The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1860-02-07 00:00:00

Somersetshire.

Yeovn..—We understand that a memorial is in
course of signature to be presented to the Town
Council at their meeting on Monday neat, praying
them to let the market tolls and fairs, as hereto-
fore.

Nine Finx-Fecarg.—We are glad to find that
through the exertions of Mr. F. Curtis, hair-dresser,
Middle-street, we are likely to have a fire-escape in
this town. Several parties have volunteered sub-
scriptions for one; but we cannot help thinking
that the Town Council ought to none forward
liberally and vote a sum for the purchase of one of
these useful instrumente for saving life from the
ravages of that destructive enemy—fire. The
" escape" would then be entirely under their control,
and be the property of the town.
FATAL ACCIDENT. —On Tuesday night about 11
o'clock, on elderly woman, named Hannah Pitts,
was unfortunately burnt to death. The deceased,
with another elderly female, who was an invalid,
were housekeepers to Miss Warren (who fur some
years has been abroad), and whose residence is on
Pen-hill; and it is supposed that while sitting asleep
by the lire about half-past ten o'clock her clothes
ignited. It appeared that she rushed to the foot of
the stairs, where she fell, overpowered by the flames;
and her shrieks having attracted the attention of by.
standar', the cry of " firs" was raised, and an engine
was quickly upon the spot, but was not used, as it
was found that the fire had been confined to the
unfortunate victim, who was lying quite dead at
the foot of the stairs.

banns

FORNIMIIIe COMMIT AND BALL.—This affair,
which had been got up with great spirit by a com-
mittee conaisring of the members of the Court
"Yeovil's Pride," came off on Wednesday evening
last, under the patronage of T. Measiter and
Bide, Esquires. The attendance was anything but
remunerative, notwithstanding the excellent pro-
gramme that had been pre *red. Many of the pieces
rendered by the Yeovil Glee and Madrigal Society
(under the conductorship of Mr. Lowing) were very
creditable to the tuition of that gentleman. The
room was tastefully decorated by Mn William Cox,
of Middle-street. and the arrangements generally
gave great satisfaction to those who were present.
Doncing was kept up with great spirit till an ad-
vanced hour in the morning. Mr. and Mrs Come,
of the Mermaid Inn, most liberally catered for the
occasion, and provided an elegant spread.
Bononoil Poucx, Tuesday. —(Before J. R. Mayo,
Eq.)—A tramp, with one arm, who gave his name
as Frederick Francia, stating that he was from
Staffordshire, and had "come out of his way," was
charged by Mr. Supt. Smith with wilfully and
maliciously breaking a window-pane at the police.
station on Tuesday morning last. Defendant was
seen, by a lad named Barrett, to go up to the ,
window, and deliberately push his fist through the
glass. He appeared to be in a state of great destitu-
tion, and it seems his object in breaking the window
: was that he might go to prison. His wishes in this
respect were gratified, for he was sent to Taunton
gaol for 21 days, in default of paying Is. 6cl. fine and
6s. 6d. cads.
InqursT.—An adjourned inquest was held at the
Wine Vaults Inn, on Thursday week, on the body
of John Wensley. The wife of the unfortunate de-
ceased deposed to her husband appearing very much
dejected in spirita when she last saw him (26th of
December). She was not aware that he was in any
pecuniary difficulty with the Railway Company;
but he had often complained of rough usage, and
bad declared that he would rather crack stones than
work there. —Nathaniel Kendall, a labourer, de-
posed to meeting the deceased near the Gm-house on
Tuesday morning, the 27th December, about halt-
pest six o'clock. The Jury returned a verdict of
Found drowned, but how he came into the water
there was no evidence to show." The deceased's
wife requested Mr. Supt. Smith to give up, the
money found upon him (CIO 4s. lid.) to the Bristol
and Exeter Railway Company.
TIM DISPENSARY. —We are glad to find that this
useful institution, although in its infancy, puts forth
promise of much success. Dr. Warry announces a
balance of £7 16e. Bd., notwithstanding that he has
only received the beggarly sum of 15 guineas from
imbecribers (of which five guineas, we see, come
from one gentleman—if. Goodford, Esq. ), 273
patients having been treated in the last year! Are
these not worth the thought and care of the opulent
inhabitant.; of the town? We bear the institution
highly spoken of in some quarters, and the exer-
tions which Dr. Warry has made to set on foot and
carry on this laudable institution—which must
prove a valuable boon to the poor —cannot be too
highly commended. Yeovil is now a town where,
by the confluence of railways, ltc., accidents are
hkely to occur; and it is highly important that such
a valuable institution as this should be supported.
We feel immured that if the inhabitants, not of Yeovil
only, but its neighbourhood, will gives little thought
to the matter, they will feel the necessity of more
permanently establishing; a first-rate infirmary, on a
similar scale to those of many other towns in this
and neighbouring counties.
ItIILN CoAPA —We have had quite a spirited run
for the comniissions in this corps, and our town on
Friday week bore all the attribute* of a contested
Median. Find came out a green bill calling on
"Brother Riflemen" to vote for Thomas Memater,
Eq., of Bat-wick, for captain; Mr. Moore of
Kingston, for lieutenant; and Mr. J. W. Richards,
for ensign. This was followed by a yellow bill in
favour of Mr. bdemiter as captain; of Mr. It.
Donne as lieutenant; and of Mr. H. Shortland
Watts as ensign; and a blue bill which followed
Immediately, very judiciously suggested "Brother
Riflemen, do not let handbills influence you. Select
men most likely to uphold the corps." The Rifle
Corps meeting of course was private, but we have
gleaned the following particulars :—T. ?delimiter,
EN. for captain, was proposed by W. Bide, Eq.,
seconded by the committee, and carried wenn con.
R.. Donne, Esq., for lieutenant, was proposed by Mr.
J. Slade, seconded by Mr. Sandal!. H. S. Watts,
Esq., for ensign, was proposed by Mr. Sloper,
seconded by Mr. G. Wadman. T. Moore and J. W.
Richards, &qrs., were unsuccessful candidates.
The Dress: It was decided that it should he a grey
with black facings, the same as at Bath; two of this
corps, with full dress, were at the meeting. The
Hat: It was decided that it should be the shako
with plume, being an additional expense of Se.
beyond the £4 per man. Their captain liberally
offered to pay for all plumes.
YEOVIL COUNTY PETTT 868810101. Wednesday
Before T. Banter, Esq., G. Bullock, Esq., F. M. best-
meet, Req. and Rev. H. Bennett. The business to-day
was unusually light, there beiag only one or twosomes to
be heard.
Edward Wien, beer-house keeper, of Norton, was
summoned by Mr. Superintendent Smith for having his
house open in prohibited hours on Sunday, the 22nd of
January. Defendant having had a good character given
him by Mr. Quantock, the Bench indicted a lingo( only
10s. including costs. Paid.
Giles Gaylord, of Martoek, was summoned by P.C.
Yardman for being drunk and disorderly. The officer
said he met the defendant about one o'clock on the morn-
ing of the 7th of January; lie was very drunk, and used
profane language.-11r. Joni& appeared for the defen-
dant; and severely cross-questioned the policeman, who
acknowledged that the defendant had told him that he
would be better employed in looking after more
serious offenoes than in acting the part of an eaves-drop-
per. Mr. Jolliffe made a very forcible speech for the
defendant, contending the case was the result of a
spleen, and called several witnesses to prove that he was
on the night in question eta large private party, keep-
ing ups wedding, that he drank very moderately, and
left the house perfectly sober, and that he did not WM
the offensive language imputed to him. The Bench
asked the complainant if defendant was incapable of
taking care of himself He replied that he was walking
with his wife. The Bench : Then why did you summon
hiss? Policeman: Because he used abusive language.
—Mrs. Baily was also examined, and said defendant did
not make use of any *bake* language in her presence;
he only said, "flare will be no chance for the Bobbies
tonight."—John Stone, carpenter, of Mattock, corro-
borated the evidence of the previous witnesses. The
Bench, after deliberating • few minutes, said they had
determined upon dismissing the charge of drunkenness,
but they thought be had made use of improper names
to the policeman ; although his witnesses had spoken
positively to his not using the offensive language im-
puted to him. Themes was then dismissed.
Job Goeard, of the same place, beer-house keeper,
sad brother to the last defendant, was then charged
with refusing to admit Sergeant Clarke into his house
on the 17th January. It appeared frees the evidence of
Sergeant Clarke that be saw a person, whom ha behaved
to be the defendant, in the oithir drawing some drink;
In knocked at the door, when defendant's wife said, out
of the window, "We are all gone to bed." Defendant
called a person—a baker who lived in the home, and
who mid he was in bed, and did not hear the demand
for admission.—Plaintiff grid b• heard parsons about the
bosun, but amid mot see them. Hit went in at the back
door and spoke to Mrs. Gaylard at the foot of the stain,
sad said he should report tbe hoses. Defendant said he
would hot deny that the polies knocked at the door,
bet he oc.adsd that • remonable time had not elapsed
for her to dress herself. The Bench thought the seas
was hilly male est mid laiddmlstulant 10a, imbed*
mats.

Marocw—We are sorry to have to announce
the death of Mr. John Leach, solicitor, of this town.
It appears that within the last month he has lost a
brother and cousin, and/mime few anonthsago his eldest
son, after a lingering .illne a, was taken from him
These bereavements seem to have affected his spirits
materially. On Wednesday morning he was taken
with a paralytic stroke, and never spoke afterwards.
In him we have lost • kind friend, a good neigh-
bour, and an honest, straightforward, inhahitant of
the parish. His son who succeeds him bids fair to
be as much respected as his worthy father was.
. . . .

On Saturday.evening the inhabitants of this place
were alarmed by hearing the awful cry of "fire,"
which, on enquiry, we found proceeded from a beau
mow, in the occupation of Sir. Francis Gillett, of
Coat, in this parish, and we are sorry to add that
there can be no doubt that it was the act of an incen-
diary. Fortunately, only one mow was destroyed ;
but had the evening been dry, and the wind in a
contrary direction, two or throe other mows must
have shared the same fate. We are happy to say
Mr. Gillett is insured. A reward is, we bear, about
to be offered to any party who will give infoituation
as to the perpetrator of the diabolical act, and we
hope shortly to be able to ktinounce that he or they
may be brought to justice, and meet the fate they so
richly deserve.
EAST COKER. —A few Sundays ago, whilst the
,anns of marriage of a certain couple were being
asked in the pariah church, a young woman rose and
forbade them saying, "Here stand I boldly, to for-
bid the banns openly, before God and this congrega-
tion. He is my husband by promise I" The objec-
tion was not considered sufficiently strong.
BRIDGWATER. —Ou Friday week a parish meeting
was held by notice at the GuildhalU, John Trevor,
Eaq., solicitor, in the chair, for the purpose of re-
ceiving the report of a committee appointed to fix
the duties, and to approve of the sureties of Mr.
William Plowman, assistant overseer of the parish.
After lengthened discuasious, the meeting accepted
the proposed sureties. The meeting then proceeded
to receive a report of the overseers of the parish on
the subject of their application to the sureties of
James Bondi, jun., late assistant overseer of the
parish, for payment of monies received by him on
aocouut of the parish, and which he has not paid
over or accounted for, to the amount of £214. The
overseers have consented to receive the sum of .ClOO,
as the sureties are incapable of meeting the full
amount of Busmen's detail:26(nm

BURNHAM. —The New Stealner.—G. Reed, Esq.,
on behalf of the new Steam Navigation Company, haa
purchased one of the best boats the Clyde can pro.
duce, viz., the splendid iron steamer Ruby. She is
a lint-class vessel, of 90 horse-power, and can with
ease perform 16 miles an hour. In the summer
months, when the tides will allow, she will cross the
channel twice a day, for the purpose of keeping up
good traffic, and affording every possible accommoda.
tion to the public. It is not considered probable
that the necessary arrangements can be completed to
start the steamer before the middle of February;
but the promoters of the affair hope that the traffic
between Burn Mun and Cardiff will not be longer
delayed. The boat will reach Burnham thus week
or at the beginning of neat. It is not intended to
remain content with one packet, but to open the
Swansea station during the season. The new Corn-
piny is called "The Burnham Tidal Harbour and
Railway Company," and is under the management
of a Board of Directors, consisting at present of Sir
Edward Baker Baker, Bart., George Reed, Esq., and
Henry Danby Seymour, Esq. Mr. Reed is chairman
under the bill.

TAUNTON. —Two pupils of the British School,
South-street, in this town, have recently obtained
scholarships at the Borough•road College, London.
Their names are (harks Reakes and Emma Wood.

The Board of Health, at their meeting on Thurs-
day week, made a general district rate of 10.1, iu
the pound. £5OO of the amount to be raised will be
required for paving purposes.
The Taunton Buttes are to have a saxhorn band.
Subscriptions have been pretty freely given towards
this object. There is shortly to be some ball prac-
tice for the members, who are to compete for a hand.
some gold medal, offered by the captain of the corps,
W. A. Sanford, Esq.
The trustees of the Scholarship founded in Oxford
University by Thomas Dyke, formerly of Kingston,
in the county of Somerset, Doctor of Nlerlicine, are
desirous of obtaining a scholar to fill up a vacancy
therein, Candidates must be persons born in one of
the counties of Somerset, Levon, or Cornwall, or
who, for three years ending with the 81st December
Ind, shall have been resident in those counties, or
any or either of them, provided they have not at.
tainsd the age of 20 years, or exceeded the fourth
term from that of their matriculation inclusive, and
provided it shall appear to the satisfaction of the
trustees that they are in need of assistance to sup-
port them at the University. The emoluinenta of
each scholar amount to .£45 per annum, and accrue
from the day of his appointment. The scholarship
is tenable for four years. subject as to residence in
St. Mary's Hall, and to the regulations of the Hall
in force for the time being with regard to the under-
graduate members thereof. Persons desirous of be-
coming candidates are required to send to James
Randolph, of Nlilverton, in the county of Somerset,
solicitor, on or before the let day of March next, the
proper evidence of their places of birth, residence. co
education, and all such particulars an may satisfy the
trustees of their moral character and pecuniary cir-
cumstances. The candidates will be subjected to an
exaniination at the University with respea to their
learning and abilities; and candidates who shall pass
the beat examination will be appointed to the
scholarship.
BRISTOL. - rattle Mark.t. —ln consequence of
large purchases having been recently made by a
dealer At our market, for which he paid in cheques
on a bank in Wiltshire, at which it afterwards
transpired that his effects were nil, the leading sales-
men and importers of stock frequenting the market
have given notice that, on and after the 9th of Feb-
ruary they will refuse to receive or accept any
cheques tendered them in payment for stock unless
the said cheques are payable at one of the Bristol
banks.