The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1874-12-29 00:00:00

"A HAPPY NEW YEAR."

DORCHICEITER.

ERRATEII. —We ant asked to state that the Dorchester
Band of Hope now numbers upwards of 300 children and
not 100 as was inadvertently stated in our report of their
entertainment last week, at the British Schoolroom.

PIOT& POULTRT.—WO are pleased to notice that of the
Golden :Tangled Ilamburghs of Mr. Patlson, of Wrackhe
ford, whirh have Won 010 many honours at various snows,
a pair of young liirdt never before exhibit... 4, were
awarded a second prize at the Plymouth poultry show.
Cumming!) TO Tilt DOWSZT OoUNTT PAISO3.- Hard
Labour : Rhoda Crtatcher, drunkenness at Pimperne,
George Benham, stealin4 a ferret at lwenie Minster, and
Willhun datum, not reporting Ithuself being under ctilice
supervision, I calendar month each; Tout CLsrke, leaving
servioa at Forilington, 14 days.

SZOOKABLIC .loTrisos. —The Mayor (Mr. E. Burnett)
kindly gave to each of the inmates of the several alms-
homes in the lorough an ample supply of beet and bread,
and beer, and coals where required. wherewith to enjoy a
Christmas feast.—When the children at Holy Trinity
Infant school broke up for the holidays, they were
delighted by a distribution of oranges, nuts, e.g., through
the kindness of Mr. Steele.—Mr. It. Hill has (igen the
inmates of Napier's Mite Almshouse his ususal thrlstmas
benefaction of goals.

sracw. SERVICE& —On the last Sunday eveningof the
year the musical portion of the service ut Holy Trinity
churda waa special, the regular choir being assisted for
the occasion by several amateurs. Special Psalms were
sung, and an anthem—' And the glory of the Lord, from
Handel's Messiah. The Hector (Rev. U. Everett) preached
an appropriate sermon from the words " My song shall
ever be of the loving-kindness of the [swat." There was a
crowded congregation. At the close of the service the
organist (Mr. T. M. Morgan) played the Hallelujah chorus.
—OnNew Year's eve there will be a special service, com-
mencing at 11.15 p.m.

TIIR WRATHFUL —The following ii our meteorological
report :

g „.. I .....,.
~,..., „and 814 to of Woather
4 31Zt
Doc.
21 81 25 1 N Flno
22 20 21 NE Snow
23 28 32 NE & E Buou, fog. rain
24 31 30 NW Halo, cloudy
25 34 231 NW BNE Foggy, fain
26 16 27 NW Fine
V 20 27 NE It N Fine

11011 v TaisrrY Cfluant.—We learn that the monthly
meeting of the Council of National Association for
Freedom of Worship, was held on Friday, Mr. Hereford in
the chair. "A letter was read from the Rev. W. M.
Barnes, organising seeretary for Dorretshire, referring to
a church at Dorchester,as requiring enlargement for which
It had beim difficult to raise money, in C3l2lioqUellCO of the
bettermost people being already provided with private
seats and content with things as they are, whilst the
great body of the poor had no atcommuslaUon." We
believe that there is not the slightest ground for this state-
ment ; and that if there be apathy in the matter at all, it
I. certainly not on the part of present seatholders, as the
suLectiption list proves. Anil it is too had to make " the
great body of the poor "the stalking horse for promoting
the 'free and open church movement," which is utterly
itupracticable in a country town where the population is
no settled as in Dorchester. At the present time Holy
Trinity church is to all intents and purposes free and open.
In • few cases, is it true, seats were years ago sold (*.t-
railed) by the Churchwardens for sums varying from £3
to .e 7 or Lii, and the practice has been to let the family
of the purchaser occupy it as long as they remain in the
parish; but, no to the larger number of the seats they are
either "free and open" on the plan of this society, and
avoided accordingly ; or, as we think "free and open," on
the infinitely. better plan of paying a very small slitla
annually, which is really only an allotment or registra-
tion fee. For, what do parishioners pact Not is. &L •
sitting per annum as is cheerfully paid for woommovia-
lion in chapels, but the paltry sum of le and is dd. a
sitting for • whole year; so that the occupier has the
Privilege of attending over 200 sermons for that single
shilling. And, ouch being the fact, we say there is not a
single person in the h, high or low, but what could
easily afford this ing registration fee, for a seat, if he
wishes to go to church at ; and if he does not, saving
his shilling will not tempt him. Then the inconvenience
imallotted goats colidemns tho system. FancY • than with his wife earl family of four children, going into a
church on the "free arid open" system. In one room he
finite room for ho wife, in a SOOOll.l for two children, in a
third for the othero. mud in a fourth for himself : there
they are, all uncoinfortal.le because setmratedi and the
parent., unable to have the oversight of their children,
anxious all through the service as to having the prayers,
aud keen% WO hymns found for them—all to their de•
meauour—and lest they should be troublesome to any
body, AU this is to le -uttered for a theoretical notion of
freedom, but which would really inflict on beads of
families a burden as erevious that man • would he forced
to seek accommodation in ex-penehial churches where
they could worship together as • family, or, failing that,
reluctantly avail themselves of the means afforded in
of her places of worship. We contend that the comfort
and ronvenienoe of all the parishioners are best promoted
by providing seats for the respective families who require
then% and that this indeed is the duty of the church-
wardens. Let 114 quote the law:—' By the general
law and of common right, all the Pew* in a Parish
church are the emulsion property of the perish -
they are for the use, in COllllllOll, of Um;
pariskioneni, who aro all entitled to he seated orderly and
conveuiently, so as best to provide for the uwouniestation
of nl. They have indeed a claim to be seated according
to their rank and station, but the churchwardens, who in
this respect act as the officers of the bishop of the
diocese, and subject to his control, are not, in providing
for this, to overlook the claims of all the parishioners to
ire stated, if sittings can le atforded them. Acconlingly,
they are bound, in particelar. not to accommodate the
higher classes beyond their real wants, to the exclusion
of their poorer neighboum, who are equally entitled to
wvonoundation with the rest, though they are not entitled
to equal accommodation, supposing the seatg not to be all
equally canvenient. And every parishioner has a right
to • scat in the church without any payment, either for
the purchase or as rest for the sans.'
‘ and if necessary,
occupiers of pews, who are not parishioners (having no
proscriptive right therein), may be put out by the church.
wardens, to enable them to seat parishioners. And
although such occupier has purchased the seat, and it wag
erected under a " faculty," containing a clause
permitting the party erecting the same, to sell it, this will
not avail against the common law right of parishioners,
for such permission in the faculty 11 illegal." Froui
this, it will In, seen. that every parishioner, rich
or poor, is 11111i/L6l to &commutation, Lech one beinst
allotted a seat acoinling to his rank and statioo ; sod that
the pullqueU system .1 the free and ..pen movement
Is not only inconvenient and contrary to e.g.., but abso-
lutely illegal. We are ashamed for nor church, that in
the leth century, In Donetsliire, clergymen should be
found to :mown over the " spiritually destitute mar of
parishioners,- who esteem the services ~1 the Church so
lightly that they are "excluded' by the charge uf a
shilling • year for an allutul seat. If that be really the
case, we think the "National Association for Freedom of
Worship" would do better service by applying their funds
to paying the fees of these impecunious Christians than
Incwyhnon a Qulzotic enterprise agaiset Lew, tura, and
cosi

PRIIIVITATioN TO Ma. JOSIITH RODiesoN.—For 27 Teen
Mr. J. Robinson has filled the office of Choirmaster and
Organist at All Salute and Holy Trinity churches in
Dorchester. and has contributed largely to the improve-
ment of Church music in the town and neighbourhood.
The recent close of his official connection with Hely
Trinity au organist suggested to a few friends a fitting
occasien for einue recognition of his services, and a small
subscription was darted for the purpose. The project
Ilre.rt cordially approved by those to whom it WM turn-
lnd friends In the tee parishes contributed
readily. The fund web applied to purchasing an eleput
liqueur stand, as • memento (if the oCeasinn, awl there
accompanied it a purse of sovereigns, and the following
address :—_ _

- To Mr. JosepA R,biotoon, Dorchester.
Dun Sia,—lt has boon kit by timely persons in the town that
your relinquishment of the pruhustonal duties 14 Church
organist and Choirmaster in Dorch,iter, after occupying that
pUblic position for twenty *even years at All Saints and Holy
Trinity churches, should not be allowed to par unnoticed ; •
few friends, therefore, in both parishes, haie quictly entubined
to over you the accompanying prosent and purse of ilovemigns,
as • mark of their good ',Shand in tentlinony of their apprecia-
tion of your efforts during that time to Improve Church music
In the town and litlghbourhood. We hope that you will aenipt
this little testimonial in the cordial spirit with wide), it is
offered; and, at the sante time. our oil fashioned seasonable
wish of "A merry Christina, and a happy new year.'
Signed on beha of the subscribers,
) Redoes Churc
Itostur Daus r
Holy Trinithwarden,y.
llasar Local Hector's Churebwarden,
All Sainta.

_Christinam eve. 1374.

The-p-n-see—nt-a-ii-0.n.-u7as made on Thursday evening by a
deputation of the sulucrlbers, and Mr. Robinson expressed
the pleasure tins kindly re,ognition of his effort: afforded
him, the interest he had always felt in the improvement
of the musical portion of the Chnrch service:, and his
cordial reciprcaulion of the good-will which prompted the
testimonial.

Waltzes's BAZIAL—For energy and united action
commend us to the Wesleyan& !laving resolved to build
a chapel at a cost of about .g.'3,000, they speedily subscribed
about twuthirds of the money, and shortly after projected
a bazaar to all the fund. An extensive collection of
articles was either made or given for the sale, which was
deed for Boxing day, and a better selection could not
have been made. The opening was to take place at mid-
day by the Mayor (Mr. E. Burnett); in due course the
, hour Caine, but not his worship, for he was unfortunately
ill in bed, and Mr. M. Devenish kindly acted for him. In
the orchestra with Mr. Devenish were the Rev. 11. P.
Rinke& Dr. Aldridgs, Mr. E Steele, the Rev. T. Naive,
and the Revs. J. Duttill end F. S. Thies. After singing •
hymn. Mr. 'Likes offered prayer, and Mr. Reeve resl a
portion of Scripture. Mr. Devenish then read the follow-
ing letter addressed to the Rey. J. DuMII by the Mayor :
High West-street, Saturday Morning.
My Dear I am unfortunately conened to my bed by a
never, attack of neuralgia, and I shall therefore be much
obliged if you will ant some other kind friend to undertake my
duties. Ido regret mesa sincerely my inability to attend, as I
was looking forwent with great pleasure to open the Bazaar In
11111 of the fund now being raised for the Wesleyan Chapel ;
mom so because I have watched the chapel from its birth, and
trust that God will spare my life to see It in its old age full of
devoted hearts, fearing God, and working righteousness.
Kindly say everything you can to the meeting on my behalf,
and, if you think proper, road this letter.
Yours very truly,
non% Busmen..
Mr. Devenish briefly expressed his good wishes for the
success of the bazaar and declared it open. There Was a
large attendance, and business commenced briskly. on
four or five stalls were useful and fancy articles. The
first was presided over by Mrs. Duffill, Mrs. Groves, Mrs.
and the Milses Groves (4 Korona by Mrs.
Keynes, Mrs. Little, Mrs. Remelt and here the Rev. E.
S. Thies also assisted. Third by Mrs. %Fright, Mrs. Riggs,
and the Misses Stant Fourth by Mrs. G. 'rocker, Misses
Crocker (3), Mrs. Woodland. and Mrs. W. Crocker. Mr.
Wolff had provided a stall, and this Was manages! by
Mrs. Burden. A booketall, had the attention of Mr. Bush,
Mr. Westlake, and Mr. J. Riggs, Sunday School stall
Mrs. Bellew, Mrs Slade, Mrs. George. thristutaa Tree—
Miss S. Dulfill, Mies K. Groves, Miss (I. Keats, Miss
Blanche Riggs. Printing press—Mr. G. Franklin In the
orchestra a inurcum of curiosities and antiquities was
open, and was a great attraction. Amongst the odd things
contributed was • cage of handsome little foreign birds,
sold at Sc. a pair, and sotue mats made front the inner
bark of trees by North American Indians; these were
given by a sailor friend. Mr: Groves sent a large pile
of sides of smoked bacon, there were sundry tame rabbit&
poultry had also been devoted to the cause, with bags of
potatoes, stores of apples, and even borne-made sweets,
while Mr. G. Wright, jeer., net up • provision shop in the
interest of the new chapel, Mr. Pitcher being aslesman.
There was a refreshment stall in the old Corn Exchange,
and Mr. C. Greening gave his experienced services in this
department Music was also provided, and several
friends displayed their skill on a pianoforte awl
an harmonium. During the afternoon and evening the
place RIM thronged, and a smart stroke of liminess done,
Saturdav*4 Wort.; realising about tile, from whish has
to iei deducted the charge for the hall, and printing; NO
that Iwtwven Xliki and £l7O will be cleared. The
following were the "unto paid to the Treasurer on
Satunlay evening :—Sale of Innehon tickets, 1:3 7s. ;
tickets at door, td Is. Yd. ; staff presided over by Mrs.
MOBIL Mrs. Groves, de., 4.32 70. led. ; Ditto by Mrs.
tracker, &c., £3.1 ; Ditto by Mrs Rig:mike , Effi
PI& %it ; country stall C:io los. ; book stall, 7s. ;
Christmas-tree, £4 is. ; Refreshment,, .C. 3 ;
printing programmes, ; subscription& &c.,
received during the ilay, XII lA. total fled 5.. eitl.
The Bazaar was continued on Monday afternoon and
evening.

134)ROLGII PERT SESSIONS, Monday—Before Mr.
0, Gregory.
Chad. • Marten, on a visit from Weymouth to his friends
at lAirehester, was lined 10s. il.l. including costs for
drunkenness.
°rosy Robinson alias Taylor was charged with stealing •
velveteen coat, value 2ss., the property- of Mrs- Frances
Rogers, High West-street.
On Thursday morning, December 17, the coat was hung
outside the shop, and was missed in the afternoon.
Information was riven to the police, and Sict. Apsey. if
Weymouth, found it st Mr. L. Phillips s, out-titter,
where prisoner had offered It for gale saying it was his
own, and ultimately exchanged it for ii pair of Wellington
hoots, Ile said that he Issight the coat in Illaiolford, that
his name was Taylor, and that he lived in Park•streets
Weymouth. The boots were found at his I.slgith.N.
Prisoner said he Lid the coat given over to him at
Dpwey by a I nan name.] Middleton!, for money he owed
Lila, that they went to Weymouth together, that
Ri.l.llefonl 0tTe.n....1 the vat for hale at Mr. (Maw's. and he
at Mr. Phillips ~

Prisoner was abio charged with stealing 10 or 12 Ilia. of
butter, belonging to Mr. Win. Synies, of Portesham.
It seemed that Mr. Sytnes 'singlit iDdllx of Mr. 11.
Wallis. of Ililtor, and on 12th of Ilea:tuber he sold part
it in Dorchester, and then missed the basket containing
the quantity prisoner is charge.' with stealing (rota his
cart in the Royal Oak yard. The butter was rolled and
wrapped in cloths marked with Mr. Wallis's initial&
Prisoner offered the butter for sale at .evenal shops In the
town. and it was purchased by Mr. Phelps for 12a.
The basket M. found thrown into the Rifles Anne yard.
Prisoner had nothing to say in answer to the charge
Ile was committed for trial at the next Quarter Sessions
on both charges. _

Several pairs of long gaiters wore found in prisoner's
possession, and Mr. Rogers said he hail missed some, and
bad no doubt they were theirs, but he could not swear to
them as they were not marked.
&den Shoe!, was Larged with obtaining by false
pretences on Doc. 2tith, a cheese the property of Mews.
I I urdle, cheese factors of Dorchester and Weymouth. Mr.
Weston prowicuted.
Prisoner had been occasionally employed at the Dor-
chester 'tires of prosecutors in Durngate.street, and on
Saturday called there and asked Mr. W. Hurdle for •
"hlue mellow cheese for Mr. James Drake, baker, High
East-street,' saying Mr. Drake had promised him 6.1., for
fetching it. On the faith ef this story the cheese was
supplied.
Mr. Drake denied aU knowledge of the transaction, and
added that if he wanted a cheese he should certainly not
send ouch a person as prisoner for it. The cheese weighed
171 b. or 191 b. ; and was of the value of Da.
Prisoner seemed proud of his trick, and smiled at his
°int artfulness.
lie was remanded till Wednesday. Mr. Weston saying
there was another charge against him.