On Thursday, the 3rd inst., the parish council, as a corporate body, first saw the light of existence. The eleven members—Messrs. Thomas Shugar, Thomas Ashford, David Hine, William Budden, George Garrett, Alfred C. Salisbury, William T. Studley, Charles Chard, jun., William Read, William Salisbury, and William Spurdle—severally signed the required declaration. There were also present Mr. William Macey and Mr. Dodd. Mr. Shugar having been elected chairman provisionally, Mr. Read proposed that the Rev. Canon Gildea be chairman of the Council. This was seconded by Mr. Hine. Mr. Read made a strong case for Canon Gildea, whose long and wide experience, he said, with his distinguished ability and liberal education, rendered him the right and proper person to hold the office. He also read a letter he had received from Canon Gildea, in which that gentleman clearly set forth that he personally had not the smallest wish for the post, but that if they (the Council) really desired it, then he would most readily place his services fully at their disposal. — Mr. Studley proposed an amendment that Mr. Wm. Salisbury be chairman. He stated that Mr. Salisbury was one of the Council, and he believed they wanted one of themselves, and that, moreover, he was the eldest of their body. — This was seconded Mr. T. Ashford. — On being put, seven voted for Mr. Salisbury, who, on taking the chair, observed that he was much gratified at the compliment paid him. It was a very important post. Certainly he had not a large majority in his favour, but he hoped all would work together for good, and he should do the best he could. — At the proposition of Mr. A. Salisbury, seconded by Mr, T. Ashford, Mr. Shugar took the vice-chair. — No member of the Council being willing to accept the work of clerk, which in that case would have to be done without remuneration, Mr. Read proposed that Mr. Macey be appointed with an additional stipend of £10. — This was seconded by Mr. Ashford, carried nine to two; Messrs. Budden and Studley not voting for or against. — There were at first three candidates for the treasurership viz, : Messrs. W, H. Marshallsay, James Andrews, and T. Cox. — Mr, Shugar proposed Mr. T. Cox. of the Wilts and Dorset Bank, Beaminster, which was seconded by Mr. Ashford. — Mr. Hine brought forward the name of Mr. J. Andrews, which was seconded by Mr. Garrett. — The Council decided by six for Mr. Cox and five for Mr. Andrews. — A precept was asked for current expenses, including that of the late poll, particulars of which are not at present to hand. — Mr. Ashford proposed the sum be £20, and this was seconded by Mr. Hine and carried. — Two trustees in the place of the churchwardens were next decided upon in the persons of Messrs. A. C. Salisbury and Ashford. It was also resolved to hold the next four general meetings at 7 o’clock in the evening on the following Mondays — 22nd April, 15th July, 14th October, 13th January, 1896, in the school-room. — The last business on the agenda was to settle the question as to whether the public be admitted, or simply the press. — Mr. Shugar proposed that the public be not admitted, saying that the public could obtain full publicity through the press, which he was in favour of. — Mr. A. C. Salisbury seconded. — Mr. Read was inclined to favour the admittance of the public, subject to slight restrictions, quoting rule 13 of schedule 1, in which it is stated "that meetings shall be open to the public, unless the council otherwise direct." Mr. Shugar’s proposition was carried 10 to 1, Mr. Read only dissenting. — Mr. Spurdle gave notice of a question relating to the appointment of a deputy-registrar of births, marriages and deaths at Netherbury, and Mr. Studley raised a point as to allotments.