The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1861-02-05 00:00:00

PORTLAND.

ViiI.CNTARR A RTILLENT. Messrs. Everett end
• of London, upp
contractors for the sly of clothes
under governnient to the venoms eoneitt cataldish•
; founts, and who are also army contractors to a large
extent, have reecho' the contract for the supply of
clothes to the 4th Dorset, or Piatiand Volunteer Ar-
tillery Corps. The members were measured on
Thursday last. and the gentleman who came down
for that purpose- stated that the standard of the
Portland V'olunteers wax greater than that of any
other they had made clothes for a lot,g time put.
I MY.CHASICa' INSTITUTIL—W. J. Hill, soli•
citor of Weymouth, gave his readings, entitled Au
Hour with the Poets." before the members of the
Breakwater Mechanics' Institute, on Tuesday even
ing last. Notwithstanding the wetness of the wea-
ther, there were upwards of SU persons present. Mr.
Hill was thoroughly at 'ionic in his subject, and al-
though his entertainment wino:sailed "readings," his
books were rarely resorted to, he having so &mill-
arimal himself with the poems of Longfellow. Alfred
l'enuyson, Mrs. Hemans, Dr. Byron. Campbell, and
other minor posts, as to be able to repeat the several
pieces from memory. E. Smith. Evq., presided, and
a cordial vote of thanks was awarded to Mr. Hill for
the highly intellectual treat he had afforded them.
Wiltextau. —On Sunday evening se'isnight, one
! the cosestguardamms on duty on C.mygar sands,
imi,nd three barrels of London stout beneath an old
boat ..hich has long been disused. They were sup-
posed to have formed part of the cm-go of the barque
Hardy, wilich was wrecked on Kinaneridge Ledge
three weeks since. No clue has been olstained who
the wreckers were who deposited the barrels under
the old boat.
BEDFORD/011RA MILITIA —The following account
will he read a ids interest by bur readers as evidencing
that this regiment, which gained golden opinions
when stationed here, still maintains its reputat.'on
for good conduct and efficiency.— The official inspec-
tion of the Bedfordshire Light Infantry liek6iment
Militia, prior to their leaving their present quartet*
for disembodiment, took place on the parade ground
of Colewort Barracks, Portsmouth, on Thursday
last. The regiment was drawn up in line on the
parade-ground, and received the inspecting officer,
Lord W. l'aulett, C. 8., Lieutenant Governor of ths
garrison, and commanding the South West district,
with the usual honours. The regiment was com-
manded by Major Judd, in the absence of Colonel
Gilpin. aIP.. who was prevented being present in
consequence of being one of the sufferers, bat in no
severe degree, by the late railway accident near
Wimbledon. After inspecting the men. Lord Pan-
lett, addressing th e cons mend i ug officer, said,•••• Major
Judd, I extremely regret losing the services of so
tine a reginient As the Bedfordshire bight Infantry.
The very high state of the efficiency of the corps is
eminently creditable to all, frons the commanding
officer to the private, awl shows Ousted have worked
together to promote the interesta of the service. The
soldierlike appearance and discipline of the itedforti
is unrivalled, and their general good conduct has
become a household word in Portsmouth. No regi-
ment has ever behaved itself in a more orderly mau-
net, and I tell you you are s most respectable body
of men. The chief magistrate of this town is an old
and experienced soldier, and the characte.. he gives
you is unexampled in this garri.son. Officers, non-
commissioned officers, and soldiers, or the Bedford,
you are a regiment that your country and county
ought to be proud of, and I feel assured that the re-
ception you will meet with in Bedford on your re.
turn will be worthy your high character. The good
• wishes of the inhabitants of Portsmouth will, I asa
sure, accompany you. I wish you all success in pro-
curing employ inent on being disembodied. and trust
every man will do well."f he regiment will proceed
to Bedford on Thursday next.