The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1844-10-29 00:00:00

MR. TOMKINSON'S DINNER TO nIS WORKMEN,

One of the most pleasing of the festivities of the day was the en
tertainment given by this gentleman to his workpeople, which took
place in a temporary building erected for the purpose on the ground
adjoining Mr. Willoughby's Bowling-green. At about half-past
four o'clock, we found the whole party assembled, to the number of
about 400, with their respected employer presiding, to a substantial
hot dinner, provided by Mr. Willoughby, with his usual attention
to quantity and quality, a number of gentlemen being placed at the
different tables to assist in the office of carving and see to the com-
fort of the guests. Amongst the gentlemen who kindly volunteered
this task, we noticed H. Melling. Esq., Secretary to the Royal
Mersey Yacht Club, It. B. Barton, Esq., Dr, Grindrod, Dr. Gouth-
waite, E. Fletcher, Esq., John Wood, Esq , Cabbage-hall, Edward
Griffin, Esq., C. Parsonage, Esq , Lower-hall, near Wrexham,
John Hnit, Esq., R. A. Mould, Esq., H L. Elmes, Esq., architect
of St. George's-hall, James Harrison, Esq , W. B. Colton, Esq.
The vice-chair was filled by J. A. Tamer, Esq., son-in-law to Mr.
Tomkinson. The dinner having been removed, and the men supplied
with ale and tobacco, for the latter of which the demand was
extensive, the usual toasts were given, after which the Chair-
man proposed " Prosperity to Birkenhead," which was received
with hearty cheering. Mr. R. A. Mould responded in a neat
speech, and concluded by giving the health of the founder of the
feast, who. he remarked, had on that day. which was the anni-
versary both of his birthday and of his wedding, entered upon
one of the largest unde. takings of his life. The whole company,
rose in enthusiastic response to :he toast ; and, afterthe cheer-
ing had subsided, Mr. Tomkinson briefly, but most feelingly,
replied, thanking his " fellow-tradesmen" for their kindness,
assuring them of his ardent desire for the happiness of all around
him. and expressing a hope that the great undertaking upon
which they had just entered would fill the pockets of the work-
men as well as benefit himself. He was about to retire to
another place where his duty called him, but he trusted they
would continue to enjoy themselves both with pipe and cup.
The Chairman then retired, and Mr. Tamer took thechair; and.
after the remainder of the toasts had been drunk, and several
songs sung, the company began ti retire about ten o'clock,
having enjoyed, in a manner creditable to all, a happy and a
merry evening.

The principal street particularly in the neighbourhood of
Market-street, were crowded throughout the day and evening;
one street presenting the appearance of a race-course, with all
the usual co! comitants for amusement. Rockets were sent up
from various points, hands of music played up and down, many
of the shops and houses presented fine transparencies, and all
was a scence of good humour and erjoyment. A huge bonfire
blazed on Flaybrick, and two others were lighted at Mr.
011is's lime-works. at Tranmere Pool, which brightly illumin-
ated the whole neighbourhood. At about half-past six, a splendid
display of fireworks commenced in a field adjoining Argyle-
street, and attracted many thousands, all of whom obtained a
good view, the street beng higher than the ground. These
were provided by Mr. Atkins, of the Liverpool Zoological Gar-
dens, and did him great honour as a pyrotechnic artist. Amongst
the most attractive pieces was a large steamer moving in a
stormy sea of green fire; also, an immense temple of fire, in
honour of the principal Commissioners, whose names were dis-
played in coloured tires. The whole concluded with a beautiful
device. in which " The Ladies of Birkenhead " was emblazoned
in variegated fires. Three hearty cheers were given at the con-
clusion.

After the fireworks were concluded, which was about eight
o'clock, numbers of persons began to move off—those who
lived on this side the w ter to the ferries--and, towards half-
past nine o'clock, the streets were contziderably thinned, those
who were still engaged in the festivities of the day being occu-
pied principally within doors, participating in the pleasures of
social harmony, or "tripping on the fantastic toe " to the
strains of joyous music. The late boats, however, continued to
be densely crowded by parties r. turning to Liverpool.
In conclusion, it is highly gratifying to state that, notwith-
stand ng the immense crowds, and the embarking and disem-
barking., during the whole day and night, the whole passed
without any accident of consequence. The above speaks
volumes as to the arrangements made, and the judicious
manner in which they were carried out.