The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1861-06-04 00:00:00

Band.
Tbe Society's new banaer.
Dr. Powell aad G. D. Pock Spews, Fag.
J. Y. Me!moth, Seq., and t 6 Vicar.
Member, starching two and two.
/tanner.
kiherborneAs Drain and Fife Band.
Members marching two and two.
Banner.
Sherborne Ride Bram band.

The society's new banner, which attracted much
attention, was purchased at a greet expense to com-
memorate the centaur/ anniversary. It consisted •gold
coloured silk, with white and green fringe, and on one
side it bears the Sherborne arms, with the motto " Unity
strength," sad on the other, there is a figure of
"Justice," with • Latin inscription.
A large number of persons accompanied the members
to the church, where prayeça were read, after which the
vicar, the Bev. Edward Harstocs, preached • suitable
sermon from the 90th Psalm, 12th verse " So teach
us to number our days that we may incline our heartx
unto wisdom."' The rev, gentleman drew the attention
of his congregation to the Important events that had
transpired during the Let 100 years, which had not
only affected our country, but the destinies olthe whole
world. Jut as this society was starting into existence
King George 111. aemoded the throne, and in the year
177 s the American war broke out. Then came the
bonen of the Preach revolution in 1793, and then
followed the Irish rebellion. In 1198 Bonaparte arose,
and became the usurper and scourge of nations, and
blood lowed like wafer on every Sidi. The victory by
the English in 1815, and 10 years later by the allied
armies under Wellington, gays a fatal blow to him, and
he was taken prisoner of war, and sent to St. Helens
for the remainder of his dart. II they termed their
attention to social matters, laDi years ago they bad no
steam boats or steam engines, there was no electric
telegraph, and as gas was unknown, the streets were in
darkness; there was no polies, and crime raged
undetected. 100 years ago there were no spinning
ig
machines, which now furnished so many thousands with
cheap cotton for clothing. He then dwelt at some
length on three useful lessons which might be learnt from
the consideration of the text. Pint—the goodness of
Divine Providence to us, and to the Society in par-
ticular. Secondly—the lemon, that during the past 100
years many generations had passed away, for " man
was altogether vanity." The third boson to he learnt
was that, although everything on earth 'exchangeable,
their Heavenly Father was unchangeable. He quoted
the language of David,where he says "That • thousand
rears in Thy sight are as yesterday," and he besought
them to pray to God " to tee& them all the number of
their days that they might Udine their hearts unto
wisdom."

Oncoming out of the sacred edifice the members
again promenaded the town in the same manner in
which the' entered the church, after which they
assembled in • field at the back of the Swan Hotel,
where a large marquee had been erected. This was
tastefully decorated with evergreens and flowers, and
at one end of the tent was placed the portrait of John
Melinoth, Seq., who presided at the first meeting of the
club. Underneath the portrait was placed a splendid
clock with the following inscription :

Presented to
John Young Melinoth, Esq.,
by the membees and friends of the
Sherborne Old Friendly Society,
(Formed 1761 by bis great grandfather)
on the oesaidon of his twee:ding
over their centenary festival,
May 27, 1861.

About 3011 members and friends sat down to • dinner
provided by Host Collier, of the Swan Hotel. The
chair was oecupied by J. Y. Melmoth, Peg., supported
on the right by— Goodden, Esq., and on the left by
the Rev. Edward Harston. Amongst the company
present, we also noticed the Rev. Prebendary Brooker,
Captain Folwasser, Rev. E. N. Henning, Dr. Foetal',
Dr. Highmore, Rev. J. Blennerhaasett, Rev. G.
Thompson, Rev. J. W. West, T. Ffooks, Esq.,
Dingly, Esq., T. H. Bogor, Req., U.
The CHAIRMAN save the " Helth of the Queen,"
observing that it was • toast which • body of English.
men can always drink with the greatest pleasure, and
they ought to congratulate themselves that they lived
under a monarch who may indeed be said to have the
welfare of her subjects at heart. Whether they viewed
her in the different relations of private life as a mother
or a daughter, they could refer to the papers which
showed the attention which she paid to her mother in
her last illness. If they looked at her as • mother
they found that her children were brought up in all the
domestic virtues of life. (Cheery.) Drunk with three
times three.

The CHAIRMAN next gave "The health of the Prince
Consort and the rest of the Royal Family." (Cheers.)
Of the Prince Consort they had reason to be proud, be-
cause he not only identified himself with the arts and
*Menus of this county, bulbs was an agriculturist, and
was next year to be the president of the Royal Society
of England. Of the Prince of Wales they had ample
proofs of the manner in which he had been brought up
by the way in which he conducted himself in foreign
parts, and he gave them good promise that when be
ascended the throne, (which God grant might be tar dia.
taut,) be will conduct himself in a manner that will be
satisfactory to his subjects, and that he will indeed be
the father of his people. (Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN then gave the " Bishop and Clergy
of the Diocese," and said be was sure they would drink it
with • great deal of cordiality. The clergy had • great
interest in the prosperity of this society, as was shown
by their appearance there that day. Of the Bishop he
had read a very flattering account lately with reference
to friendly societies. With regard to clergymen—who
could do more to promote institutions of this kind than
they? They had more means of seeing distress, more
opportunities of visiting those which had the means
and the will to join societies of this kind, and by their
friendly counsel they might be the means of inducing
them to lay up in store for a rainy day. He was glad
to see that the clergy whom he saw arcemd him, were
not confined to their own diocese, but that there was •
gentleman front the diocese of Bath and Wells, to
whom he felt much indebted for his visit on that occa-
sion. He would couple with the toast the name of one
who had assisted them that day, and he hoped and
trusted they would attend to what he had said. He
would give them •• The Rev. Edward Harston, as the
preacher of the day, an the Rev. Prebendary Brankard,
of the diocese of Beth and Wells." (Applause.)
The Rev. Edward HA RATON thanked them sincerely
for the oordial manner in which they had received the
toast. He was sure he need not say anything to con-
vince them of the kind interest and feeling which the
clergy took in promoting the success of societies in this
diocese, founded on safe principles. There was not •
clergyman there that day who was an unobservant
spectator of their rejoicinp. It was an unexampled
circumstance in the history of their society and in the
history of Sherborne. He must consider it • great
privilege to be allowed to take part in their rejoicings.
He could ensure them that he had spoken from his
heart, and be was certain they would accept the advice
he them gave in the same spirit in which it was given.
(Cheers.)
The Rev. Mr. BRANIARD said he was very proud at
having his humble name associated with that of the
Bishop of the Diocese, for he knew of no man who was
more disposed to promote the welfare of the working-
classes than the Bishop of Bath and Wells. (Applause.)
With regard to himself be could not think himself a
stranger at any meetings in Sherborne by this time; for
six years he had entertained a cordial and sincere
friendship for the worthy viola, and his voice had been
heard at various times in their noble church; and be
was exceedingly glad at having an opportunity of being
present there that morning, and he hoped he should
profit by the excellent address which was then
delivered. He could only say that the re-
ception he had met with would induce him to be pre-
sent again at one of those friendly and social gatherings.
(Applause.)
The CSAISMAN next gave "The Army and Navy."
(Cheers.) He was sure they could never forget the
saving which the army and navy had rendered to this
country. He was strictly and truly • member of •
Friendly Society. and in no other capacity did he appear
before them that day, and therefore the few observa-
tions which be was going to make might appear out of
pleas. Within the last few months i corps
had sprung up with which he was connected,
which was formed for preserving their hearths
and homes. He hoped to see a large num-
her in our rifle corps, and he trusted there was a good
time coming, when Sherborne would bring forward a
good supply of volunteers, in order to show those who
may he considered our foes that England was determined
to do her duty. He would couple with the toast the
names of "Qt. ptain Dixon and Captain Falwauer."
(Cheers.)
Captain DIXON briefly returned thanks, assuring them
that should the two services ever be called into action
they would do their duty. In the history of their
country they could not find one single instance where
they had been backward, though at times they might
have been badly led, but still there was as inherent
plea in Englishmen that would carry them through
everything. (Cheers.)
Captain 'AMASSES thanked them for the compli-
ment they had paid him, and assured them that it was
=irg to him to be present among them that day.
to the 00fp8 Tab which he vie ceeusected, he


said he atm belonged to a Friendly Society, as it was
called a police movement. (Laughter.) He did not
think that Sherburne had done its duty; be did not
think that it had provided so large a number of young
men as they had • right to expect, considering the
amount of the population. He hoped that, as in Dor-
chester and in other towns, the tradesmen would have
rallied round their banner, and they should have gone
on hand in hand, and not have been obliged to elk the
public for so much assistance. An appeal hail just been
made to the public, showing that as regards their funds
they were in • very disastrous condition, and he did not
see until this morning how ho could carry on the corps
for another year unless the public came to the rescue,
but their worthy squire had just come out in his usual
' meaner; for as he was leaving the church that morning
he had • cheque put into his hands for £lOO. (Cheers.)
Re prayed them, however, not to think that as the
squire had so nobly done his duty, they did not require
NUM funds. They wanted four times as much to enable
them to equip the band, and give the men • second uni-
forms, which would carry them on for three or four years
without appealing to the public. He did hope that the
public would come forward, and relieve them from the
painful process of begging. (Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN next proposed "The Lord Lieutenant
and Magistrates of the County," coupling with it the
Dame of "Mr. Goodden," who briefly returned thanks.
The CHAIRMAN said he now roes to propose what might
be considered the toast of the day. He did feel deeply
for the prosperity of their society, and be had a kind of
responsibility resting upon him, which be was afraid he
could ill diacharge,but he bcggedthein to consider that any
errors he might make were from the head, not from the
heart. (Applause.) He held in his hand a little bit of
paper, and he thought upon that occasion be would give
them a few detail.; in order to bring their reciellectimit to
a few facts which might have escaped their notice. Their
society was catablithed on the 270. of May, 1701. At
that time there were may ten members—the ten
foun-
ders—and during the fird year the members numbered
I only forty. At the commenceineut of their career they
seemed to have the mme object in view which they had
now, that of proviiliug for sickle.' and old age, and
also to inter deostitly their brother members. If they
could only bring back to their mind s eye what the
founders of the society did thee, how thankful, how
grateful should they be to them for the benefits they had
since adiferred. If they looked at the statement, they
found that needy £15,000 had been spent for the behefit
of the members. The payments seemed to have been
the same as were adopted by them until a very
recent period. The month.y subscriptions were Is. or
la. • quiater; and the payment. to the sick were 71.;56.,
end 4s. For the first time, as far se he could find, the
society was coming to grief in the year 1819. There was
something or other rotten, and there was a feeling that
the society was in a rapid decline. Had it not been for
those kind friends who then Caine forward, they could
not have assembled there that day to celebrate its cente-
nary. In 1819 forty-one gentlemen of the town enrolled
themselves as honorary members by paying a guinea
subscription. Several other gentlemen supported the
society by liberal donations, and things appeared to go
on very well till 1831,when a great help Was given to the
society. That benevolent individual, wheeenaine they
should never hear but with the greatest respect, lend to
whose memory they should always pay a passing tante,
—Mr. Youlee—left the society £3OO which put it on
it. legs, and since that time it had gone on increasing in
prosperity. (Applause.) Having glanced at the amount
which had been paid to the sick during the 100 years,
be said they now had • balance in hand of upwards of
£1,006. That was not a bad sum for them to begin •
new century with. During the time he had
mentioned, it appeared that there had been
900' members from time to time on the
bookaof which 184 still remained. He must congratulate
them on the prospects of their society. Their eon-
tributious were reduced; their psyrnarts to the sick were
increased • for, instead of paying 30. a quarter as they
did originally, they only paid 2. Bd., and in ease of
sickness, instead of receiving is. per week ,they reeeived
9s. for the first two months, is. for the remainder of
the year, and Is. per week for so long as it might pleas'
God to :Mkt them. He had spoken so often of the
benefit' to be derived from institutions of this kind,
that it was simply an oft-toll tale, but he still must not
forget to state how deep they must feel the gratification
of knowing, that by simply depriving themselves of one
pint of beer per week, they raised up for themselves 94.
per week when it pleased Almighty God to allot them.
That was not the only blessing, for it made them feel
independent. It enabled them to go to their own bank,
and when their labour was almost done, they were
enabled with their own money to purchase those
delicacies which the old frequently require. When the
time cause for them to pay that debt which they must
all pay, sooner or later, it was a consolation to know
that their widows or relations had the means of carry.
ing them decently to their last resting place. If they
were deprived of their wives, their brother uiembers
cams fore ard with the means of paying respect to them
whom they held most dear. After a few other obser-
vations, lie begged to give them " Prosperity to the
Sherborne Old Friendly Society," and may it under
God's blessing continue to prosper, so that this day's
proceedings may be handed down to their children's
children, and when they referred to the acts of their
forefathers it might be • monitor to them to go and
do likewise. (Loud cheers.) . . _

Mr. GOODDR‘ti briefly proposed "The health of the
Chairman." Long might he live, and long might he
be with them to be th.it useful man which they all
found him to be. (Applause.)
The CHAIRMAN (who WWI received with loud cheers)
in returning thanks, observed that on many former
occasions he had been paid • similar compliment, but
it was never proposed in wanner language or received
with greater acclamation. It was the proudest day of
his life, • red letter day in his eapenssece, and in that of
his children. If any time lie could render them
any assistance, they had only to express a wish, and
they would find him at their service. (Cann.) Ho
begged them if any difficulty should ever arise to consult
thou who had t teir interest at heart, and be hoped
they would never attempt to deprecate the value of
their society to others, but if anything wu wrong
rather attempt to hide it from the world, recollecting
that they were all united in one common purpose.
After a few other remarks, he thanked them cordially
for the compliment they had paid him.
The Rev. Edward Iftithrox said the members of
the society had committed to him a special duty in con-
nection with the festivities of the day, which gave him
Vast pleasure. Mr. Goodden had told them that be
had known Sherborne • long time, but that he never
knew Sherburne without Mr. Helmuth. For himself he
could not say so much, for he had not had the pleasure
of being so long a time in Sherborne; but he could say,
that during the years that he had known Mr. Melinoth
he had never met hint on a more gratifying or delight-
ful occasion than that which had assembled them that
day. File chair was filled that day by the great grand-
son of the man who founded this society 100 years ago.
(Loud cheers.) Addressing him-elf to Mr. Melmoth,
he said,—Sir, the members of this society
feel that this is a fact to be borne in mind, it is •
circumstance which they wish to cenninemorate, and
which they wish to hand down to your children, and to
your children's children after you, that your children
and theirs may bear in mind the fact,that the grandson
of the honoured founder of this society, presided over it
on this occasion. They wish to mark their sense of the
services you have kindly rendered on all occasions, and
for the interest you have taken in the society, and they
desire that there should be some substantial testimonial
presented to you, as chairman of the day, in acknow-
ledgment of your services. The form which their
wishes have taken is that little timepiece, which the
nieusbers of the society beg you will accept in their
name. With regard to the form of the testimonial,
there is not much that I need say. You must not sup-
pose that there is any hint intended to be conveyed by
their giving von • clock ; for punctual as I wish myself
to be on public business, 1 do not think I have attended
any meeting where you have not had the start of uae.
The member* of the society feel that the timepiece is
speaking for them, not only now, but to future geuene
tions, of the deep sense of their kindness and of their
grateful feelings towards you, and of their good will
and hearty good wishes for your family. I have to ask
that you will take some higher end more accurate nisi.
sure of the good feelings of the members of this society
to yourself personally, than by the feeble expressions
to which I have given utterance. (Loud cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN said that if he was proud just now
when he last addressed them, how iuuch had that pride
been increased by the observations which had just been
addressed to him, and by the valuable timepiece which
was hOW his; and how much more was it his duty now,
as well as his pleasure, to take every opportunity to
promote their welfare and prosperity. He thanked Mr.
Hanton for the kind, and he was afraid too Battering
manner, in whiah he had presented the testimonial to
him. He held in his band a little cup which Ind been
in his family's possession for 90 years. That cup was
presented to him, of whom he was the representative,
by the members of this club in 1770. He showed it
that day as an heirloom; and when it was showed to his
children's children, they would look back with pleasure
upon it as well as on the timepiece. This was the
third time he had received expressions of their kindness.
Never could lie forget their kindness in '4B, or in
February, '5O, when he returned to this his native town,
when they dragged his carriage to his future dwelling
place. (Applause) All things combined, could it be
wondered that he felt • deep interest in their prosperity?
He should be unworthy the name of a man or an
Englishman, if he did not endeavour at all times and at
all hours to return in some small way the many acts of
kindness he had received at their hands. He thanked
his brother members for the good feeling they bad
shown towards him. (Loud cheers.)
Letters of apology were read from several gentlemen
of the neighbourhood expressing their inability to
attend, and several other toasts of • complimentary
nature having been given and responded to, the
Chairman vacated his seat. We mutt not forget to
state that the Yeovil and Sherburne bands discoursed
sweet music between the different speeches, and the
centenary festival, which is now a thing of the put,
will be remembered with lively feelings by every one
who took part in the proceedings.
On Tuesday the wives of the members eat down to
• tea at the Townhall, after which dancing was kept
up with much spirit. Some manly sports were also
indulged in, and the festivities of the occasion were
prolonged for some time.