eulogistic terms of the Bishop, and as to the clergy
he hoped they were followiug the example of his
lordship. He trusted and believed that those who
had met there that evening met not only for their
individual comfort and edification, but alto
for the well-being of those whom Providence
had so far committed to their charge, and
theirdo utmost for their prosperity
, and enjoyment. The society, at the festive
• meeting of which they were present that evening,
was of greet good to the labouring classes, and
I through them to thou that employed them ; and
• therefore he felt that a clergyman warn in his place
when he returned thanks at a dinner of this descrip-
tion. (Cheers.) Ile called attention to the
Labourers' Friend Society, and said he hoped to see
many support that meeting on Saturday next. He
wished to know why more gentlemen had nut
hitherto attended the meetings?

Song :—"Acid Lang Syne."
The CHAIRMAN next proposed "The Army,
Navy, Yeomanry, and Volunteers," coupling with
the toast the names of Lieutenant Refitment and
Cornet Richards of the West Somersetahire
Yeomanry Cavalry.
Song:—" Rule Britannia."
Both gentlemen responded.
Dr. STVCKIY said he had to propose a toast which
was equal to any which bad been, or be thought
would be, given that evening—that of the Lord.
Lieutenant and Magistracy of the County.
Mr. E•RIAIINT responded.
, Mr. Wow, said he had been requested to give the
' next toast, and nothing would give him more plea-
sure than to do so. He thought, however, in the
first place, that they ought to feel very thankful to
the chairman for the manner in which be had dis-
charged his duties. (Cheers.) He would also thank
them for the kind way in which they had drunk the
health of the Magistracy. The toast was that of
"The County Members of Sornersetahire," and he
was sure he felt very thankful for that gentleman's
company there that evening. (Cheers.) He repre-
sented the responsibility of a member of Parliament,
and proceeded to my that though Mr. Gore Langton
might have not said much, he had not done the less. It
was not • wise policy for a person to open nis mouth to
fill that of others. He esteemed the member for one
reason, because he considered with his own views—
and more especially his ideas with regard to the
Protestant Church- -there had been quite sufficient
to show that Mr. Gore Langton was a sound Protes-
tant at heart. (Applause.)
Song.—" Nil Desperandum."
Mr. GORR LANoros assured them that he thanked
them, both in his own name and that of his colleague,
for the manner in which they responded to the toast
proposed by Mr. Wood. He would take care to
inform Sir A. Hood of the manner in which they
bad been plowed to honour the toast of the members
of the county—and he Was sure it would be very
gratifying to him to find that the toast had met with
such a cordial reception at their hands. It was a
most pleasing duty, after • SIMAIOR was over, to meet
them there, especially to him, after his return salons
of the representatives of that great county. He was
sorry at the time they did him the honour again to
choose him as one of their members, that he could
not, on account of his ill-health, do anything like
so much as he could have wished in returning them
thanks at the time. (Cheers.) When, therefore,
his friend Mr. Wood reminded him of the Mattock
meeting—although he must ray he anticipated the
kind invitation—he was determined, please God,
that nothing should prevent him from coining in
, to thank them to the beet of his power,
17.7. second time they thought him worthy of
their confidence. Such a young man as he himself
was be considered he could not feel too grateful
He could not only hope, but he thought he could
trust, that no conduct of his should make them
regret their choice. (Chorea) It was very true
what, Mr. Wood remarked, that he had not made so

many speeches as several of his worthy colleagues in
the Home of Commons, but they might ml ,end upon
it that if the county, or the country required himn
to deliver his sentiments, then they would find him
willing on any OCC3ii.O. Mr. Wood had alluded to
whet he considered his duty to uphold in the House
of Comeau-int He wits--and be Win proud to say so
—barn a Protestant, and he would uphold no
measure in the House which would injure that
faith in which he had been nurtured, and he should
show hi, most strenuous antipathy to anything of
the kind. Of courso Mr. Wood alluded to the Prison
&Enlisters' PAIL Ho thought the Homan Catholics
posseswd quite enough advantages already, and he
did not consider it necessary to make any grant on
their behalf. (Cheers.) He liked every one to
enjoy their own opinion, and as longs/ Protestantism
vu the established religion of thecountry, be would
do what he could to maintain it in all its integrity.
(Cheers.) There were very few questions it was
necessary for him to detain them with. With
regard to that of America, he did not consider they
were called upon at the present time to interfere.
(Hear, hear.) If they could interfere to prevent the
fearful strife, evcrytrue Christian would he called upon
to raise his hand to the utmost to restore tranquillity
to both countries. Ho thought they could not do
better than place their conlidence in the Govern.
went, and they might rest assured that they would
heat decide whether it was necessary to interfere in
the matter or not. We liked our own Government,
and he did not see why America should not have
theirs. He would again espress vie sttisfactieu it
pre him to come amongst them, and thank them for
the manner in which they drank his health, al well
that of his colleague. (Loud cheers.)
Mr. Gone 1.. A NUTON again rose, and said he con-
sidered he had the toast of the evening to propose.
'The Health of their Worthy Chairman." (Loud
cheers.) He was sure they would all cordially thank
him for the manner in which be haul conducted the
business of the evening. (Renewed laughter.)
Glee—. See oar Oars."

The Ctiaiiimax ezprowed the gratitiestim it
afforded him to find his health had been drunk in
the manner it had. Ile should almost fancy that it
was flattery; but he hoped and believed there wee
some sincerity left in kfartock. (Cheers.) fie
hoped and trusted that the meeting on Saturday
would be attended as well as on that 0013111101.1.
(Cheers.) .

Song—" The good Rhine wine."
The CHAIRMAN next proposed "The Umpires,"
which lEEE responded to by Mr. WELLINGTON, Mr.
WOOLCOTY, and Mr. H•RDING.
Mr. Maur returned thanks for 'Success to the
Society."
The Cif AIRMAN said the next toast was that of the
"Vice-chairmen." Dr. Stuckey had been for twenty
years the secretary of the society, and under his able
hands the funds had largely increased, and they had
never been so high as they were at the present time.
(Cheera)
Dr. STUCKEY, in returning thank., said he felt he
did not deserve one half of the encomium* passed
upon him. (No, no.) When he first took upon him-
self the office he had, the funds were very low—they
brought him in debt just a lawyer's fee, Gs.
(Laughter.) They had been going on from year to
year, however, very satisfactory, and they had not
only been able from time to time to pay
their debta, but they had • surplus. (Applause.)
It would be quito sufficient to say that
last year they had a balance of .Cl 4 Si. lid., and
on this occasion £l6 10a. 51, for which sum he was
happy to say he was responsible, and which he
should be prepared to hand over. (Cheers.) He
thought they would bear him out when he said that
ever since be bad had anything to do with the
society he had taken great interest in it. (Hear,
hear.) After what had taken ;Awe he thought they
bad great ration to be satisfied, and greet improve.
menta had taken place in the field. The position he
held was • responsible one, for be was not only
responsible for getting iu the money, but for pro-
viding a good dinner, and a company to cat it.
(Cheers and laughter.) He felt they had succeeded
most admirably that day, and if any one found fault
he must be a connoiseur indeed. (Hear, hear.)
He begged to say that so long as his services were
available they would be at their service. (Cheers.)
Ile proposed "The Health of the Committee,"
(applause,) which was duly responded to.
Mr. Wool) proposed the healths of the gentlemen
of the learned profession, coupling with it the names
of Dr. Stuckey, Dr. Adams, Dr. Alartyn, and Mr.
I John Richards.

Song :—" Many happy returns."
Mr. lliciraans responded in a very humorous
speech, which created great laughter; the details of
which from want of space we are forced to exclude.
Dr. ADANA and Dr. .11.turvx also responded.
. . .

The prizes were then awarded, the rtizcarraiiit
addressing the recipients in very appropriate terms.
Mr. Goon LANGTON proposed "The Health of
his late respected colleague, Mr. Moody. (The toast
was well reoeived.)
"The Pro's" was given, and briefly responded to.
. . ,

"The Health of X° Host and Hohess" followed.
The CHAIRMAN said the dinner that day was of the !
beet description, and that the guinea dinner in
honour of Captain Speke was not equal to the one
provided in that room.
Mr. Sro:vo expressed the satisfaction it gave him
to find his efforts ass-ell as that of hi. partner in life
so well appreciated, and if he had given general
satisfaction he was more than amply repaid for his
exertions. He thought that some present would be far
preferable togive the fanners sons for their work than
money, and if they should feel disposed to give a
cup, he should be pleased to contribute half-a-guinea.
(Cheers.) lie should also like to aee prizes for other
things beside ploughing, and he should be glad
, to give a guinea prize for the production of the
! best roots. (Lend applause.) On behalf of Mrs.
Spong, be had been requested by her to state that
she should be pleased to give halfa-guinea to the
society' which the committee might use as they
denied fit. (Loud cheering.)
The health, of Messrs. Walter Stuckey and other
gentlemen followed, and the spirit of the meeting
was kept up until a late hour.
The songs were principally sung by the host, and
in a truly creditable manner. The glees were per.
formed by Nlessrs. Saunders, Hayes, Walker, and
Barber, and were one and all rendered with good
effect.

We had forgotten to make mention of the tastely
and elegant manner in which the room
was decorated, festoons, evergreens, Ac., being in
super-abundance. Chinese lanterns were suspended
in various parts, and numerous banners were dis-
played on either aide of the room. At one end over
the head of the Chairman was placed a banner
displaying the Royal Arms, and at the other one
with the Prince of Wales's Plume, surrounded by
the won* "Albert and Alexandra," and " May
they be happy."
The garnering of Thursday is said to be the best
that Mattock has experienced, and we can only add
our wish,—" Cod speed the Society."