The Blandford and Wimbourne Telegram. — 1884-09-26 (Blandford, Dorset, England)

MAYON. and Councillor Slew r suitably replied, both expressing their admiration . rue volunteer movement, and, as old volunteers, reffitto' ring their time being past for the same. The Mavoe proposed "The Officers of H Company," who were to be congratulated on the high tone and large number of its members, much of which•succeas was due to the zeal of Captain Watts and his coadjutors and the members generally. Principally to „. Captain Watts' perseverance, who had secured every member as a friend, was due their present high state of proficiency, and he hoped this would continue. Captain WATTS, in responding, thanked the Mayor for the flattering terms he had used respecting the officers of the company. There were little difficulties and anxieties to contend with in companies, but when he could take 100 men to Wituborne to a battalion drill, and 90 to turn out that evening, he was proud of_ his company. H Company stood as well as any at the recent camp at Swanage. He did not want to be A 1, nor did he care to be A 2, but if they kept up the good character secured at Swanage, he should have no cause for complaint. Replying to the Mayor's remarks about his zeal in the corps, he said doubtless officers had a great deal to do with the success or non-success of a company, but he considered the greatest factor in volunteer success were the employers of labour, and tho goodwill of the town or district wherein a company may be raised. In his district on applying to any employer of labour for leave, he had never received a negative reply. While this good feeling existed H Company could ensure being one of the best in the regiment, and there was every reason to suppose it would be, for last year there was only one officer, now they had four. Lieutenant House wait unfortunately absent on important business. Lieutenant Thurston, who was present, had proved himself a very able and popular lieutenant. (-Applause I Lieutenant THURSTON, in responding, gave an outline of the inawenation •-f the volunteer force, which now numbered' over 300,000 men. These, with the vast number who had passed through the ninks, would show a bold front to any enemy who dared invade our island home. He hoped to belong to 11 Company for some years to come. (Applause ) Dr. SPOONER, in a hurnourous speech, reminded the warriors present of the prayer— From battle, murder, and sudden death." Sing: Mr. W. H. Atkinson, A Honest Heart to Guide Us." Captain WATTS proposed the health 4f the donor of the feast, Mr. C. 11. Flower ; they had enjoyed a pleasant evening, and he thanked him for it. The members were not to reckon this as a compliment to him personally, but as a friend of the corps,. than whom there was 110 more staunch supperter of the corps than Mr. Flower. Referring to Dr. Spooner's remarks, he would not wish for a war, but if needs be he would not mind having a cut in with the Dorset volunteers. The CHAIRMAN, in reply, thanked them for the hearty manner they had received the toast. He was glad to see Captain Watts so popular He had intended this supper to be given last year on the occasion of Captain Watts' marriage, but they all knew a sad event prevented this being carried out. Mr. Flower concluded by proposing " The Visitors.," which toast was responded to by Mr. ATKINSON, who referred to the time 25 years ago when he held a commission in the Blandford Corps; by Mr. E. B. SMITH, who was sworn in the next member to Mr. Atkinson on the company's formation. relating the first muster and parade of the corps, and subsequent dinner at Langton House; by er. J. E. WAREHAM (ex-sergeant), who was now ready and able to again shoulder a rifle if wanted; and by Surgeon Low:. Dr SPOONER, in a humouroes speech, proposed "The Ladies," to which Lieutenant Tecitsroat responded. "The Non-commissioned Officers" was proposed by Captain Wars, who spoke in high terms of the help he had received from them. The toast was acknowledged by Sergeant-Instructor. Keieitr. Armourer-Sergeant Ki xe, Sergeants DERR AM, BLANIWORD, and HODGEs. and Corporal Honor:X. "Our Next Merry Meeting " teas given from the chair, and the party separated about half-paet ten o'clock, having enjoyed a capital evening. Some good songs were sung at Intervals during thQ wog iag.  I