The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1861-03-12 00:00:00

BLANDFORD.

Our fair, held on Thursday, was well attended;
indeed for many years we have not had such a
goodly company at this season of the year. Of
cattle there was • pretty good show, and • fair
amount of business was transacted at full prices.
The number of sheep was small. Cheese—a good
supply.
We regret to announce the demise of Mrs.
Thomas Oakley, which melancholy event took place
on Thursday last. This esteerqed lady haa been
organist of the pariah church for 39 years, a duty
which she was well qualified to perform from her
perfect knowledge of music. Her annual concerts,
.given in years gone bye, used to attract large and
fashionable audiences, and as • performer on the
harp she had few, if any, equals. It is expected that
the situation lately held by Mrs. Oakley will for the
future be filled by her daughter, Mrs. Et' lwards, who
has ofiiciated during the last fifteen months.
The drum and fife band of the Ist. Dorset Cadet
Corp'', composed of young gentlemen of the wheel,
made their first public appearance on Wednesday
afternoon, and under the able leadership of Mr. H.
R. Eyers, played several popular marches in &st-
rata style, marching through the market place to
Milldown. Various evolutions were gone through
by the corps in a very praiseworthy manner; and
on their return they again enlivened the towns-
people by playing the "British Grenadier," and
other martial strain.. Much praise is due to their
teachers, Messrs. Skivington, H. R. Eyera, and J.
Hunt for their indefatigable exertions, and to the
young gentlemen for their attention and diligence.
RIFLIt CORPI4.—We understand that ten gentle-
men of the above rope have challenged ten of that
of the Wimborne corps, to a shooting match, which
has been accepted. Ten men on each side will com•
pete, the distance to be 200 and 300 yards, 5 shots
each at each distance. No doubt if it is a fins
some good shooting will ensue. A return
will follow at Wimborne. The affair will take place
on Monday, the 18th, on the Blandford practice
ground.
SPIRIT RAPPING.—Some Of the secrets of table
turning will be disclosed here next Thursday by Pro-
fessor Mackenzie.
INDIIPINDENT CliAril--We are pleased to hear
that the Rev. B. Gray, minister of the above place
of worship, who is at Hastings for the benefit of his
health, hopes to be able to resume his duties at the
end of this month.

BAND or Hore.—This Society held their fort.
nightly meeting in the Townhall last Tuesday
evening, and after singing their melodies and
reciting their pieces, the children were addressed by
Messrs. Meaden, Robinson, de. A grand demon-
stration is to be made this spring, and the youthful
members are busy with muds collecting funds to
carry it out. In all probability • fife and drum
band will be established amongst them if the funds
will permit, as Mr. Hunt, St. Mary's, hasgenerously
promised to undertake the tuition gratuitously, At
the close • crowded meeting of the adults was held in
the same room, and were addressed by Messrs.
Troulau and Gatehouse, who sang some temperance
melodies, and earnestly advised the audience to
renounce strong drinks. Many signatures to the
pledge book wore added.

WIMBORNE.
SPCCIAL fileamosns--An adjourned scald sessions
for highways was held on outlay, fore C. J.
Parke, Esq., chairmen, Major Portman, Bev. C. J.
Glyn, and Rev. John H. Austen.—Brivre Ford, stir.
veyor of higways, Gussage St. Michael v. Rey. Georye
lirroleisp.—This was an application on • summons for
refusal to pay a highway rate of 2s. in the pound,
amounting to Ell odd. Mr. W. H. Dickenson, of
Poole, appeared for the surveyor, and Mr. F. 'l'. Johns,
of Blandford, for the defendant. Tbe surveyor was
examined as to the publication of the rate, and Mr.
John raised an objection to the effect Olt the original
notice put on the church door must be produced to
prove publication, which was overruled by the Bench.
Mr. Johns requested a note to be made of his objection.
The two legal gentlemen then addressed the Bench on
the right of defendant to appeal, after which the
Chairman said they decided the rate to lie properly
mode, and the usual course would be pursued,
and • distress warrant bunted. Mr. Johns said
he would pay the amount. The Chairman
addressing the legal gentlemen, said the Bench
wished him to state that he hoped they
would use their good offices to effect • reconciliation
between the rev. defendant and his parishioners, and
put an end to the painful litigation now going forward,
and restore peace to the pariah. Mr. Ford said be
would take upon himself to say on the part of himself
and his brother parishioners, that they would be happy
to accede on their part to the wish of the Bench.