The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1874-01-06 00:00:00

Local anti 18tattict Deb3o.
FESTIVITISS AT TUN DORSET COUNTY
ASYLUM.

There la nothing sadder in the world than the sight
a • number of our fellow creatures bereft of the
ennobling gift of reason, and with their feces, instead
of beaming with Intelligence, manifesting the dull
helpless appearanos of idiotcy, or the furtive mallow
neee of the varied forms of mental aberration which
inereasiegly sill et humanity, but, the melancholy
miens is relieved from its worst impressions by the
knowledge that now-e, days everything (hat skill or
landed's. can accomplish, is done for these suffering
beings in our midst. The severe lot of the insane in
the old days of hard emanation has been pictured in •
lurid light in "Valentine Vox" and." Never too late to
mend," bet now the very opposite treatment is
adopted, and everything that can cheer and comfort
the iMicted ones is done with unwilling patience
and oemeless attention. The Dorset County Asylums
at Charminster and Fenton are particelarly distin-
guished amonget the asylums of the kingdom for
the considerate kindness shown to the patients, and the
success of the treatment adopted. Everybody in Dorset
is gratified at this result, and the ratepayerg have the
additional satisfaction nt knowing it is achieved in eon-
section with peconiory results of the meat pleasing
character. Mr. Spurs, the valued medical', superin-
tendent, bus the cerd:si co-operaticn of Vs two
swaistants—Sidater. (lill. 'pie and Bland, and we may
bo sure no Rugby scandal wiil effect the even
Uncut of OUCCC 1 which oh -.•-etcrie s this ironer.
tout county institution. Ono 101 l which the asylum
hes sustained sit oe this time lut year most be
• ntioncd. The death of Mr. Guppy, who wee the
bead attendant for many years. sod so completely
devoted to his work, hie made a black amongst the
afiders which it will he difficult to fill; and the fond
remembrar co in which he is held by Mr. Byrnes Meth
eaten bow much the medical superintendent values real
worth, and may well induce the subordinate offietals to
follow his bright example. Th• Committee of Visitors,
In reeognition of the late Mr. Guppy'. meritorious
conduct for nearly 27 gears in oonnenflon with the
asylums, have elected co tie memory • headstorie,
recording his honest worth, in the perish churchyard of
Bucklend Newton. The late Mr. Guppy's plau is now
filled by Mr. Price, who morales* to be • worthy
successor to the late bead attendant. We "horrid here
too make mention of the valued service' of the matron,
Mrs. Dewey, who for more than • quarter of • century
has occupied that position to the satisfaction of the
medical euperintendent, with credit to herself and
advintage to the institution; and it is confidently
hoped that her assistant, Mies Boon, may prove •
valuable help, and in years to come merit such
gratifying recognition as ill given to all at thie tuff-
Ultima who d R. lint our special burriness with
the County Asylums now is to record the doings at the •
Mew Year's treat, which is DOW a well-eotabliabed
normal pleasure to LI the inmates of this home
and either in anticipation or remembrance gives
bright gleams of joy all the year round to
maoy • poor soul within its walls. These
festivities take place at the Charminster asylum, and
inolud• various innocent recreations suited to the people
and the plain; and it is eratifying to observe the
Interest taken in this "labour of love" by Mr. Bymee
and his lamely, the saistent medical officers, and every
member of the staff of the asylums. It is • time of
rare enjoyment for all able to participate in it, end Is
no doubt very healthful recreation both for the minds
and bodies of the patients.
Prior to the goy doings of the evening, the patients
had enjoyed the usual old English featly, fare, and
their pleasure oulanneted in the entertotem-nt pro.
vided in the great ball. The scene of the festivities
was charmingly decorated, and excited the admiration
of all who were present. The di•leions of the long
panelled ceiling were outlined with festoons of greenery
made bright with doh-detoured fl mere, having at the
Intersections crowns cleverly composed of veriest' gay.
coloured papers, while around the room were extended
lines of banners with myriads of bright hues, giving
• gay and festive aspect to the apartment. The
gaseliers were decked with illiee, pampas grass,
and wreaths of flower/. Over smell door was •
particularly effective embelltahume t composed of
the graceful pampas grass, with blush roue and foliage;
while the Christmas trees in other parts of the room
indicated the festive season. The asylum has a capital
brims band, which is under the laitruetion of Mr.
Wellspring, of Dorchester. It is chiefly composed of
attendants, and considering bow short • time some
of the members have been in the bard, their performances
were certainly highly creditable. For them • convenient
dale was provided in • recess in the middle of the
apartment, _and they played country dances with
I. ,I 'Hug vigour and such long continuance as to try
:Le . .ying powers of the moat inveterate dallOer. For
o cgs and other musical We:rations there was •
greno pianoforte. Between ale and seven o'clock the
eon:l.-icy entered tho great ball. The male patient.
oecutied seats on one side, and the fair sex secom-
panic d by • bright-looking kindly body of nurses
toolr their placi:s is to rig. The demeanour of the
; etle Is was rote platy toe degree, and n oth leg occurred
tie • the uleht to noir in the leoet degree the pleaiure
•• • merry o ice; any. Besides Mr. Simes, who was
the .0a sod "cool el the perry, revered ladies cud gentle-
mat "ore present, among whom wore Mrs. Byrnes, Mee
filym • , Miss M. E. Scents, Mrs. Low, Mr. 0. P. and I
Meat.. r George, Rev. W. Evans (chaplain to the asylum),
"MI^S Wellington, MD. Bland, Mr. Glitesple. Mr. Bland
dere'sne :readiest officere of the aglow), Mr. Cue
(target iii), sni Mr. Hayman, of Dorchester.
Ti,revelry ceenmenced with the oid-fulifoned
"I'.. : 1. germ and down the reidele," for the country
Is the only sty le potronhel at these reunions.
▪ :t erery one ey:tered into the immure heart and soul,
and Mr. tinoce himse:f ret in exempts by leading off
seta rue of the ladies prerent Fellowidg this was •
Roux by • male patient, who represented bimeety as
eufferiog from • "cup teo much,' and mim,eked the
iv' heists with cotteiderablo fidelity, receiving lend
• olouse from his col-affects of both sexes. lb was fol.
eeit by two of the ems:ratty "gender," who each cove
• plaintive ditty with tolerable tneefulreds. Next
ems • pianoforte duet by Mies M. E. Byrnes ('god W 3),
and her governed', Mies Wellitigtcn—the '"Cocedi.di
1", at Scrg," end "A Lel. I,turio " —which were prettily
w rayed, the little lady modes:leg considerable Fornise
.C.IW doing credit to her teschirm "On with the
Jar ON " we. tir Cele feature of the pro-
gramme, and Ile guests felleered out the bid.
ding of the ; ct—' let j-y be nice n•lureci
for they thoroughly warineu op to tette work and
" evoluted" SS if saltation was the great burin's'
of existence, and we noticed among the mole patients
thee. "champion" dancers of whom we have had
occasion to speak when recording the merre-makings of
former years, and who were not less agile nor less
lithesome than when they "footed it" in hooour of the
year just departed. Here followed • song by a venerable
patient, who gwe • groteeque contrast between the
pelmet time, and "the good old days of Adam and
Eve." The ni xt point was a vocal duet by Mtn Byrnes
and Mrs. Blond, which was highly appreciated, both
ladies displaying considerable skill. A male patient then
treated the company to the "Bun is on the Mountain
,5
he sang very qtraintlyt his curious pronuncia-
tion and the monotonous jlg-jog tune adding to the
oddity of the performance. The well known hien of
Hariech," by four of the norms, took very well, and
was loudly applauded. Mr. Gillespie next tang one of
Moore's melodies, in which he displayed an exceedingly
agreeable voice' in good tone and the more notleable
as be dispensed with the aid Of en instrumental &mom-
penitent. "The Good Old Bong" was then given by
• viable (Mr. Case accompanying). Everybody disposed
for the "poetry of motion" again took the floor, sod
dewed joyously ' The Triumph." Proceedings were here
eiversified by the introduction of refreshments which.
tuts intensely enjoyed by the company, who imbibed the
mild drinks handed round with considerable gusto,
HUM Symes enlivening the interlude by • well played
pianoforte solo. Two of the nurses next volunteered •
duet, which they sang very pleasingly: It was "Her
Bright Smile ballots Ms still,' and they were deser-
vedly applauded. Mr. Gillespie gave "Good News for
Me," with much expression. The Rev. W. Evers sang
"Meter Mind the Rest" in este 1 nt style. He has •
voice, d possesses =Wired Ude. Lie received a
Justly an
earned round of applause. Was Symes then rang
very nicely. A dance was then called, and all the
patients who participated abandoned themeeirea to the
fun of the niumeot, as if they had cut eorrow to the
winds, and meant to be jolly come what might, appear.
Log to think denoting was an efficacious medicine for a
"mind diseased." Having concluded the delirious
exercise, a pallet t made • rather ambitious attempt,
and gave "The White Squall," which was by no means
miss, singer and oircamatenees oonsidend. Proceed-
ings were then eoesiderably enlivened by • sonde song,
in character, by one of the male attendants. He sang
with lively humour, and convulsed the room with
laughter, as he dandled • dummy baby in hie arms,
end kept time with it to the indiarcus chorus. Dr.
Gillespie au gave nicely " Let me kiss him for his
Mother.' This was followed by " The fine old &relish
Gentleman," given by a visitor, the chorus of which
was spiritedly joined in by the patient.. The vignur
with which the next deuce was executed proved that
the "ruling prissier: was still strong within the
revellers, and their am etil• for enjoyment by no mean/
sated. Mr. Gillespie was again the cause of pleasure
to the amenably by the tasteful manner in which he rang
"Houle and Homer." A contrast was afforded by a
made patient, who lung in • homely roamer what were,
apparently, somebody's experiences in London, where
he went to see &coronation. Mr. Heyman was success-
ful in the motto song "The PeDOO and the Pounde,"
by which he contributed in a great degree to the pin-
nies of the company, and earned Warm applause. Mr.
CMG played the acccropaotruent. A mooed edition of
refreshments was here banded round. " hfousetrape"
• • -eva the suLject of a condo song by one of the mei.
. uttudante, eho managed it very fuenily, and was
vigorously supported in the chorus. Various other
weeeJ efforts sieved to while away the Internal before
gm next dance, and notably the glee, "Bee our Oars
with Featkered Spray," by some of the nurses who bad
' lipin'teught by the chaplain, sod acquitted themselves
v.wag fairly. "Trip it, trip it on the itght fantastio
see ram egad the order, this time to tho tune of "A
• • atir he ereuld • wooing go," and under the enliveniug
sivse the ton waxed fast and furious, sod the "hop'
weed up with glorious spirit. Among the remaining
prweseediugs we meat not lomet to notice a due/ giw.
Piresely rang by Mies By me' and Mrs. Bland. Thus
fibilaw-3.doings rrogroseed until past midnight,
the happy party separated Mr. eymes said be
11 to exprou the pleasure be felt at their
•gathering together again SS in past year, OD that New
' 40er day; and the only regret he experienced was on
asaarst of NI/death deco their last annual pasty of pour
el/ Geppy, whose kindly aeralcos for so many years
shay all so well knew and so highly appreciated. They
vt. uldi sfl Ioog remember Win, and they did so in an
ea mariner on such an ocoaden se the preseot.
' Rut ever mesh they felt the leas of their old friend,
they the consolation t telievieg that he was •
letter if In conclusion Mr. tonnes mid be bopc,l •
there herd all e joyel tbounelves, and wished every one :
1 r•ppy New Year.
: The brad then played "God save the yogen, which
• let he party joined in upstanding, and the pleasur.
111/4PrObleclinaci won brought to a cloak

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