The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1866-11-27 00:00:00

THE ISLE OF PURBECK LIFEBOAT.

"0, Than. suffered
With those that I saw suffer: • brave vessel,
Who had, no doubt, some noble creature in her,
Dash'd all to pieces. 0, the cry did knock
against my very heart. Poor souls, the perish'd.
Had I been any god of power, I would
Have sunk the sea within the earth or ere
It should the good ship no have swallow'd and
The fraughting souls within her."— The Tempest.
Such are the words in which Shakespeare expressers
the piteous outpouring of • lady's heart on witnes•
sing the direful spectacle of a wreck on a stormy
iron•bound wait, and we have good cause for
thinking that it was such a sight which led a bene-
volent lady, formerly resident at Swanage, Coact the
part of the "god of power" Miranda so eloquently
apostrophised, and provide • lifeboat for Chapcoan's
Pool, which haply, manned by stalwart courageous
seamen, ehall rave the limn of many • good ship
driven by storm and tempest upon our dangerous
coast; and what • wonderful thing to save is • single
human life, with all its possibilities what a malady
to prevent is the broken heart of a widow I what a
calamity to avert the fatberleseneas of children
The wreck chart of the United Kingdom fo
last year informs us that no less than 696 seamen
and voyagers perished, and that 2,012 ships were
wholly wreaked or damaged. What room there is
here for the exertion of good people who want •
mission and a purpose, when year by year we pay
for our splendid tenancy of the sea, the population
of • large village, and the us of a rich city!
On thelsouth coast, although it is not the most exact-
ing, there were in ISO no less than 187 casualties
to vessels, and the chart shows that some forty of
them occurred on the Dorset coast, between the
Chesil Beach and Poole Harbour, while up to the
present time there have only been two lifeboate—one
at Lyme Regis, and the other at Poole; the Isle of
Purbeck lifeboat, therefore, stationed at Chapman's
Pool, one of the most prominent parts of the island,
is likely to be of great service and advantage. The
pest winter afforded a melancholy instance of the
value of a lifeboat at this point. It will be remem.
bored that during the series of gales which
culminated in • tempest issuing in dreadful havoc on
the 11th of February, • French barque. of 400 tone
burthen, the Georgians, became • total wreck near
this statioo, and Lr days after each receding tide
left upon the shore the bodies of poor sailors and
voyagers by the sea who had met • watery grey*.
Eight schooners were reported as having been lost
near Studland Bay, and many craft were beaten
ashore on the Chesil Beach, at Portland. That was
a memorable hurricane, and it is to be hoped that
, should we in the rooming winter experience such •
tempest, the Isle of Purbeck lifeboat may render
, noble service.
On the munifioent gift of the lifeboat being made
known in the locality, • branch of the Royal
National Lifeboat Institution was formed, with the
Earl of Eldon as president, and the following com•
mines of mansgement :—Ccdonel Manse! (chairman),
thr Ray glelnn Si Ranks.. °eosin Caloraft.
C. Dishy, Req., 0. W. Fairer, Esq., J. Maned,
Eaq., the Rev. 0. Hansel, J. Mowlem. Req., the
Rev. D. Travers, and Mr. Spin. R. Pope, Req., is
the treasurer, and Captain Burgess, R.N., the hon.
sectretary. Their purpose, in the first place, was to
provide • substantial and commodious boat-house,
which they have done, though • considerable sum is
yet wanted to defray the expense, and then to
obtain funds for maintaining the efficiency of the
station. It is calculated that subscriptions of about
£3O • year will be required to pay the coxswains'
salaries and them of the crew for the neoessm7
praotisings, km The went institution in London
will pay all expenses of rewards to the crew of the
lifeboat for saving or attempting to Nave life; also,
the cost of repairs, painting, replacement of gear,
&a, on the lifeboat establishment. We have no
doubt that this philanthropic undertaking will be
cordially supported by the inhabitants of the Isle of
Purbeck, and the county generally; indeed, the
sum to be collected is eo small, that it seems to us an
effort should be put forth to place a lifeboat at
Portland, for we feel quite satisfied the county
would gladly contribute to maintain that number of
lifeboat establishments on the Dorset coast

Wednesday, the 21st instant, was the time flied ror
Istinehing ths lifeboat it bwanage, and a more glorious
day for an inspiring a spectacle could not have been
desired.

WAREHAM.

Th. London and South-Western railway company, as
usual, kindly cave the lifeboat a free oonveyance over
their line to Wareham. Here it was met at ball-put
nine in the morning by the civic authorities and the 2nd
Dorset Volunteers, and many of the towndolk also
assembled in response to the requisition of the Mayor.
A procaseion we. formed in the station yard in the fol-
lowing order :
Wareham brass band.
__. .

Borough Constab— ki:lkleasire. J. Tploer— sad H. Bost.
Beadle carrying mane.
T. Pbippard. Fag. (Ilayor). F. Filliter. Esq. (ex• Mayor
Alderman Penton. Alderman Bennett.
Aldermen Willcox. Alderman Trevenen.
Councillor Card. Councillor Selby.
Councillor Yearaley. Councillor Poynton.
Councillor J. W. Pike.
_

Number of Tradesmen.
THE LIFEBOAT

Decorated with Union Jacks, sod cerrying her crew of
eight roastguardsmen from St. Alban's head, wearing
their life belts. The boat was upon its transporting
carriage, and drawn by sir bones, lent for the
oecasirn by Mr. James Pinion and Mr. Edward
Dean. of Wareham.
This 2nd Dorset (Wareham) Rifle Volunteers, under
Ensign Pantos, us guard of honour.

As they proceeded to the town the band played a
lively an, the bells of Bt. Mary's rang • merry
peal, the etreets were thronged with spectators,
and altogether the moons was most animating and
gratifying. A line of streamers was thrown across
the road near the Dam Arms Inn, and there was
soother from the house of Sergeant Drew to that of
Mr. W. Spicer. On arriving at the town cross, •
halt was made and three cheers were given for the
lifeboat. The boat then proceeded on its way
towards Sesame, the town authorities leaving when
they reached the outskirts of Wareham. A few of
the people who had evidently determined to aocom•
pany the boat to the spot fixed forth, launch, truded
along by It. side, and during the eleven miles
journey they doubtless found ample opportunity
to admire the fine proportions of the boat, and the
many exoellent contrivances with which she is pro.
Tided to fit her for her great work.

Al the commencement of this bons • a handsome ever-
green arch spanned the toed, decorated at he summit
with a profusion of flag, • in the middle of the upper
beam • Union Jack and a tricolor sg were crossed,
having • pretty effect, beneath whisk was the motto,
" She's the vessel of mercy," and on either side there
were device. in greenery interspersed with autumn
fiowere and holly berries. The motto on the other side
"God speed the launch." Arriving at the Ship
inn, we passed underneath n massive triple triumphal
arch, stretching from that hostelry to the Greyhound
Inn, having on one side the motto, "God Mesa our men
at sea," formed in white letters on • red ground, which
was earredingly effective amidst the mites of (olive,
and, as well as the other mottoes, did credit to the
ladies of Corte, who so kindly undertook their pre-
oaratinn. On the revere, side of this arch was a
beautiful picture in water colour, by the Rev. 0.
Maimed, of Church Knowle, representing • vessel in
distress, with a lifeboat procoeeding to the moue. On
reaching the bank opposite Mr. Baker's house, we found
• large sasembly stationed to view the lifeboat, and a
halo having been made,
_

I The Rev. ELDON Solana &Allan thus addressed
the assembled crowd: We are met on WA occasion, my
friends, to welcome a beautiful lifeboat which has been
given by a lady to be plead on our cout for the purpoee
of saving life in storms. To you, who are the crew of
that magnidoent boat, I beg to give, in the name of
the people of Code Castle, a most hearty welcome—
(loud cheers). I hope that He who roleth the storms I
will he with you whenever you are called upon, and I I
trust He whom the winds and seas obey will give you
courage in the hour of necessity and trial—(hear, hear).
I can assure you, in thaj trying hour when you are
doing your duty, the hurts of the men women, and
children of Conic Castle will be with you - (hear)—and
I am sure you will feel at that time what • great man
In your profeasiou (Lori Nelson) said on • most event-
ful day-.. 'England inputs that every man will do his
duty" —(cheers). We heartily wish you God speed; and
we shall be happy in every way to take an interest in
everything for the prosperity and welfare of this boat,
which has produced amongst us such interest to-day. I
as, sure our prayers will ever amend to God for you,
and that the boat may be the means of 'eying many a
poor fellow who might have been drowned but for your
timely usistanoe. I trust through God's help you will
be able to gladden the hearts of many sorrowing wives
by restoring their husbands bask again—reseued by this
Foot from the billowy waves—(abeers). I will now call
upon you to give three hearty cheer., wishing sousee
and prosperity to the boat and to the endeavours of
tilos., brave men who man her.—This was the signal for
• hearty outburst of enthusiasm, the ringing cheers
being loud and proloniged.—On the proposal of the Rev.
E. 8. BANK EN, additional cheers were given for
"E. If. 8.," the benevolent donor of the boat, followed
by one cheer more for the crew. On the suggestion of
Mr. Syma, who was in charge of the boat, her crew
gave three jolly cheers for the Mayor and kind people of
Cone.

The stirring event provoked the poetic mate of one of
the burgesse., and he thug expressed the feelings with
which he was animated :

L snack out amidst the foaming wavo
I n danger's threatening hoar
F earls.s, • shipwrecked soul to save,
E sett all human power;
B e ready when the sinking cry;
0 if quickly, help to glee.
A ad, with aasistanoc from on high,
T he perishing shall lies.
Corte Castle. J. Wnutra.

A choose of horses having been made, six belonging to
the Messrs. Kent taking the piece of them that brought
the beet from Wareham, it moved onward. Amending
the ,treat, we passed under an evergreen arch, with the
motto, "Smarms to the lifeboat," by Mrs. Jenkins, and
further up the hill we came upon • novelty in the way
of decoration and sentiment. This was a devise erected
in front of the shop of Mr. James Stevens, grocer, con•
silting of an arch trimmed with fir interspersed with
holly berries and sea-weed, and from the cross-beam was
suspended • label with the following inscriptioo
"Welcome friend in reed !"
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise the Donor here below •
Praise and protect the 'George Scott.'
Gad bless boat, crew, and all the lot!"
As may be imagined this singular moody attracted
mush attention. But the genius of Mr. Stevens was
not exhausted by this effort, for in the rear of this
devise was placed • dais on which stood a miniature
frigate rocking about on waves artificially represented,
and that very fairly. while other craft rented
quietly near; we suppose they had run aground.
Leaving this funny exhibition, and the pleasant old town
of Corfe, we pass on towards Kingston. The route now
became alive with persons of all ranks and conditions
hastening forward to witness the launch, some in
*orris:ea, others in vehicles of more humble pretension.,
and many on foot. On the way to King-don a slight
accident occurred, viz., the breaking of one of the bolts
of the transporting carriage, but it was speedily reme-
died, and by • long pull and • strong pull, the boat was
got to the top of Kinpten MIL
In the evening the establishment of Mr. R. Gilman,
grocer and general dealer, warn brilliantly illuminated
with variegated lamps, the motto being "0.8." with a
large star in the centre. There was also • good display
of fireworks on the old Market Crows. near the Mayor's
rest tomes. by Messrs. Gilman, Johnson Dyer, Sly, &c.,
delighting a large concourse of the inhabitants, who
indicated their gratification by a hearty cheer at the
alma

Bro. J. P, ye (see.), Bro. Bart, P. 0.,
Bro. Cleali, U. L, Bro. Smedmore. NO.,
Bro. Poulin, V.G., Bro. Stainer, L 11,
Bro. Goner, L.S., Bro. Damon, tt.S.,
Bro. Hillier. LS., Bra Collin; LL.,
Bro. Grant, W., Bro. Bonfield, G.
Silk Banner of the Lodge.

An interesting incident took piles here, VIZ. (be
presentation of a handsome silk flag to Capt. Burgess
for the lifeboat, by tho Oddfellows The Sag consisted
of a blue silk centre piece, upon which was inscribed in
gilt, "May Providence be her pilot," and a broad edging
of wlitte silk. The presentation was made by P.O.
Squire*, who said : To you, 0 captain, is this Sag pre-
sented by the Loyal Purbeck Lidge of Oddfellows, and
we beg to assure you that it is the united prayer of the
lodge that the blessing inscribed on the deg mayor*, test
on the boat and her crew. (A hearty "aolat it be' was
given by the brethren.) Capt. Burgess received the
flag, and tendered many thanks to the lodge for their
kindness. He said he felt assured that if the boat and
her crew were calls I into erviee. I'm men would exert
themselves to the utmost in order to save Shoes who
were in peril, and the kind present of the Oddfellowa
would cause the crew always to regard them with
respect.

The procession then moved forward attended by
hundred of spectators.