The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1874-01-27 00:00:00

MINTERNIS MAGNA.

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FINTIVITINS AT MIWTIRIII Housa.—On Friday last,
the ball which is annually given by Lord and Lady
Dieby to the servants lii their employ was oelebrated
with that conviviality which has oharsoterived these
social gathernes at Minterne House for many years.
The event Is always anticipated with mush pleasure by
all who enjoy the privilege of partiMpating la these
festivities' which contribute in no small degree to
promote that social Intereouree which unites all ollusee
in the bond of good fellowship. A large number of
Lord Dieby's on** together with some trades-
people from the adjoining village of Oerue, supplemented
by parties of Meads from the reeidenees of the gentry
in the losality, altogether numberleg upwards of lot,
sod forming a goodly assemblage worthy at the oclosiden.
The weather, though stormy during the day, became
more favourable towards evening, thua enabling persons
from a distance to jnin in the ' merry making," who
would otherwise have been preveoted from &Deeding.
The servant's hell of the mouton was elaborately
ornamented in honour of the event, and presented •
upwt trilliast appearnnee. The vedette plettires and
other objects of art which are arranged along the walls
ware deecrated with flowers and orerwsene, whilst the
crimson curtains whieb hung gracefully from different
parte of the [WM were relieved with the oenteeel
tptelinens of ferns arranged in fanciful dealgna. From
thc ogling depended dreular and other devices Isom.
posed of &wen, which, 0w1..g to the &diens macaw is
which they were suspended, appeared, apparently
without say visible 'lmport, to poise theMieleel in
, mid-Mr. The large mantel•pleoe was covered with a
I °bolos oolleetion of plants embedded In mom, which
made a pleasing addition to the general effset.
Magnifiesat plants blooming in all the rich luxuriance
of their native °limes, irere brought from the flue sea-
senatorial attached to the mansion, and arranged in
various parte of the room. The wooden structure
emoted for the musicians was interlaced with floral
wreathe Lad follies forming a kind of trellis-work of
singular beauty. The deooratione were both elaborate
, in character and beautiful In design throughout, and
fully sustained the reputation of Mr. Mills, head
gardener to Lord Digby, wider whose personal reverie-
tee deuce they were marled out. Tee prineipal illumi-
nation of the room was. large glided lamp, whleh bang •
Iron an ornamental design of variously ooloured wood, •
enebellteleed with flowers, and (Wilms. From an early
hour °striae.' began to atrive, their ssempente being
received by Mr. Tracey, butler, and Mrs, Bayne, 'ware.
keeper, who spared no pains in promoting the sonfort
and sr juyereent of their genets, their exertions being
ably seconded by the other dome/aloe whose woeful at.
tendon to the minor detains rendered the enjoyment
of tneir visitors the mote complete. Bowl after nice
o'c'..ok the inrpiritha strains of the band announced
the commencement el the ,311etics of the evening, and
deecing was kept up with little intisrmleslon until
shortly after one o'clock, when the party proceeded to
sapper, which Rae leld out in the dialon room on three
wag:nous tables. The supper wee excellent, and corn-
pilled the greatest seri. ty of (lichee; and Mrs. Maneey
received the highest eneondums for the careful attention
she bad evidently bestoesed in the preparation of the
feast. Several plants in heodsome noes were disposed
at intervalr along tire different tables, adding coaatter.
abiy to their elegant appeoran tie, and aervluv to heighten
the general effect. Tea, oeffee, and other bevereges of
• light and refreahirp: tANether with fruits and
confection, ry were earned in rooms adjoining the
The bend was provided by Mr. Robinsoe, of Dorchester,
and gave general satisfaetion. After supper dancing
Was resumed with uoaisated vigour until just before
dawn. Several songs were given drab* the intervals
between the dances. Before the riesinemy separated,
Mr. Tawny proposed she health. of Lord and Leidy
Michy in appropriate tcrue, end the oordial reception
accorded to the toast testdied that all present foLy or-
! precivtod tire munifieent treat that bed been provide'.
for them. Mr. Basel next pi opeeed the health. of Mr.
Tracey, Mrs. Baylis, Mrs. Meocey. and Mr. Mills. Mr.
Traoey acknowledged the compliment in suitable terms.
Mr. Mille also hri, Ay responded. The proceedings from
the commereencset to the close were of the most
*violable actnrictimr, the pleasant hilarity which prs,
veiled throughout being as uointerrupted se it was
goaoral, and orprowdeso of delight were hoard pa all

skies The barn ;arty left the hovitable made*
with fooling. of the most agreeable klad, end hoplai
tkat the marmot of aner ma sight enable them
to most Kam Wee Ms sante gratifying *ear
alanees.

WARZHAMO
own" pory FINMum, Tuuiday.—Beleft LIMIL•Oei 0 P.
*inset, and Mr. Milos Rodgou
Mart Cobb, or Bore BwD, labourer, was summoned by P.O.
John Bryant, charged with being drunk and riotous at. Bare
Reg* on the Srd titil. Fined 18s. including costs. In default
ha was committed kw 14 days' hard labour, this befog WS
sesaao esurfatioa.
j„,y, 07,,pgr, Waiter 8en44.4d, sod Clark, Bond/kid, all 01
Hesston, Unarrymen, wen) brought up In custody charged with
.....iyin,Cand beating Jannis Ecate 411untm, quarryman, on
the 17th hula at llUTtOn. The defendants were defended by
Mr B. a Wailful, of Dorchester. 'The Bench after a patient
bearing, tined them ins each which was pahl forthwith.
Brame!. Pwrrr Samionsar Tuesday.
Chorus Lockyear, and Toss Purchase, of Dere Rosie, were
brought up in custody of I' C. Bryant, charged with stealing
onu drake, value 20 , the property of Mr. W. -Bement, of floger's
Bill Farm. The case was clearly proved, by the constable, and
prosecutor's dairyman, and the prisoners were sentenced to one
menth's bard labour each.