The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette. — 1876-07-04 (Dorchester, Dorset, England)

ANNUAL WATZZ-60081.—(" By OM of the Hands.") —The delightful weather we have been having for the past few weeks has brought together many parties for spending • pleasant day by the seaside, which is much enjoyed by those who live in quiet inland towns. There are none to whom such an outing is more necessary than to those who have to "dig away" from morn 'till night in order to bring forth weekly the papers which emanate from these offices. Arrangements were consequently made, and on Saturday last our annual wayze-gonse came off, Swanage being the place selected aa suitable for such an event. The weather was all that could be desired. The early morning was rather cloudy, but this served to shelter us from the scorching rays of "Old Sol." By 5.30 a.m. all had assembled at our offices, and in • few minutes after drove up four slashing hones and a magnificent break, the property of Mrs. Dunn, of the Junction HoteL A few minutes more all were safely seated, and we drove off, the balmy air being enlivened by the sweet strains of the cornet, capitally played by Bandmaster J. Stevens, of the Dorset Militia and Dorchester Town Banda, and who, fortunately, is employed at these officer. The route WAR down the South-street, and by the South Walks, and thus on to Broadmayne, which village was enlivened with music and singing. A slight halt is made at Winfrith, for the roads are very dusty and the horses want their mouths rinsed out. Again we are on the road, and at 8.10 a.m. we drive up to the Red Lion Hotel, Wareham, at which hostelry we have to refresh horses and men. Breakfast is ordered, and in twenty minutes a capital spread is on the tables, and the despatch with which the work was done is deserving of the highest praise, and Mr. Yearsley and his staff certainly showed that they were equal to the emergency of providing for a large party at a abort notice. Breakfast over a ramble is taken around the town, and its magnificent (!) public buildings s,re visited, among these being the Town Hall lately built, and which contains among others the portrait of our future King, who we remember was asked to open the said building. Wareham is an ancient and loyal borough, and, although quiet, it hardly deserves the pun of a cruel wag who told the writer that  "When in Wareham condemned to reside, lied seek oblivion in suicide." Here we were joined by our Wareham and Poole correspondent, hi& C. (lent, and at 10.40 we left for our destination, passing on the way the ruins of Corte Castle, which stand forth boldly, and can be seen for many miles away. But time is passing on, and it is thought best not to halt here, KO with music and song we rattle through the town, the inhabitants turn out to cheer, and at noon we pull up at the Purbeck Hotel, Swanage, where we are all refreshed, and by which time we have more the appearance of millers than "gentlemen of the fourth estate." After a little for the inner man, we have a brush, and those who cannot bathe a good wash, and soon all are right again. Many take a dip in the briny, whilst some have half-an-hour's boating in the magnificent bay, but we take the precaution to have boatmen with us, lest we should come to grief on a dry shore, as was the cane with certain gallant young men at a neighbouring watering place a few weeks ago. The sea breeze gives all an appetite for dinner, and at this time we ' are joined by the proprietor, Mr. L. H. Ruegg, who has come over in the magnificent steamer Heather Bell from Bournemouth. Dinner is served in admirable style, and well cooked, with an abundance of all that crodd make us comfortable. The happy party is presided ever by Mr. Ruegg. The after dinner flattery and "buttering " is dispensed with, but the Chairman, after expressing the pleasure he felt at meeting them on such an occasion, and wishing them every enjoyment, said that his time was short, as he had to leave by the steamer again, but he had great pleasure in drinking each of their health& The Publisher, in a few well-chosen remarks, proposed the health of the Chairman, expressing the thanks of all for his efforts to promote their happiness, and this was heartily shown by the " three-times-three " cheers given in response. The compliment was briefly acknowledged, the speechifying was finished, and we again seek recreation. The steamer is watched off from the pier, as with crowded decks she steams away, and a yacht, which had been previously chartered, is quickly by the side, and many of us are soon "flying away" (to use a nautical expression), and in a short time are some ways out to sea. The ride is most enjoyable, as there is • stiff breeze, and as landsmen are no little used to sea we have to hold on well to nave tumbling about. We have the cornet on board, and the music is delightful. After a hour's sail we return to shore, and shortly tea is ready, and the refreshing cup is much in request At 0.30 the driver and "conductor" being ready with their steeds, we mount the break, and, after hearty cheers for the hotel proprietor, Mr. Liztington, who deserves the highest praise for the manner in which he conducted the whole affair and for the admirable arrangements made for entertaining us, we rattle away, song and music filling the air. Returning again to Wareham, the horses require a rest. One hour is allowed for Wm, and then we say farewell to our host of the Red Lion, and at 11.50 we drive up through the county town, all tired, none sad, none had indulged to excess, nothing had occurred to mar our happiness—the arrangements were perfect; and, thanks to Mrs. , Dunn 's horses and a careful driver, we pull up safe and sound at the Junction HoteL Truly loyal subjects, one verge of the National Anthem is sting as the town clock tells forth that the "witching hour of night" has arrived. We separate, and as Sunday is just beginning, all go quietly to their homes, everybody confessing that the " Wayze-goose" f 1876 has been • great success. Coutry Pirrrr