The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1858-02-09 00:00:00

Dorzetobire.

JOHN WYCLIFFE.

On Wednesday evening Mr. John Bishop deli-
vered a lecture at the Townhall, in connection with
the Dorchester Working Men's Mutual Improve-
ment Society, on "John Wycliffe." The attend-
ance was tolerably good, and John Galpin Esq.,
presided. The Chairman briefly introduced
The LECTURER, who said he was about to go back
into the bygone past, and to call up the memory of
a man who had lived 500 years ago, when the mind
and intellect of England were j'ust emerging from
the mist of the middle ages, when feudalism- pre-
dominated, when education, even in elementary
branches, among the middle classes was at a low
ebb, and when little regard or interest was taken in
matters requiring mental exertion or subjects of
abstract thought. Those were called the days of
" merrie England," symbolized by
Sport that wrinkled Care derides
And Laughter holding both hie sides.
John Wycliffe appeared at the very commencement
of the change which introduced a new order of
thought and turned the current of public sentiment
and opinion into a fresh channel. In particular de.
partments of human inquiry a gradual awakening
of thought had been for some time going on, espe-
cially with regard to religious opinions, and the
reading and study of the sacred Scriptures; but his-
tory taught that great changes of opinion are not
common; the national mind in this respect was con-
servative; yet very often the retaining of old views
had been carried to excess, retarding the progress of
thought and true inquiry. Nevertheless, in the long
series of changes which our history unfolds, resulting
as they all had in the advancement of knowledge
secular and religious, in humanizing the national
character, strengthening our love of rationid free-
dom, and protecting from wrong, the lecturer was
inclined to think our safeguard had been found in
the cautions changes in the common mind and
thought of our countrymen. Again, we were tena-
cious of precedent. When a new train of thought
was come upon we did not at first think, inquire
into and argue the truth and reasonableness of the new
proposition, but we searched for precedents—was
there before
W any similar proposition? For a long
period before ycliffe's time dissatisfaction at many
matters pertaining to the Church had begun to show
itself; and Wycliffe gathered up the various feel-
ings and sentiments of the people, meditated upon
them, investigated their origin, and ultimately endea-
voured to give them effect. Well, then, about the
middle of the 14th century several causes contributed
to awaken the public mind on ecclesiastical affairs,
and matters of a religious nature, whilst in the
government of the country considerable advances
had been made—the prerogative of the sovereign had
been restrained, parliament had been established,
the power and influence of the Commons had been
enlarged, the constitutional reign of England had
commenced. And during the troubles preceding
these alterations the people were undergoing a
course of intellectaal training; the discovery
was made that the right divine of Kings to
govern wrong was a fiction, no divine right
nor any right at all. The democratic element was
further strengthened by the development of a new
power—the influence of the towns had after many
struggles, made itself recognized. The inhabitants of
the chartered towns were exempt from serfdom, a
state of things which increased the idea of freedom
among people in the neighbourhood. Thus the
foundation of our civil rights and liberties was
widened and secured, and the love of religious free-
dom also cultivated. The prejudices of a darker period
were relaxing, and new views of religion arose
throughout the country. The nation showed no de-
sire to separate from the Roman Catholic faith, and
the spirit of alienation which extended was directed
against what were considered the abuses and excesses
of the Romish system. The movement was helped
on by the King and government. Vast benefices
were bestowed on foreigners who drew from Eng-
land more than the amount of the King's revenue;
there was a large increase of religious homes, and go-
vernment were apprehensive that men would be
wanted for husbandry. The inquisitiveness of the
friars likewise was disliked; when, at last, a man
appeared who was bold enough to give expression to
the public sentiment, and possessed of skill and
learning sufficient to expose the abuses of the pre-
vailing system. That eminent man was John Wy-
cliffe—the pioneer of religious liberty, " the morning
star of the Reformation." The people were in-
structed by his voice and pen as to the source of the
evils they complained of, and how those evils were
to be best remedied. The lecturer proposed to give
some account of the life of this memorable individual,
for in history it was persons who attracted us more
than facts; we liked to know of men rather than of
events. Persons were also liked because of the in-
fluence they exercised on their contemporaries and
descendants. It had been asked, why bring an au-
dience together to tell of the life of a man who lived
500 years ago; why not let us know, for instance,
how to obtain an adequate supply of water at the
new works (cheers), and an easy way of Fraying when
obtained? or tell us how to obtain from the Duchy of
Cornwall land for building, so that the crushing evils
of over-crowded dwellings may be prevented?
(loud cheering.) Or let us hear of other matters that
affect us now? Were we not affected by men who
had influenced society in ancient times? Why, it
was no exaggeration to state that every one of us in
his circumstances, acquirements and opinions, has
been more or less influenced by the new current given
to human thought and the spirit of free inquiry
called into existence by Wycliffe. (Applause.) The
doctrine of influences like the ever-expanding circle
formed on the surface of water was, the lecturer was
assured, increasing in its operation. The lecturer
liked to know of men, especially when some one was
seen whose life had changed the current of history,
built up or set free a nation—like Moses, Solon,
Bruce, or Tell; or who had given an impulse on-
ward in philosophy or religion, as Plato or Luther.
The life of such a man was of surpassing interest.
The pre-eminently great men of the world had been
few—men whose influence had been felt throughout
the world for thousands of years were scattered
thinly; such were Moses, Solon, Plato, Luther, ,
Newton. But of eminent men who had done much I
to help on the progress of the race the number was
greater, and every nation had some to boast of. Of I
this class, among our own countrymen, few were more ,
worthy of consideration, for causes already indicated,
than Wycliffe. John Wycliffe was born in the small 1
parish of Wycliffe, in Yorkshire, about 1324.
Nothing was known of his family, but it was sur-
mised that he was one of the ancient race of Wy-
cliffe, which still possesses the little parish, and it
was the opinion of good authorities that he was de-
scended fi-om one of the Norman barons who helped
William to conquer England. This, however, might
be a mistake, and, like Luther, the English reformer
may have sprung from a peasant. Having got
through the precious season of childhood in some way
unknown, in 1340 Wycliffe appeared as a stu-
dent at Oxford. Then five centuries ago
England was Mall and weak. She had
just secured the Welsh who had been the terror of
the westerns; in the north the Scotch still harassed
her ; nor was there peace in the heart of the nation,
bands of robbers infesting the open country, sack-
ing cities and pillaging neighbouring districts, coun-
tenanced and sometimes commanded by noblemen
and knights. Small fleets of uncouth English ships
crept along the coast of Germany, some finding their
way to Iceland, a few trusting to the newly invented
mariner's compass. The English then had the
greatest trade with the Flemings, who were weavers,
while the English grew wool. A little spinning and
weaving was done by cottage dames and household
servants, but the chief occupation of the people was
agriculture, yet any kind of manual labour was
thought to degrade a man. Staffordshire, however,
was then celebrated for its earthenware. A third
part of the land* was owned by monks sad °harsh-
men, and this portion was best cultivated; yet the
country, though fertile, was badly tilled, and famine
often troubled the people. In 1258 15,000 persons
died of hunger in London, and a famine began in
1314 which Listed three years, and far surpassed the
horrors of the late Irish famine, The stag, the wild
boar, and the wolf were Minted by the barons. This
was the period of the French wars, and six years
after Wycliffe's birth Cressy was fought. It was
the golden day of chivalry, but the purgatory of the
peasant. The lecturer then followed Wycliffe as he
rode southward to college. After many weeks of
wayfaring the young Yorkshire student saw the
spires of Oxford—a university which though she once ,
cast him off now owned him—and WycUe entered
the narrow streets of the university town. Oxford
of to-day was splendid with churches and the stately 1
beauty of its many colleges, but 500 years ago its
ce was different. Only six of its twenty
raflesarrlnd colleges were then founded; its houses
were of wood, and not a chimney was to be seen;
its streets were narrow, crooked and unpaved, but it
must have been a bustling place with its 10,000 or
20,000 students from all nations. Side by side on
the rough benches in the uncomfortable lecture-room
sat the eons of barons and ts without distinc-
tion. Even as early as k'l7lliffe's time Oxford
boasted a long list of eminent students—the great
wizard, Michael Scott, and Roger Bacon. Wycliffe
entered Queen's College in 1340 and In 1361 was
appointed master of Baliol. The studies were then
comparatively few. The students acquired an im-
pure Latin, which was the common language of such
is were of different nations. Wycliffe made him-
self acquainted with the Roman and canon law, and
the study of Aristotle's works, and commentaries
thereon, formed a large part of the students' work,
but Wycliffe made it an especial point diligently to
study the Bible. and thus prepared himself for the
great work which he afterwards undertook of trans-
lating it into the language of the people, and so much
did he exceed his contemporaries that he received
the title of Evangelical Doctor. Wycliffe began his
reformation in thorough earneststyle by attacking the
mendicant friars—Dominican and Franciscan monks,
who preached to the people, receiving no pay save
the oontributions of hearers. At !hit faithful they
gradually grew corrupt, caring for little but the col-
lections they could make. Wycliffe unsparingly I
donomaced them, laying bare the wickedness of their
lives, and declaring that no man had • right to ab-
solve a sinner union truly penitent. The controversy
, made much noise, and during its course other mat-

tens were urging Wycliffe on to the extreme measures
of reform he at last advocated. At the request of
the King Wycliffe opp-xied the claims of the Pope,
and. parliament sustained the reformer in his course
against the friars. In 1371 the Pope replied to an
appeal of Wycliffe that the latter had no title to the
wardenship of Canterbury Hall, and thence began
Wycliffe 's. career as a preacher of radical reform, he,
the following year, commencing to lecture at Oxford
•
against the sale of indulgence; the worship of
saints, and other Romiab practices. For two years
he was unopposed; he was shielded from the rage of
the Church by strong parties of students, especially
by his friend the Duke of Lancaster, Shakspeare a
"John O'Gaunt, time honoured Lancaster," under
whose control the affairs of the nation were to a
considerable extent. Wycliffe, after being appointed
ambassador to the Pope, and negotiations opened at
Bruges in 1374, and continued for two years, result-
ing in favour of the Pope, returned with renewed de.
termination and vehemence to his attack upon the
supremac_y of the Roman pontiff and the vices of the
clergy. Early in 1377 the principal clergy of England
met at the old church of St. Paul's in convocation,
and summoned Wycliffe before them to answer to
the charge of heresy, but owing to an altercation be. tween the clergy and his friends the trial did not
then take place. In April, 1388, however, a synod
was convened by the Pope to try him at Lambeth.
He was there prohibited from preaching, but the
prohibition was of no avail to such a man. After-
wards he fell sick at Oxford, and his old enemies the
friars hearing thereof, visited him, hoping to extort
some confession. Four monkish officers, with four
others, made their way into his sick chamber.
His face they thought had the mark of death upon
it. "Repent," said one of the monks, "repent
while it is yet time, and be reconciled to our holy
mother, and atone for the injury thou hash done our
fraternity." At these words, with a great effort, Wy-
cliffe raised himself in bed, and fixing his eyes on the
astonished monks, said, "1 shall not die but live,
and again declare the evil deeds of the friars." Dis-
mayed, as though they had heard a voice from the
grave, they hurried from the room; nor was it long
before the indefatigable Wycliffe was again at his
work: he aimed his blows at one great pillar of
Romanism—the doctrine of Transubstantiation. In
1379 and two following years he attacked this dogma
with great plainness of speech both in lectures at
Oxford and Sunday preachings at Laterworth. In
1381 he challenged the Universities, and his challenge
was answered by greater excommunication, and
imprisonment threatened to all who should listen to
him. He appealed to the King and Parliament, but
was obliged to leave Oxford and confine himself to Lut-
terworth, when, immediately after, the insurrection '
of Wat Tyler broke out and continued for a long
time between the nobles and the peasants. No
doubt, Wycliffe deeply sympathized with the mis-
governed people; but he had never been accused of
connection with this internecine war. His friends
at court forsook him, and even John o'Gaunt re-
fused to support him in his attack on Transubstan-
tiation. Yet when his old friends deserted him,
when the University cast him off, at Lutterworth
he assiduously laboured with a few faithful allies
at his translation of the Bible into the English
tongue. There were no printing presses, and as fast
as he wrote it had to be copied by industrious scribes
and sent by trustworthy messengers over England.
In this way the great work was finished, if not in
his time at least within a few years of his death.
The importance of the translation—which was a new
thing in this country—could hardly be overesti-
mated, it gave the first impulse to that study of the
Scriptures for which the Anglo-Saxon people in all
parts of the world were celebrated. And had not the
civilization of every nation advanced in proportion
as the people had had opportunities afforded for, and
had been influenced by, the reading and the study of
the Bible? To John Wycliffe, then, were the English
people indebted for the first opportunity of reading
this precious gift in their own tongue. (Applause.)
While Wycliffe was carrying on ttua work, preaching
to his people at Lutterworth, sending out pamphlet
after pamphlet in support of his principles, his con-
stitution gradually gave way, and about 60, on
the 28th December, 1384, when engaged in the ser-
vice of his own church, he was struck with palsy,
and in three days died. His body was buried amid
the tears of his friends and the execrations of his
foes. Wycliffe died: not so his opinions and
writings—the influence of these still remained—

Footprints on the sends eof time.
After touching upon the martyrdom of many of
Wycliffe's followers—the Lollards and others—after
the death of the reformer, the lecturer observed, for
40 years the bones of Wycliffe were allowed to rest
in the church where his weeping disciples had first
placed them; within that time men had been burnt
by Act of Parliament for upholding the privilege of
reading the Bible and exercising their own judg-
ment, and John Huss, in Bohemia, had been mar-
tyred; but in 1425, by decree of the Archbishop
of Canterbury, the coffin was taken up, the body
burnt, and the dust thrown into the river. Wycliffe's
spirit still lived, fragrant, fresh and vigorous, and his
memory was venerated, while they who decreed and
executed those barbarities, and their very names, had
perished. What judgment should be passed upon
Wycliffe from this notice of his life? First, he was
a thorough Reformer. There was no step backward;
as fast as he received the truth he welcomed it, and
firmly stood by it. In character he closely resem-
bled the Puritans, possessing the same sternness and
abhorring luxury, even to the preaching against
church music. His character might be summed up in
the one word—Heretic. In Milton's time Wycliffe
would have been probably a Puritan; in our own a
social reformer, a stanch advocate of whatever
tended to elevate the people, an ardent supporter of
working men's colleges, and co-operating with the
working classes from a single-minded desire to do
them all the good in his power, as a brother man
working with and helping his brother men.
(Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN, in warm terms, proposed a vote
of thanks to the lecturer, which was acknowledged
by Mr. Bishop; and, after a similar vote bad been
passed to the Chairman, and appropriately re-
sponded to, the assembly separated.

DORCHESTER GAS AND COKE COMPANY.
On Thursday morning a special meeting of the
shareholders of this company was held at the Town.
hail for the purpose of amending certain rules.
The Chairman of the Directors, Thomas Coombe,
Esq., presided. The attendance was not very nume-
rous.

The CHAIRMAN opened the business soon after 11,
by reading the notice convening the meeting and
the list of amended resolutions that had been duly
submitted at the gas-works to the inspection of
shareholders.

Mr. J. Crsisrx asked if it was competent to
transact any other business to-day than that specified
in the circular, referring to the annual general meet-
and could they entertain topics raised at the
adjourned general meeting, which had been intro-
duced into the circular? He was present at the first
meeting but could not attend the adjourned meet-
ing. At the adjourned meeting, however, it appeared
discussions had arisen of which, he believed, nothing
had been said at the general meeting.
The CHAIRMAN replied, that at the first meeting
it had been resolved to hold half-yearly meetings;
at the adjourned meeting it had been determined to
reduce the number of directors to six. Now, though
he fancied all the points adverted to in the circular
had been mentioned at the first meeting, a minute
was not made of some portion, and the only question
was, were the directors bound to consider all the re-
solutions passed at the adjourned meeting, whilst no
minute had been made of some of them at the first
meeting? As the directors, however, had considered
them and brought them forward for discussion at
this special meeting the entire matter now rested on
its own legs.
Mr. GALPIN, in order that the occurrence should
not be a precedent, requested theta minute be made
of his remark.

Mr. ANDREWS was also of opinion that the whole
difficulty had been met by the notice. Certain it
was the half-yearly rest was mentioned at the first
meeting.
The Cuartimax iss.id the first resolution on the
paper referred to the number of directors; it was
proposed to reduce them to six. Originally the
number had been nine, but when more shares were
issued the directors had been increased to 12.

Mr. GARLAND thought the object of the share-
holders would be gained by having three directors to
form a quorum and not reduce the board.
Mr. GILPIN approved of going back to the ori-
ginal number, nine. He had no particular wish in
the matter if by appointing six directors only their
attendance could be ensured, because the difficulty of
having 12 directors was that so few attended.
Mr. ANDREWS thought that if six, or an even
number were appointed, the Chairman, by posses-
sing a casting vote, would in fact be the Board of
Directors. He was not enamoured of any particular
number so that it was odd.
Mr. GARLAND moved—That no alteration be
made in the number of. directors.

_
Mr. F. Loot seconded this.
Mr. ROBERT DAVIS moved—That the number of
directors be reduced to nine.
Mr. Arrintaws seconded this amendment.
The CHAIRMAN put the amendment, when six
voted for it and 10 against it.
Mr. PARMITRR then moved—That the number be
six. He said that at present, though there were 12
directors, they could not tell who the engineer of the
works was, and six directors would surely be as
beneficial to the concern as such • It (Hear.)
Mr. BARNARD seconded the motion, remarking
that he beheved 6 conscientious men would more
effectually perform the business of the company than
the present larger number.
The CHAIRMAN FMB the motion, and 10 voted for
it and 9 against at, so that the proposition was
carried. It was also resolved that 3 should form a
quorum; though
Mr. F. Locx moved as an amerndment—but no
one seconded it—That the number of directors be
reduced to three. (laughter.)
Mr. 41•Lrne then moved that in case any director
shall absent himself from the meetings of the board
for three months consecutively, excepting in case of
illness, his office shall thereupon become vacant in
the same manner as if he were dead; and if by

death, resignation, or otherwise, the number of di-
rectors shall be reduced, the remaining directors
shall within 21 days after such reduction call a special
general meeting for the purpose of filling up the
vacancy.
Mr. ANDREWS seconded the motion, and it WAS
carried.

It was also resolved, on the motion of Mr. AN-
DREWS, seconded by Mr. PARMITER, that a half.
yearly general meeting shall be held within two
months after December 31 and June 30 every year.
Mr. Gal.rim moved that the directors shall make
a rest in the accounts to the 31st December and 30th
June, and a clear and faithful exposition of the state
of the affairs of the company, shall be submitted by
the Chairman to the consideration of the half-yearly
meeting, and that a printed copy of such statement
shall be sent to every shareholder 10 days at least
before such meeting; that in the accounts made up
to the 30th of June at least 3 directors shall certify
whether, after making adequate provision for existing
demands, any and what amount of dividend shall be
declared.

Mr. JOHY DAVIS seconded this, and it passed.
Mr. PartmrrEn moved that at the half.yearly meet.
mg held next after the confirmation of the resolution
reducing the number of directors to six the whole of
the present directors shall go out of office, and the
appointment and election of six persons to be direc-
tors proceeded with; that at the next yearly
meeting after the 30th June two directors shall go out
by lot; at the half-yearly meeting after 30th June,
1859, two directors shall also retire; that at every
subsequent half-yearly meeting the two directors
longest in office shall go out; and all shall be eligible
for re-election.

Mr. GEORGE GALPIN, jun., seconded the propo-
sition, and it was agreed to.
It was also determined that the auditors shall, at
least once in every half-year, and oftener if they
shall think fit, examine, audit, and ascertain the
accounts of the company, and the state of its con-
cerns, with respect to the receipts, payments, pro-
perty, and effects thereof; and the directors shall,
on every half-yearly rest, make out and lay before
the said auditors a fair statement thereof, when
the auditors shall make such obeervations as to them
shall seem fit, and deliver the same to the directors,
who shall make a general report thereon, for the in-
formation of the company, to the general half-yearly
.•

meeting.
Mr. ANDREWS suggested the desirability of having
paid auditors, in order that responsibility might at-
tach to the office;
.but .
—. _. . . . _ .

The CHAIRMAN held that such a topic should be
entertained at a general meeting.
Mr. G. H. DAVIS moved that at the half-yearly
meetings the auditors shall go out of office.
Mr. THOMAJI SAUNDERS seconded the resolution,
and it was adopted.
Mr. GALPIN moved and MT. JOHN DAVIS seconded
that the auditors be eligible for re-election. This
motion also peered.
Mr. ROBERT DAVIS moved and Mr. G. H. DAVIS
seconded that every proprietor having one share
shall have one vote ; the owner of two shares two
votes; the owner of four shares three votes; and
the owner of eight or more shares four votes ; no
proprietor to have more than four votes.
Mr. F. LOCK moved that the original clause be
not altered; but no one seconded the amendment,
and it fell to the ground.
Mr. GALPLY spoke in support of the original pro-
position contending that the intention of the founders
of the company was to get as large a proprietary as
possible.
Mr. SLADE moved as an amendment, and Mr. F.
Br.NNErr seconded it, that a proprietor of one share
shall have one vote; a proprietor of three shares two
votes; of six shares three votes; and of eight shares
four votes.

Mr. ANDREWS said, if this amendment were
carried, the second largest number of shareholders
would be disfranchised. At present there were 41
persons who held one share each; 28 two shares ; 13
three shares; 22 four shares; 3 five shares: no one
held six shares; 1 held seven shares; 3 eight shares;
no one held nine shares; and 7 held ten sham.
. ..

The original resoltition moved by Mr. Robert
Davis was carried by a large majority.
The CHAIRMAN moved, and Mr. SAUNDERS se-
conded, that all proprietors shall vote by proxy; but
after some discussion the proposition was withdrawn.
It was determined that m any division on any
question six shareholders should be allowed to de-
mand a poll, such poll to be taken within six and not
less than three clear days after the meeting, to be
kept open from 10 to 3, and to close if an hour elapsed
without a vote being recorded. Also it was resolved
—that a copy of the company's deed showing the
alteration should be prepared, and 300 copies printed,
that each shareholdor (118 in number) should have
one, the remaining copies to be sold at 6d. each.
The CHaisactiv said it was needful to have a for-
mal meeting to confirm the doings of the present
meeting; and it was decided to hold it a fortnight
hence at the gas-works.
A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the pro-
ceedings.

SHERBORNE.-Mr. Macrea,dis Reading.—A'
large party, including many of the neighbouring
clergy and visitors from Sturminster, Yeovil, Yet-
rainster, Chetnole, Henstridge, and other towns and
villages, assembled in the Institution Buildings on
Thursday week, to hear Mr. Macready upon "one of
the masterpieces of Shakspeare." Mr. Macready,
after some introductory remarks on the genius of
Shakspeare, pointed out, as pre-eminently the finest
productions of the immortal dramatist, Macbeth,
Othello, King Lear, and Hamlet, and announced that
he had eelected the last named as the subject of his read-
ing. Hamlet was introduced as irresolute and amia-
ble, and with "more of sorrow than of anger" in his
tone. That this conception of the character is the
true one, Mr. Macready most satisfactorily proved in
his comments on the text, and although those who
have joined in the cheers which the " points " in
Hamlet always bring down from a London audience,
may have felt less of excitement than usual, their so-
ber judgments must have reoonciled them to the
quieter and purer interpretation of the grandest of
Shaltspeare's conceptions. In those soliloquies where
grief and agony prevail, Mr. Macready was most affec-
tive ; and nothing could be finer or more pathetic than
the closet scene. In the 2nd scene of Act IL, whore
Hamlet, through the instrumentality of the players,
catches the "conscience of the King," there is one
point of tremendous energy in theatrical representa-
tion, and when the Prince starts to his feet, and bids
"the striken deer go weep," there are few audiences
that do not sway with excitement under the infiu-
enbe of the uncontrollable passions of the Royal Dane.
In such passages, reading stands in unfavourable con-
trast to a performance; for there are many who ex-
pect from a single voice the change of tone, the loud
and dazzling points, and electrifying influences that
can be produced only by acting—by many voices—by
groupings—and by scenic acceassories. Mr. Macrea-
dy did not draw around him the fashionable and
numerous attendance of Thursday to indulge his at-
tachment to histronic art; least of all to extort from
• provincial audience the acknowledgment of his
ability and powers that is now on the records of his-
tory. He renewed his acquaintance with one of the
masterpieces of Shakspeare as the readiest and most
promising means of obtaining support to the educa-
tional movement which is connected with his name
in the West of England. A vote of thanks was
moved by Sir W. Medlycott, and was modestly ac-
knowledged by Mr. Macready.

THE YEOMANRY. —The annual meeting of the
Sherborne Association for the Protection of Pro-
perty was held on Monday, at the King's Arms,
N. Highmore, Esq., in the chair. A gratuity of £2
was voted to W. Foot, carter the employ of Mr.
Notley, of Compton Pauncefoot, for detecting a boy
in stealing beans. A reward of £2, paid by Mr.
Notley to a person who gave evidence which led to
the conviction of Mr. Urquhart and a game-keeper,
for taking away a wire fence, was repaid Mr. Notley.
The legal expenses of the association in the year have
scarcely amounted to a guinea, and its funds are
flurishing (there being a sum of between £7O and
.cso in hand). The annual dinner was held at the
King's Arm, and was attended by about 30 mem-
bers The Chairman (Mr. Highmore) ably dis-
charged his duties, and the conviviality of the even-
ing was sustained by excellent songs and speeches.
In returning thanks for the Yeomanry—Lieut.
Ffooks said:lle believed there was no doubt that,
this May, Lord Rivers and the Q.O.R.D.Y. C. would
muster in Sherborne. The announcement was much
applauded.

NATIONAL SCHOOLB.-Mr. Digby, of Sherborne
Castle, paid a visit on Saturday week to the new
schools in Westbury, and seeing the entrance walk
from Horsecastles and Westbury, as well NI the play-
ground, in an unfinished condition, he at once, genet..
oiuily expressed his wish to have both walks and
playground completed as soon u possible, at his own
cost. Thus will be removed a source of constant
complaint amongst the parents, and of discomfort to
the clergy, teachers, and children, all of whom, we
feel sure, will rejoice at the good effects of the visit
of the friend and patron of the National day, even-
ing, and Sunday Schools.

Smsrresarray. —Mrs. Clara Balfour, the talented
historical lecturer, is to deliver lectures at the As-
sembly-rooms, Grosvenor Arms Hotel, on the I Ith
and 12th, on "The Important Erse in English Litera-
ture, and their effects on social advancement." From
the purity of style and elegance of language for
which the lectures of this lady are celebrated, coupled
with the pleasing manner in which they are delivered,
there is no doubt a very large audience will avail
themselves of the opportunity of hearing her.

CHURCH REBTORATION.—The old parish church
of Coleshill is about to be restored. It is to bc roofed
throughout with oak, and new seated with the same
material. The stonework of the nave, aisles, and
chancel is to be renewed. A new west window will
be put in, and • dorway made in the tower. The
restoration of the chancel will be carried out at the
sole cost of the Rev. J. D. W. Digby, vicar of Coles-
hill, the remainder of the work is to be completed
at the joint cost of the vicar, and G. D. W. Digby,
Req., of Sherborne Castle. The architect, under
whoee superintendence the restorationwill be effected,
is Mr. Win. Slater, of London; and the execution of
the work has been entrusted to Mews. Robinson
and Son, of Coventry, builders.

BISHOP'S CA UNDLE.--011 Saturday week an ac-
cident, occurred to Mr. Wm. R. House, of Bishop's
Cann(lle, cattle dealer. W h list returning home he
was thrown out of his gig, between the White Horse,
Middle Marsh, and Mr. Waygood's Camay Farm.
He was taken up by Mr. Thomas Coombs in an
insensible state, and conveyed to Mr. Waygood's,
were on examination by Mr. Dowling, of Cerise, it
was found he had sustained several severe bruises on
the head, face, and mouth, that two or three teeth
had been beaten out, and that the blood was flowing
very freely from his month. After staying at Mr.
Waygood's for a few days, and receiving their best
and kind attention he was able to be taken home.
Fortunately no hones were broken, and he is, under
the circumstances, progressing favonrahly.
STUR MINSTER M A }ISM A LL. The Rev. W. B.
Heathcote, Precentor of the Cathedral Church of
Salisbury, who has been mentioned as the successor
of the Rev. Sir Erasmus Williams, Bart., to the
rectory of St. Peter's, Marlborough, has just been
presented to the Vicarage of Sturminster Marshall,
in this diocese, void by the death of the Rev.
Matthew Irving, D.D. We now hear that there
is a probability of the Rev. Prebendary Tufnell's ac-
ceptance of the rectorship of Saint Peter's.
MILBORNE Si'. ANDREW FARMERS' CLUB. —Pre-
serration of (Mme.—This club held its monthly
meeting at the Royal Oak on Wednesday week,
when there were about 25 members present, Mr.
Henry Fookes in the chair. After the preliminary
business of the club had been gone through, the
Chairman rose and said that he never opened a meet-
ing of this club under more painful feelings than he
did on the present occasion. In the first place he
regretted to see so few members present, and they
were all well aware, since their last meeting together
in that room, they had lost the founder of the club,
viz., their late President, Mr. Wm. Symmonds, who
was present at nearly every monthly meeting except
when prevented by sickness, and whilst they as a
club had sustained the loss of so useful a man he
might go further and say that he was a loss to the
county at large. His parishioners recognised him as
a kind and hospitable neighbour, and his servants as
a good and kind master. Without saying more on
this painful subject, he would call on Mr. Richards
to bring forward the subject for this evening's
"On the injurious effects of an undue pre-
servation of game on our home supplies." Mr.
Richards rose and said: In his opinion he believed
the injurious effects done to agricultural produce di-
rectly and indirectly by the preservation of game
amounted to nearly the importation of grain, He
did not mean to say that this amount of produce was
actually consumed by game, but he believed the in-
jurious effects caused by their preservation would be
almost tantamount to it. For instance, if a piece of
turnips in their infancy were eaten off by such
vermin as rabbits (he could not call them game), the
plants became stunted in their growth, and received
a check, from which they never recovered; the 'same
also applied to other crops. Look again at the im-
mense tracts of land which remain uncultivated,
which might be turned to a profitable account were
it not for the preservation of game. He thought
every farmer ought to be his own gamekeeper on all
lands occupied by him. He did not believe any
tenant termer in England would like to see his land-
lord come on his farm and find no sport, nay rather
he would feel a pride in showing him some, whereas
under present circumstances he was very often led to
turn poacher, and felt himself not unjustified in
doing so. The Chairman said he concurred with
most of the remarks that had fallen from Mr.
Richards, but he entertained it as a matter of opi-
nion whether "the injurious effects caused by the
preservation of game was equal to the importation
of foreign corn." He quite agreed with him in Lay-
ing that every farmer ought to be his own game-
keeper, for he honeyed those employed by gentlemen
were the greatest humbugs the farmer had to en-
counter. They all liked to preserve as much game
as possible, not caring who were the injured party;
and in many instances they did it to benefft their
own pockets. After the landlord had received as
much sport as he required, the gamekeepers shot
what they could afterwards, and sent to market what
in reality belonged to the farmer. Mr. Richards
then wished the Chairman to put the following reso-
lution, which was carried unanimously—" Resolved,
that it is the opinion of this club that the manner in
which game is preserved in many districts is most
objectionable, inasmuch as it impedes the advance-
ment of agriculture, subjects the tenant farmer to
serious losses and inconvenience, and in many cases
is the cause of disagreement and ill feelings between
landlord and tenant; and whilst we do not wish a
repeal of the game laws, or in any way to infringe
the rights of property, we consider that if tenants
were allowed the right of sporting on their own
farms to the extent of killing hares and rabbits, they
would ensure to the landlord an equal amount of
sport to that which he now enjoys, and in most cases
the chief cause of complaint would be removed."
The meeting then separated till the 24th instant, on
which day the annual dinner of the club will be
held.