The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1861-03-19 00:00:00

SHERBORNE.-THE 7th DORSET RIFLES.

Monday, the 11th, WILI, • grand day for the inhabitants
of the town, it being the first anniversary of the 7th
Dorset company of volunteers, who mustered in full
force at the Monthsll, under the presidency of G. 1).
W. Digby, Esq. The band played several martial
tunes in the churchyard.
The CHAIRMAN, in opening the proceedings, said that
the object of their meeting wii,s to oonsider their pre-
sent position, the state of thliir finances, and their
future prospects. He was very pleased to meet them
on that °cession. Though unable to take an active
part himself, he felt great interest in their success, and
he believed that they hod cause to be proud tif the
efficiency of the corps. To their Captain they were
much indebted. He, (Mr. Digby), believed they might
look forward to another year with the hope of increased
stIeCCII. . .

The report was then read by Mr. G. D. POCK.
LINGTON, the Hon. Sec. The receipts had been
£497 Se. 6d., and after paying all expenses there re-
mained a balance of RIO Is. 5.1. They had also
organised • brass band attached to the corps, which
had been assisted by the balance of the fete last year,
the sum of al being paid over to it.
Captain Fas.w.tnisza then addressed the meeting, and
entered into some interesting details respecting the
corps. !fifthe course of his remarks he said that the
first year they had to purchase everything, which made
it • more expensive year than any they were likely to
have. He was very anxious that • prize fund should
be established for rifle shooting, and he had the happi-
ness to inform them that Mr. and Mrs. Digby had given
kb, and he had received I:5 from another
source. He trusted the ladies of the town
would add another £5, and that £2O might be
raised to shoot for. He hoped that on the anniversary
of Her Majesty's birthday they might meet together for
the purpose of trying their skill.
The gentleman who next addressed the meeting. Mr.
It. W. BAKER. wa• received with vehement cheering.
In the course of hi. remarks he said that one of the
most important thing, in • rifle corps was a reciprocal
feeling between the commander and those commanded.
The efficiency of • part depended on the efficiency of the
whole, and that success might attend their efforts it
was necessary that there should be no falling off—no
retrograding. but a steady advaace. All who could
should join the volunteer force. Though the
apprehension which called forth this martial feeling had
somewhat subsided, the mum of the apprehension was
not removed. The worthy gentleman alluded to the
, French vessel La /noire, and mid that though if
such • vessel had been launched in 1859, they would
have had serious cause for apprehension, they had no
such feeling now. Though they might have to put forth
the utmost exertions for the defence of their native
land, yet he had DO doubt but that if ever any invaded
they would never return to ten the tale.
(Loud applause.)
country,
gti) spoke in very high terms of the elt•
cienay of the corps, and also of the energy of their
Captain, who, he said, bad remained at Hythe when
the thermometer was below the frtesing point, that
he might have a complete knowledge
Aol,..ihiiistiodantasy.
(Cheers.) He would like to see • County
With
rd
they had in pow) par.!' of the kingdom. W regard
to Creresrydethant
that such gaaplatiPartwoduldtheentaile Pepin:lax' taxes,
sand make John Bull savage. (Laughter.)
Sir WILLIAM lIIIDDLYCOTT, poke in very high
terms of the efficiency
speech made by one of the
tbstbec°witolsacti mainkledrstowthhoe
ihad wuurge;oommry urged that thefoFirethanchrodnassoonvy should
sagundbe looked. tapas. as
i

*hewed we should be prepared. After alluding to on
whims written by Mr. 1% in!e. and .4 which be puke
in high terms, he prop....e,i • vote of thanks to George
D. W. Ifigby, E.g., who woo u tunnillount contnbidur
Vi all iusfil,i,fionA, and in filling his high station gave
&distortion to all.

Mr. DinnT rtturned thank, and the meeting Ile pa -
ratol.

MAIDEN NEwr.N.—The annual fair Crime off on
Monday, the Ilth inst,and was rather larger than on
usual, both as regards attendance, and the quantity
of stock on offer. We cannot say much in praise of
the quality, especially in reference to many it the
barreuels. which were in eery poor condition, and
the trade for such was exceedingly dull, many re.
maining unsold ; but where there was anything that
would he likely ti !won require the butcher, there
was a lively demand, and prices, as far as we could
judge from a small fair, were well 8111pOrted.
CEHNE. —The yearly gathering so important to the
inhabitants of this place, namely the "fair," came elf
yesterday week; and considering that Maiden Newton
fair happened on the same day this year, we had no.
right to expect hundreds of beast, and whole herds
of swine. All we can ray about prices is that the
fair was not sufficiently large to require a full report
at our Lands.