The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1868-11-03 00:00:00

DORCHESTER.

COMMISSION STONED BY THE LORD.DECTINANT OF
THE COHOST 01 Dogerr--fith Dorset Artillery Wan-
leer Corps., Lieutenant Brown Td be Captain.
THE 80/100011 REPRESENTATION. Mr. Francis
Somerville Head, the Liberal candidate, finding, on
Wednesday morning, that he had not received sufficient
promises of support to warrakt him in thinking he had
any proepectof encases, withdrew from the contest, and
left Dorchester in the middle of the day.

Dictum—The Rev. J. B. Owen, • clergyman of
Chelsea, gave • lecture on Thursday evening, at the
Guildhall, in connection with the Working Men's
Institute. There was • moderate attendance. The
subject was "Liars and their lies," and the lecturer held
up reprobation the want r f integrity observable in
eornmeme, polities, literature, and religion—he showei,
in short, how very human we all are, describing our
shortcoming' and weaknesses in vigorous language and
with felicitious illustrations. The leeture appeared to
afford general satisfaction.

Tile Poe? Orrice.--The removal of the poet office
to the premises lately occupied by Mr. J. Brown, is a
great improvement. The oil office erns sadly too .mall
for the business helmeted, to the inconvenience hoth
of the officials and the pubic; but in the new premises
there is ample room for the wort" of the office and
th,ne having business there cm effect it without being
incolornoshil by others. lhe public departnient is
conveniently fitted up, but it is at the expense of Mr.
Parsons, and not of the Pmtmaater-General; and we
now have in this important office one which, for the
excellence of its arrangements, will bear favourable
comparison with any office of its size in the West of
England.
LURD POLTIMOIIea HOUND& —The first meet of the
season was at Winterborne Lodge, near Dorchester, on
Friday. when there was • numerous field, including
several ladles. the pack sippeareg in excellent condition
sod the ohips were well mounted. The huntsman, Mr.
Evans, was not present, owing to the effects of an
accident he has recently sustained. It seems likely
however that he will shortly be able to resume the post
which he no ably and courteously fills. Although it
was • trying day, with an inferior scent, yet the noble
roaster of the tounds worked wonderfully well, and
endeavoured to show a good run on the" opening"
event, and, though the sport was somewhat indifferent,
it was due to no fault of his lordship or his pets. There
muss abundance of foxes, • couple being started in a
plantation close to the lodge immediately hpon starting.
' After running • short distance he doubled back as if
making for Winterborne village ; but ho ran into a
rabbit', barren', from which be was dug out and killed.
Another fox was found at Blagdon and, made away in
the direction of Bradford Peverel ; bat, turning bask to
the right by Mr. Homer's residence, he passed over the
farm and away to Martinatown Brake. , Ilere a check
tnnir place. toss 'seeing • "hollea r his lop:Islip clapped
on the bound. again In good style, and there was • lively
ranfth',ough Mr. Syrnond's gorse over Ashton Form
as far as Captain Threshrei, the fox being ultimately
pulled down in Noake's gorse. Altogether • pleasant
day was enjoye,L
FATAL Acme/M.—An inquest was held at the
Dorset County Hospital, before H. Lock, Eq., deputy-
coroner, on Friday morning, touching the death of
Igoe Lester, an elderly labourer, in the service of Mr.
Fordington, who died on the previous day. It
appeared that between niiie and ten o'clock on Ilitirsday
morning, Lester and another letbourer named Mantell
were loading • waggon with straw, at Mr. Hayne's barn-
door, in King-greet, they being upon the load. When
they bad nearly completed the loading, Lester said to
his companion 'Jim, the pitches are too big; we can
hardly take them in," and the other assented. Just then •
violent gust of wind toppled over the load of straw;
the men were thrown up aping the will, and the
straw covered them. The pitchers and others at once set
about extricating them. Maiden was first found; hisback
was slightly injured by falling against the wall, but he
soon got over it, and. helped to God Lester. The old

man had struck with his head upon a sharp stone in
the wall, which made a terrible wound, and he lay
bleeding and insensible. Mantell, when he caught hold
of his hand to lift him up, said "Poor Isaac's dead."
They took him up, and he was conveyed home, and im.
medistely after he was taken to the Dorset County
Hospital, but he died a few minutes after his admission.
Mr. F. W. 'Young, the house aurgeon, gave evidence
that Lester when brought there was suffering from
compression of the brain, consequent on a fracture of
the base of the skull, and that that was the cause of his
death. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental
Death." Thi deceased leaves a daughter, and Mr.
Rayne has acted very kindly towards her in her
bereavement, and ham intimated to her that she may
remain in the cottage they occupied rent free as lung as
she requires it.
DORCHESTER FARMERS' CLUll.—The grit meeting of
the session 186 A-9 took plasm at the Antelope hotel, last
Saturday evening, and the proceedings were principally ,
directed to the arrangements for the signing season.
Mr. Homer, the President, occupied the chair, Mr. R.
Gangs, the Vice-President, was in his place, Mr. T. C.
Saunders, the Treasurer was present, the Neltlit itSCRI
of the Secretary attended, and the following members :
Mr. IL Damen, Mr. J. Damao, Mr. H. Taylor, Mr.
rope, Mr. Rowe, Dr. Aldridge, and Mr. H. Lock. A
letter was read from one of the Commissioners appointed
to make inquiries touching an extension of the principle
of the Factory Act to the agricultural districts, inti.
mating that he would be glad to meet the club with a
view to eliciting information on the subject. It was
decided to afford the Commissioner an opportunity of
aseert.ining the views of the club on the question, and
. . . .

of obtaining facts within their experience having an
Important bearing on the subject. The President
expressed hi. regret that the attendance of members
was so small, as be had hoped they would hay" been
able to arrange the entire series of papers for the
session and thus obviate any waste of tiniest subsequent
meetiogs. He eoogratulated them on the nice sermon
they had experienced for the growth a corn since they
last met ; and then spoke of their efforts as • club to
promote improvements in agriculture. They now com-
menced their wreath session. The number of members
was about seventy, but the attendances were diseourag-
ingly small, mid he hopeA there *wild be an improve-
ment. The fend, were in a flourishing state, for they
had a balanoe of about FM. He suggested that prizes
should he offered for root crops, and the proposal was
cordially received, Mr. Damen, Mr. H. Taylor, and
others offering to give donations to the prise fund, but
as it is now too late to do anything in this way for the
present season, the subject was postponed to •
future meeting. The President then referred
to the project for establishing • Chamber of I
Agriculture for Dorset. He did not songster that such I
an association would at all clash with the Farmer's
Clubs, the latter being, as be conceived, for the
purpose of diffusing pratical information on agricultural ,
'objects, and Chambers of Aviculture for dealing I
more ps.xticulaq with the political questions affecting I
the agirculturM body. Still, he held that the landlords
were more interested in • Chamber of Agriculture
than the tenant farmers, for, he was of opinion, that
any beneficial result from the present agitation far an
alteration in the rating of the land—a great subject
with Chambers of Agrirmlture—would turn to the
advantage of the landlords alone at any !subsequent
re-letting of farms. At the same time, he did not deny.
that tenant farmers were greatly Interested in the
present ratemiying, in the education question. end other
topics, peculiarly within the province of a Chamber of
Agriculture. He thought the landlords of the county
ought to come forward to support the proposed Dorset
Chamber of Agriculture: and, if they did so, he was
sure that the tenant farmers would do all in their
power to promote the sneers§ of the movement. —The
Vioe-President, referring to the same subject, expressed
himself in favour of • Dorset Chamber of Agriculture,
and called on landlords, clergymen, and tenant farmer,
to join in moth an association.—Mr. Lock, commenting
on the president's remarks, pointed out that as the
tenants pay the rates, the undue rating of land
Is a question lint of all for them. Though, he I
agree], it might ultimately be • landlord's question.
He had had some conversatiou with Mr. (lenge
Andrews, who had taken up this question so warmly
In Somerset, and he told him that at first the landlords
generally kept aloof from the movement, but now that
the subject has been agitated by tbe tenant farmers,
they have largely united with them in pressing the
rating question on the public. He hoped therefore that
all would take an interest in the proposed Dorset
Chamber of Agriculture, and do their best to ensure •
good meeting at the Townhall, Dorehester, on Saturday
morning, the 14th inst., when a is intended to elect
the council and officers of the association. Be also
wished it to be understood that the chamber would not
letlrrty essociation.--Shortly alter the proceedings

MORES AseEtelerlON.—On Taming evening the
Rev' W. Pears, IL A. gave • lecture et the Guild-
hall, on " The Priest upon His Throne, and His
Counterfeits" The chair wee occupied by the Mayor
Curme' Eaq.), and there was a fair attendance. In
ting the first Part of his subject. the rev gentleman
indicated why we needed • Priest ; what Christ, the
Great High Priest, has done for us; and Hi. present
exalted position on His Father's Throne as Mediator
between God and man ; and, in the second piece, he
quoted extract, from the Bishop of Salisbury's last
charge, and the writings of other church dignitaries to
show that they arrogate to themselves to be delegates of
God, nay actually gods. The essumption of power to
forgive sins he showed was an encouragement to siu,
and quoted from the story of • converted Romish Priest
his statement that he had been obliged to give absolution
to a man who confessed to hind he was going to commit
• murder and subsequently did do ii; and that he was
the confessor of • woman who attempted to poison her
father but faded, tried again and succeeded, and he WM
present at the death bed of that man, saw that he was
Poisoned and saw the woman who had done it, yet les
dared not divulge the horrible fact. Ile further 11101.
tested this view of the results of the confessional, by
the ease of Isabella IL, Ex.queen of Spain. She was
lately presented by the Pope, with the golden rose, IN
the most deserving daughter of the church, she was
constantly attended by • Father Confessor and a holy
nun, hut that Father Confessor knew all her utter
depravity and vileness, which has made her the scandal
of Europe, yet be gave her absolution from all her sins,
and thus she was encouraged in her evil ways. Then
he pointed out that this sacerdotaliam obscures Christ
from the view of sinners, and results in tyranny Over
the minds and actious of those affected by it. Iu co*.
elusion he showed that it was no use to look to the
Bishops, or Convocation for putting down the
teschers of these doctrines in the church of
Eaglend, and that they must help themselves hi
the matter. For this purpose the Church A.S001•
lotion was formed, and be commended it to their
support. A vote of thanks was mused to the
the lecturer On the motion of the Rev. C. W. Bingham,
seconded by the Ree C. J. Bird, and • similar compli-
ment was paid to the Chairmen. There was •oollection
at the close on behalf of the Church Association.
Br. Peril's VIWIRT.—Ao adjourned vestry ineeetlng
was held at St. Peter's Church, on Thursday morning
the Rev. 11. W. Peary. rector, presiding. Mire IMO
also present—Mr. G. J. Andrews (churchwarden). Mi.
J. F. Hodge", Mr. T. Coombs, Mr. J. F. Hodges. 'atm.
Mr. G. J. G. Gregory, Mr. J. Ensile Ur. O. Curmit,
Kr. T. Baseombe, Mr. Darden, Mr. IL Basidembe, Mr.
ffeett, Mr. Edwards, Mr. T. Penney, Mr. G. Pouney,
• The committee appointed to investigate the claims
against the parish reported that they found £94 75. 6d.
due to Mr. Coombe, £25 17s. to Mr. Hicks, and
£76 Si. Bd. on account of the warming, lighting, and
veatil•ting, exclusive of the fees of Mr. Hicks, as
erelditect, he haring given his serrioes. Total due and
now outstanding. El% 13s. V. Towards the payment
of this sum, Mr. Coombs proposed to give £lO, and Mr.
Hicks £5 Is. It was agreed to open a subscription to
meet the =mint to be paid, and Mr. Hodges suggested
that the sums collected should be vetted in the rector
and churchwarden,. hut Mi. Andrews objected It hav-
ing anything to do with the matter yea tchurchwerden,
but said that as one of the committee which had been
formed, to whom he thought it best to entreat the whole
matter, be would do his best in the way of helping to
get the money. Ultimately, Mr. Hodger consented to
the money being dealt with by the committee. Mr. Eimer
inquired if the claim made upon him for the alteration of
the church door you included in the statement given.
The rector replied ye., and everything else op to the pre.
sent time. Mr. &nor then said he illould be happy to give
£5 to the fund. It was resolved that • subscription be
opened to meet the claims above set forth, that the
committee be requested to solicit subscription' for
liquidating the whole amount, and that the sums
received shall be divided pro rata amongst those to
whom the said sums are due. Mr. Andrew, said he
would give £3O, the Heater £lO, Mr. Edwards El le,
Mr. Hodges £5 -he would _give more but he had paid
up td this time 1:40, Mr. J. F. Hodges, Jon., £5, Mr.
H. Basoombe £lO, making 161 6e. at ono. subscribed.
The fund is to be called the Church Restoration Fund,
and Mr. Andrews mid he had confidence that in less
then six months the whole amount would be eontfi-
buried. The next business was to make • chareh•rate

--
for the current year. It was estimated that £B3 188.4 d.
would be required, and that • sixpenny rate would
realise Ott Mr. Andrews proposed that a sixpenny
rate be made. Mr. Hodges remarked that in • great
many places the offertory had been adopted under the
new circumstanco: in which church-rates now stood
before the law, and he thought that system had a great
deal to recommend it. If they had an offertory tholes
who canto to the church would be expected to contii.
bete, and he felt quite 'sure that in this parish by •
monthly offertory the sum required would be obtained.
Mr. Andrews mid that he bad looked at the whole
matter very narrowly and had expended some time over
the new Act of Parliament, and all the new Act said
was this, that church-rates shall not be recovered
in any proceedings before any ecclesiastical or
other court, or before any justice or magistrate.
It had left the common law in exactly the same position
as before. By the common law the churchwardens
were bound to make a rate to provide for the services
of the church, sod they were still bound to do that.
(Mr. Hodges : Not for all the service.). For the
services of the ehurch as by the law applicable. That
duty was now east upon the churchwardens: if they did
not fetid' it, they were subject to proceedings in the
eecletiastical courts; but, if they came to the vestry,
saying, please give its a rate, atd the vestry choose to
say they should not have it, the churchwardens were
I relieved from the responsibility, and it would be tor the
Ordinary to come upou the parish under their common
law liability. As to the fabric of the church and its
servioes they were in the same position as before, the
only thing was they could not compel payment of •
church-rate. That was his position as a churchwerden,
and, therefore, he should act upon the old principle
oat 1 the law was alteret He had perfect faith in the
goodlfeeling of the polo towards the church—even of
those who conscienttotiely objected tooompulaory church-
rates, and he thought this was shown by the course
Mr. Edward's had generously taken on that occasion ;
but, until the liability of the parish was taken away, he
thought the making of a rate was the safest thing to
do. The offertory was open to this objection : if they
looked at the rod of the Communion Service, they
would find that the offertory seas, after the service, to be
disposed of for " pious and charitable uses." as the
clergyman and churchwardens should think flu : then
arose the question whether or not, strictly speaking,
some of the things involved were "pious and charit-
able uses," and there might be a difference of opinion
between the churchwardens, though they acted with
the best intentions, as to what were " pions and charit-
able uses." If the oburch.rate did not suffice, and
people said "I can't" or " I i ban't" pay, some
other means must be found.—Mr. Gregory asked if
the rate proposed was on the supposition that all in the
parish raid it.—The Vestry Clerk said no.—Mr.
Andrews said that at the present time there were
• certain number of persons who did not pay the rate.
—Mr. Coombs thought the sore had been that the rate
was compulsory, and that it was very possible some who
before objected would now contribute. He considered
it would be best to make • rate, to test what voluntary
subscriptions could be got.—The Rector observed that
where the offertory had succeeded the churches were
free. If this church were made free,so that anybody oould
walk in and sit down where they chose, he would
guarantee that enough was contributed without a church
rate. He had not the slightest objection to an offertory.
Providing the church was made free, but, unless that
was done, he did not believe it would succeed.—Me.
Hodges said he thought an offertory beat, but he was
prepared to act upon the opinion of the majority of the
pariah.— Mr. Coombe seconded Mr. Andrews's motion
for a sixpenny rate.—Mr. Hodges proposed, and Mr.
Gregory seconded, • monthly offertory in lieu of a
chureh-rate. Three were in favour of the offertory and
ten for the rate. The ratetherefore,waa adopted.—Mr
Hodges said be proposed the offertory simply to test
the feeling on the subject; he would pay the church.
rate, and support it.—This ended the proceedings.