The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1868-08-18 00:00:00

BLANDFORD.

RITIA MATcH.—There was & match at Stalbridge, on
Tuesday lost, between the illandford and Shaftesbury
corps, which resulted in the defeat of our local corps by
three Pointe, the number scored being, Shefteebury 407,
Blandford 441. The sweepstakes prized were won as
under : Corporal lather, 9th, 84., 49 points Armourer
King, Bth, Gs., 47 ; Private Gloves, Ma, 4a , 45 ; Private
Soppit, 9th,
.2s. 42,

GRATIFYING PRESENTATION TO MR,
MALACHI FISHEIL
One peculiar feature of the English characiter, and
one which gives • tone to the whole community, is the
desire to show in a tangible form appreciation
of public 'anima. No gift or reward is thought too
great for the general who by his b y, prudence, and
skill brings to a happy issue an important enterprise.
Statesmen. Ponta, men of letters, and, indeed persons
of all ranks and dames who have sacrced their own
ease and comfort for the public weal, or the advance-
ment of some beuevolsmtobjeet, have been rewarded by
testimonials. From John O'Gro•Ps to Land'e End, go
Into whatever town or village you may, • very short
residence Is sufficient to convince, even the moot
sceptical, that ingratitude is not one of our national
failings. No doubt if strictly analysed, some of these
expressions of good-will would be found foolish, and it
may be in • few cases positively iblameable ; but, be
this as it may, we will venture to affirm they are all
very pleasing, not only to the recipients, but to the
bestowers. But when to • worthy man, fast verging to
his centenary, who daring the greater part of his long
life has in • quiet unostentatious way rendered great
public service, the presentation of a suitable expression
of affectiouato esteem and regard is made, it redounds
not only to the honour of the receiver, but also on
those who make it,. Saab • man is Mr. Malachi Fisher.
Ever since the new Poor Law came into operation he
has taken an active part in its administration in this
district; and to his wisdom, prudence, and matured
judgment, the very remarkable success of its operation
in the Blendford Union must be attributed. As vice-
chairman of the Board, his timely counsel has been of
great service to the whole of the guardians, and the
desire he has ever show for conserving the interests of
the ratepayers so enlisted their confidence aud esteem
as always to ensure his re-election. But old age was
creeping on - and it was felt by many, and indeed,
. . . . _

.oeping on apace, , „
we believe, by all, that the devoted services of so
worthy and upright a man ought not to be overlooked,
or that he should pate away from their midst, without
some fitting proof of the great esteem which the
elected and ex•offitio guardians and the ratepayers of
the union felt towards him. To promote these views •
committee was appointed, of which the Rev. It.
Farquharson was chosen chairman, and Lord S.
Godolphin Osborne viral-chairman. Subscription lists
were prepared, and the appeal made evoked • liberal
response. The result of that appeal, and the very
gratifying reception Mr. Fisher met with when the
testimonial was presented, it is now our very pleasing
duty to lay Wore our readcri.