The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1844-06-18 00:00:00

THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD.

EARP AND CO.,
MERCHANT TAD ORS, DRAPERS, AND
OUTFITTERS,
59, LORD-STREET,
LIVERPOOL.
THE first-established and most extensively-patronised
Es•tahlishment, for
CHEAP AND FASHIONABLE CLOTHING,
presents more than n=ual w-traction in
THE READY-,MADE DEPARTMENT.
Each Garment, like the famed mystic girdle of old, will
impart elegance, beauty, and grace to the wearer. In
THE BESPOKE DEPARTMENT,
the long-recoguised necessity of securing the first avail-
able talent for the conducting of their fashionable and
rapidly-increasing Trade has been provided for by the
engagement of an Artiste pre-eminently qualified to please
the most fastidious taste.

ARTENT
is filled by firstRACEI-race talentDE P M
, under the surveillance of the
Pr-prietoi s.

Tiiey are proud of their extensive connexion, especially
proud of the patronage of those Gentlemen who have
sought for cheapness and fashion in other Establishments,
but who have returned to EARP and Co., acknowledging
their Establishment.

59, LORD-STREET,
THE CHEAPEST AND THE BEST.

HENRY ROSE AND CO.,
WHOLESALE DEALERS IN FOREIGN AND
BRITISH WINES, ALE, PORTER, &c,,
44, DALE-STREET,
CORNER OF TEMPLE-STREET,
TN commencing the above Establishment, the Proprie-
torsl beg most respectfully to call the attention of their
Friends and the Public to the annexed List of Prices,
which, they feel assured, will bear comparison with any
other house in the trade, and command a share of that
support, which it will be no less their study to deserve
than their desire to continue.

Lord F. Egerton, Who appeared in excellent health and
spirits; two young ladies, his daughters; his lady's re-
spected mother (wheeled to the ground in a small hand-
machine); several clergymen in theircanonicles, including
Mr. Blackburn, Rector of Prestwich, Mr. Rigg, of Ellen-
brook, Mr. Grindleston, of Deane, and others; Mr. C.
Kendall; Mr. H. R. Worrall, of Workden moor ; and a
number of the gentry of the neighbourhood and from
distant places, including many ladies.
About half-past twelve o'clock George Egerton, Esq.,
the young heir, came up from the village with another
procession of gentlemen. The 100th Psalm was sung by
the whole assemblage. A prayer was then offered up by
the Rev. Mr. Rigg. Gold and silver coins of the present
day, and medals struck for the immediate occasion, were
then deposited in the aperture under the stone. All
being ready for the performance of the ceremony, and a
plate, bearing the inscription " A.D. 1844 (in Roman
letters), Lord F. Egerton," being placed over the coins,
&c..—
The Rev. Mr. MARSDEN, Vicar of Eccles, stepped for-
ward to the young gentleman who was mainly to officiate,
and, on presenting him with a small silver trowel, said in
effect, that he had great pleasure in placing in his hand
that trowel, with which he was that day to place the foun-
dation stone of the sacred edifice there to be erected, and
which would stand as another example of the munificence
of his noble father in promoting the spiritual education
and welfare of those around him,—and which it was left
to him (Mr. Egerton) that day to complete.
GEORGE EGERTON, Esq., (who appeared somewhat
bashful) said he had great pleasure in receiving the trowel
with which he was to deposit the first stone, and (as we
understood him) would be most happy to promote the ob-
jects in view, of which he much approved. (Loud cheers.)
The stone was then lowered, and the young gentleman
went through the usual ceremony of adjusting it by the
square and plummet, and was enthusiastically cheered.
The Rev. M r.BLACKBURN then addressed the assembl-,ge
with great feeling and effect, congratulating them on the
happy occasion of the commencement of an edifice to be
dedicated to the glory of God, and in which, according
to the holy Scriptures, would be taught the doctrines of
Christ and him crucified. He made a beautifnl allusion
to St. Patil, who visited a fine country, but was depressed
in mind, for there an altar was erected to the unknown
God. It was delightful to contemplate the scene around
them. The canal brought them traffic, the fields yielded
them verdure, even the bowels of the earth their valuable
stores ; but all was as nothing to the creation of a temple
amongst them to the only true God; and after alluding to
the lilies of the field, which the glory of Solomon could
not equal, he congratulated them most sincerely in having
met together on so interesting an occasion—the celebra-
tion of the majority of Mr. George Egerton, and on the fact
that the first public act of his life was to perform the
ceremony of that day. That gentleman had, he might
inform them, given himself up to the service of his
Queen and country, and at some inconvenience had tra-
velled fifty miles that morning to be present amongst
them. He also congratulated them on the circumstance that
thatyounggentlemanshould lay the first stone, as hedoubted
not he would in after life be its warm supporter. It was
good that the Church should be brought to their own
doors, that they might there dedicate their children to
the Trinity in baptism ; that they might there in riper
years be confirmed; that they might there avail them-
selves of the rites of matrimony; that they might there
find a solace amidst the cares of the world, a consolation
in sickness, and finally a resting place for their earthly
remains. He trusted that the objects of the founders of
the structure—that souls might be brought to God—
would be blessed, and concluded by a fervent aspiration
that it would please God long to spare Lord Egerton,
and that when he closed his earthly career he might find
acceptance in a house not made with hands.
The assemblage was then briefly addressed by Mr.
MORSLEY, who, after alluding to the perishable nature of
all below, and to spiritual food that would there be dis-
pensed, to last for eternal life, expressed a hope that the
new edifice would be found to be highly beneficial in that
populous neighbourhood. The warmest thanks, he added,
of the community were due to the contributors to, and
promoters of, this good work.
The National Anthem was then sung by the children of
the schools, followed by loud cheers for the young lord
and Lord Francis Egerton, the National Anthem by the
band, &c.
The church is, we were informed, to be in the " de-
corated" old English style that came after that which had,
for a long time, prevailed up to about the year 1275. It
will be built with good stone, and will form a fine object
to the eye of the passenger on the Manchester railway, in
addition to Lord Egerton's New Hall, which is on the
same hill, about a quarter of a mile to the westward. Be-
tween the two, in a field near the new mansion, four heavy
pieces of brass artillery were stationed, and continued to
fire feus-de-jaie throughout the day—rousing the echoes
in the woods and hollows for many miles round. The east
number of fags floating from the several halls, buildings,
trees, and eminences, far and near, together with the ver-
dure of the whole elevated tract of country, spangled with
groups of holiday saunterers, rendered the scene exceed-
ingly gay and interesting. There wanted but a tourna-
ment at the baronial-looking }tall to bring us back to the
days of chivalry and romance.
THE DINNER.
The visitor to the tent, in which the grand banquet was
servcd, was struck with astonishment at its immense size,
elegance of construction, and interior decorations. It
was 180 feet in length, and 120 in width, with 24 divisions
of,tables of Bin each—or 192 in all—capable of accom-
modating about 15 to each table, or nearly three thousand
in all. This erection was.nearly 40 feet in height in the
middle, with the roof sloping to the sides, and supported
by three rows of pillars covered with evergreens, the
whole resembling in figure an immense church with aisles.
It was entirely covered exteriorly with canvas, and in-
teriorly lined, both roof and walls, with bright coloured
cloth, in alternate stripes of pink, blue, and white. At
either end there was a spacious gallery overlooking the
scene, beautifully festooned and ornamented to corres-
pond,—that to the south for the reception of ladies, and
that at the north occunied as an orchestra by the fine
military band Wore alluded to. From the walls, pillars,
and galleries, were hung numerous na'ional and other
flags and harmers, shields, with the heraldic beatings of
the Egerton family and others, &c., all tastefully dis-
posed. Over each gallery was hung a large royal standard.
The whole of the tables were covered with white cloth.
In the centre of the west side a platform was raised, co-
vered with crimson cloth, and upon this at the back
slightly elevated and enclosed seats for the chairman and
his supporters. On the front part of this stage seats were
fixed across on each side for the ladies of the family and
their female friends, and in the centre, immediately in
front of the chair, a table groaned under the weight of a
huge baron of roasted beef.
The viands, 8(4.' were provided by Mr. King, of the
Bush Inn, Manchester, and the quality and abundance of
all were highly creditable to him as a caterer. Several
sheep had, we learned, been roasted whole. The supply
to each man was mostabundant, and the total weight con-
sumed must have been immense. Besides the viands,
17 cwt. of pies and puddings, and 180 enormously large
plum puddings were provided. Ale and porter was,
during the onslaught, plentifully supplied in pint pots.
We observed on the platform James Loch, Esq., M.P,,
P. Gould, Esq., Sir T. Philips, John Sharp, Esq., Richd.
Smith, Esq., John Smith, Esq., Hugh Birley, Esq., Robt.
C. Sharp, Esq., John Dugdale, Esq., T. Tuwnend, Esq.,
and many others. The gallery was crowded with ladies.
The baron of beef in front of the chair was carved with
a knife and fork presented for the occasion by Messrs.
Lees and Lister, ironmongers, Manchester,—fine speci-
mens of cutlery, but more remarkable from their ivory
handles being finely carved busts—the knife of the
Duke of Wellington, and the fork of Sir Robert Peel—
both admitted to be excellent likenesses.
About three o'clock, when the repast had nearly con-
cluded, Lord F. EGERTON, accompanied by his lady, and
other members of his family, entered tt e tent amidst the
most enthusiastic and prolonged applause, which was re.
newed when he took the chair, his son on his left band,
and Mr. Loch on his right. Lady Egerton, daughters,
and party, soon afterwards honoured the assemblage by
their presence, and were also loudly cheered as they took
their seats on the platform, where they afterwards partook
of wine and cakes.

JOHN Loci", Esq., rose amidst loud cheers to address
the immense meeting, He said that they were aware their
noble friend (Lord Egerton) bad invited them there to
celebrate the birth-day of his eldest son, who had that day
become of age. (Loud cheers.) Such an event was of
much interest and great delight to families, and made
them look back and consider whether they had educated
and trained him for the position he was to hold in society.
He felt assured that if ever parents could so look back,
Lord and Lady Egerton could look back with satisfaction 1
to what they had done for him. He (Mr. L.) had long
known the family, and he believed the young gentleman
would not be behind hand with those who had gone be-
fore him. (Cheers.) The interest of such an event did
not generally extend beyond the family, but here it took a
much wider range—it extended to thousands of his
fellow-creatures. They could not be indifferent as to
what sort of person should hereafter be their ruler, and
he firmly believed hii young friend would act towards
them as his noble father had ever done, for the prosperity
of the locality to which he belonged. He concluded by
proposing " The health of Mr. George Egerton, and may
belong live to imitate the bright example of his father."
(Loud cheers.)
GEORGE EGERTON, Esq., rose amidst enthusiastic
cheering. He said be felt much obliged for the kind
manner in which his health had been proposed and re-
ceived. He feared that he was scarcely deserving of the
high compliment paid to him by his worthy friend; but
it was to him a source of gratification to see so many
happy faces before him, and he trusted he should never
belie the good opinion expressed of his future conduct
towards them, but that he and his family would ever give
cause of satisfaction to all under them. (Loud cheers.)
He hoped they had all enjoyed themselves, and could
assure them that he should ever be rejoiced to be a con-
tributor to their happiness. He concluded by, in return
for their kindness, wishing them all long life and pros- ,
p erity. (Loud and prolonged cheers.)
The Rev. Mr. BLACKBURN said he had to propose the
health of a noble Lord whose name, whether he were re-
garded as a public or a privatemdividual, they could not
hear without pride and exultation. He had had the hap-
piness of knowing him for upwards of 17 years, and his
virtues were too deeply impressed on his (the speaker's)
heart to permithim to entertain anyother feeling towards him
than that of the highest regard. High in station as was
that distinguished gentleman, he was ever attentive to the
interests and comforts of those under him. He proposed
Long and continued health and happiness to Lord F.
Egerton." (Great cheering.) . _

Lord FRANCIS EGERTON said, addressing the large
assemblage as "his friends," that he found himself unable
to express to his own satisfaction his sense of the manner
in which his health had been received, and his thanks for
their giving their company that day. It were easier for
him to say what his feelings were not than what they
were. When he looked along the friendly lines of faces
befoie bile, it was with no feeling of vulgar pride or

thoughtless exultation. (Cheers.) If time permitted, he
might endeavour to explain that there were other and
more legitimate feelings that ought to actuate a man on
such an occasion, and to these he was not insensible. But
this was not the first occasion on which they had met
together. He had met them on occasions of common
danger, and their would give him credit, when looking on
that assembly, that many present knew that he had the
comfort and well-being of those around him at heart.
(Great cheers.) It was not, however, the occasion for
other than humility and distrust on his part, though he
should ever do his utmost for their welfare. But there were
many reasons, and good ones, to sanction such a meeting.
In the first place, it was an old English custom, and when
old and kindly feelings between master and servant
were forgotten in Lancashire, he feared they would
cease to exist elsewhere; and this was an example which
might tend to perpetuate them. (Cheers.) It was an
occasion which his ancestor, the late Duke of Bridge-
water, would have gladly witnessed. Although that dis-
tinguished man courted not popular applause, with a
sagacity and foresight peculiarly his own, he loved to
handle the springs of that industry which he had set in
motion. He felt that it was to him the honour was
mainly intended ; and he (the speaker) was sensible before,
and still more now, that his son should cultivate the affec-
tions of those who were so willing to bestow them.
(Cheers.) Without such cultivation the world were in-
deed barren and waste, but to retain them was the prize
which the Christian man was alone prepared to achieve
and enjoy. (Cheers.) When an individual invited 2,000
guests on such an occasion, he must call largely upon
their indulgence, for the arrangements for the amusement
and comfort of so many were difficult to accomplish.
(Loud cheers.) He concluded by drinking the good health
of all present. (Repeated cheers an I clapping of hands.)
A gentleman present proposed the health of a lady
whose name was engraven on the hearts of every British
man and woman who knew her; who had ever acted on
the highest principles of Christian charity and kindness;
had long been the partner of his lordship's joys and sor-
rows; an affectionate parent; endowed with all the vir-
tues that ought to grace a British lady, and ever anxious
to promote V e temporal and eternal welfare of all around
her—" Lady Egerton, and long might she live to see ber
son follow in her own and his father's footsteps." (Loud
cheers, followed by " Here's a health, &c.")
Lord F. EGERTON returned a brief and appropriate ac-
knowledgment.
The Chairman and his friends, and the ladies, (who had
partaken of wine and cake,) then retired from the tent.
They were shortly afterwards followed by the other guests.
TICE TEA.
At six o'clock, the tent having previously been cleared
and prepared for the occasion, an immense number of
well-dressed females, wives and daughters of the previous
party, sat down to tea, at which beef. bread and butter,
&c. were most plentifully supplied. They enjoyed them-
selves to their hearts content, and the whole went off with
the greatest eclat.

THE SPORTS.
During the whole of the day old English games and fes-
tivities were kept vigorously up in a large field at the back
of the " Bridgewater Arms," every room in which, as well
as a large temporary tent, was crowded from the morning
until after sunset. The games were quoiting, putting the
stone, leaping, running, wrestling, climbing the pole for a
leg of mutton, and other prizes, foot-races, donkey-races,
hornpipe-dancing. wheel-barrow races, (blind-folded,)
sack-races, hurdle-races, steeple-chases, &c.—all afford-
ing great fun and amusement to vast numbers of partici-
pators and spectators, both young and old. The day's
amusements closed with a splendid display of fire-works,
which were seen over a large extent of country, and at the
close of which the parties ' homeward took their several
ways," highly delighted with the varied enjoyments of the
day.

FESTIVITIES AT RUNCORN.
Eight o'clock in the forenoon was fixed for the parties
proceeding to Runcorn to embark at Liverpool, and at
that hour the steamers Alice, Blanche, and Tower, be-
longing to the trustees of the Bridgewater estate, were in
attendance off the Duke's Dock and Old Quay wharfs,
gaily decorated with flags and ensigns, ready to receive
their expected freights. The extensive warehouses, sheds,
and offices of the trust displayed the royal ensign and blue
and white flags from roofs and windows; and the flats
and other craft in the neighbouring docks hoisted similar
emblems of loyalty and rejoicing. The whole business of
the estate at the Liverpool end seemed suspended, the
servants of the trust being all bound for the scene of
festivity, and the warehouses, offices, &c., were all closed.
At about half-past eight the steamers began to take in
their passengers, composed of the clerks, porters, flat-
men, and other parties connected with the concern at
this port, with their wives, daughters, &c., the various
agents of the trustees, and the visiters invited to attend.
It was not, however, until nine that all were on board,
and the vessels proceeded into the river, receiving as
they left the various piers salutes of cannon, which were
returned from on board, the bands playing " Rule
Britaania," and, after getting into order, steered towards
Runcorn with the tide, a fresh breeze, and rather more of
it than was wanted, blowing from the westward.
Notwithstanding the gusty character of the morning,
the sail up the river was delightful. The fine brass band
f Mr. Stubbs was stationed on board the Alice, and from
time to time played enlivening airs, whilst the guns from
the other boats kept up an intermitting firing of salutes,
as they passed the various craft of the trustees on their
course. On arriving off Neston Point salutes were fired
from shore, and returned from on board the steamers,
with three times three hearty cheers. With the exception
of a few persons collected upon the pier, the port itself ap-
peared to be deserted, the inhabitants having no doubt
proceeded en masse to the scene of approaching festivity.
After rounding the Point, the boats, which had hitherto
kept independent courses, were brought into line, the
Alice taking the lead, having on board Mr. Pendlebury,
the principal agent of the trustees in Liverpool, and his
friends, with a number of the head clerks and agents, the
Blanche coming next. with a large complement of pas-
sengers, and the Tower coming in her wake. In this order
they approached the Port of Runcorn, which displayed an
animated appearance, the shipping in the docks and every
available building from which a flag could be hoisted, being
literally covered with the blue and white favors of their
noble owner. On arriving off the Duke's pier they were
welcomed with three times three hearty cheers from the
multitude assembled to receive the visitors, whilst a salute
of twenty large guns was fired from the island, and re-
turned from on board the Alice; after which the passen-
gers landed, and proceeded to the scene of the day's en-
tertainments—" Cooper's Meadow."
On arriving here we found a mass of people assembled,
such as probably never were congregated in ltuncornbefore,
and may never be again, until upon a similar occasion of re-
joicing. The shops throughout the town had closed, and
contributed their quota to the gay throng; the houses
were tenantless, and for miles round farmers and cotters,
gentry and labourers, with their wives and daughters, had
been drawn towards Cooper's Meadow as the centre of
attraction. For the ladies, of whom there was a fair
sprinkling, a commodious stand had been erected by the
provident care of Mr. Rippin, the agent of the Trust at
Runcorn, and his active coadjutors, from which they were
enabled throughout the day to witness the games, unin-
terrupted by the rude visiting of the crowd, or any visit-
ing save that of a boisterous wind, which seemed, as well
as other people, to have got a holiday for the occasion,
and was determined to make the most of it. A great
portion, if not all the servants of the company wore over
their holiday attire medals commemorative of the day,
having on one side an inscription—",George Egerton of
age June 15th, 1844," and on the relief the arms and
motto of his noble family. These were suspended, on the
part of the duke's people by blue ribbons, and on that of
the Old-quay men by red, both parties although now
belonging to a united estate, keeping up the colours of
their original proprietors. The visitors generally dis-
played white favors.

' Meanwhile, numbers had been arriving, and continued
' to pour in throughout the day, from Warrington, Altring-
ham, Stockton Quay, Chester, Ellesmere, Preston Brook,
Lymn, Broadbeath, and other places interested in or con-
nected with the navigation and property of the noble lord,
the majority of whose heir was to be celebrated. One
boat brought a fine amateur band from Warrington,
which played during the day in Cooper's Meadow alter-
nately with Stubbs'; and others brought visitors picked
up along the whole line of the navigation. We are un-
able to form any very accurate estimate of the total num-
bers present during any portion of the day ; but they
cannot certainly be estimated at less than ten thousand,
and were probably even a greater number.
At eleven o'clock the entertainments commenced with
a yvheelbarrow race, the runners to be blinded, and the
winner to be he who first got through a gap in a fence at
the end of the Meadow. The prize to be a new wheel-
barrow. Seven candidates entered for this race, and
much fun was created by the various mishaps occurring.
We are unable to hand down to posterity the name of the
fortunate winner ; but he is, no doubt, likely to be for
life a large man in his own circle.
A donkey race was the next affair which came off. The
conditions were, that no rider was to mount his own
donkey, and the last donkey—the most obstinate, of
cours,—was to be the winner. Five or six started, and
were rather carried themselves than galloped with their
riders round the course. A good many tumbles, of
course, took place, the animals, in most cases, being rid-
den with a bit of cord for a bridle and their
caro;e n
n ihidietsaflolrl
the saddle. The winner, we believe, never
At twelve o'clock the multitude assembled in Cooper's
Meadow adjourned to the Slate Wharf Dock in the bot-
tom locks, to witness a " great aquatic tournament," to
take place between six Bridgewater Trust and six Old
Quay flatmen, for a prize of a suit of clothes. Much in_
terest was attached to this novel kind of combat, and the
quays and banks surrounding the dock were speedily
occupied by anxious spectators, the ladies being admitted
to the upper floors of the Duke's Warehouse, which over-
looks the dock. The arrangements and conditions of the
combat were, that each combatant, armed with a lance
twelve feet long with a round head, padded so as to be
soft, should take his station upon a stage, formed by
covering over the bows of a boat with planks, one end
extending forward over the water, and tapered from the
widest part to about a foot at the point. At a given signal
the boats were to start from stages moored across each
end of the dock, and row towards each other; and on
approaching within five yards the rowers were to pull in
their oars, and the combatants endeavour by fair pushing,
striking not being allowed, to push each other from the
stage into the dock. In this way six combats were pro-
vided for. The winners were then to fight out the ties
until the possession of the pit of clothes was decided
in
upon ; and the losers the last combats were each to
have a new bat.

The first passage at arms was made by Isaac Taylor, on
the Bridgewater side, a stout, tall fellow ; and J. Howarth
on the side of the Old Quay, a much less bulky and
older man, but evidently full of confidence in his strength
or his dexterity ; and after jousting " a full hour by
Runcorn clock," the heat was declared to be a drawn one.
V 14.1 Ql3O would not be put in, and view too cunning of

fence for his strong opponent. This was the best bout
during the tournament.
For the second match two men were placed on each
boat, that number being thought more likely to produce
something decisive ; and so it did, for, eter some half
dozen ineffectual encounters, Richard Ward (Duke's
man) succeeded in sousin4 Peter Brown (Old Quay);
after which, John Ackerly (Old Quay) revenged his
dripping comrade in arms by sousing Richard Ward. A
third set were matched, but produced nothing decisive;
upon which the tournament was declared to be at an end,
and the company returned to Cooper's 1“,-ad,w. The
value of the prizes, we believe, w,ts to be divided amongst
the men. Considerable amusement was created during
this struggle by one of the cornba'ants in waiting jump_
ing into the dock from the fourth story of the warehouse
adjoining, and, whilst there, in eleven feet water, strip-
ping himself to his flannel hill and drawers.
A donkey race, a race in sacks tor fifty yards and over
two ditches, and a third donkey race were the next
amusements; after which, it being four o'clock, the men
belonging to the Trust were got together by the agents
and marched to the pavilion erected in the Old Quay_
yard, where they were to be regaled with a sumptuous
and plentiful dinner in the good old English fashion.
The dining pavilion, erected and fitted up by Mr.
Banks, of Runcorn, upon whose skill and taste it re-
flected great credit, was in length 40 yards by 27 wide,
and covering an area of 1080 square yards, was estimated
to accommodate about 1200 persons. It contained about
100 tables. At one side was a raised platform containing
the agents and their friends, and opposite a gallery for
the ladies. The whole of the interior was hung
with blue and white drapery, with several handsome flags
and mottoes, and after dusk was lighted brilliantly with
gas, arranged in devices appropriate to the day. A cor-
ner was set apart and provided with music stands for the
band.

The fare consisted of Roast Beef, of which 25 cwt. was
provided, in Barons, Rounds, and other joints in abund-
basntdanbteiearl,aannddepsocretteler.nt des-
cription, a tlupmi pies
uodfi
nag
,v
beef was ready cut on each man's plate. A steward was
berryead substantial
appointed for every nine, to maintain regularity. From
the best estimate we can form we should say that from
900 to 1000 persons sate down to dinner, consisting prin-
cipally of the porters flatmen, drivers upon the canal,
the agents at the different stations, and a few farmers and
gentlemen of the town and neighbourhood, the latter of
whom aided in superintending the arrangements, which
we are bound to say were excellent. When the company
were all seated, Mr. Pendlebury, the head agent in Liver-
pool called attention, whilst Stubb's band played the
V-sper Hymn, after which the repast began in good
earnest, the clatter of a thousand knives and forks being
rendered more muscieal by a series of marches,
played during dinner by the Warriogton Amateur
Band.
The repast being concluded Mr. Pendlebury was moved
to the chair, and after a few words expressive of his
regret that some more able chairman had not been ap-
pointed, proceeded to propose the first toast, which was
one which all loyal subjects were at all times ready to
drink—the health of her Majesty, Queen Victoria. This
toast was received with the most deafening cheering we
ever remember to have heard, Mr. Stubbs' band playing
God save the Queen, and a discharge of cannon being
fired outside the pavilion.
The CHAIRMAN gave next " Prince Albert, and thi
rest of the Royal Kira ly," which was received with
three times three and firing of cannon. Band, a march.
The CHAIRMAN said that the next toast was the health
of a nobleman, whose servants he and they all were. If
he were to trace his descent he might go as far back as the
time of William the Conqueror; it was, sufficient, how-
ever, to say that he was a distinguished member of oneof the
first families in the empire. They had all heard of the
late Duke of Bridgewater, whose property the noble lord
had inherited. The duke, it was well known, had spent
the whole of his property in the formation of the canal
which bears his name. The present owner has achieved
even more than this. He had purchased the entire pro-
perty of the Old Qaay Company to add to his former
possessions, and thus united two of the most important
naviga.bas in the world. He concluded by giving " the
health of Lord Francis Egerton," which was received
with hearty cheering, which lasted a considerable time;
after which, the band played " The Old English Gentle-.
man.
The CHAIRMAN said that he now came to the toast of
the evening—the health of the gentleman whose majority
they were met that day to celebrate—" the health of
George Egerton, Esq„ and may he follow in the footsteps
of his father, and become a better man than be, if he
can. (Immense cheering, with discharges of cannon, the
band playing " For he's a jolly good fellow.")
The CHAIRMAN was sure that the ladies present would
join him in honouring the toast which he was about to
propose—the health of a lady noted for her kindness,
benevolence, affability, and charity to all around her. He
proposed " the health of Lady Francis Egerton, and all her
family." (Three times three, the band playing " Here's
a health to all good lasses.")
The CHAIRMAN announced that the next toast would
be proposed by Mr. MITCHELL, of Preston Brook, who
rose to propose " the health of James Locke, Esq,,"
which be was sure would be received with pleasure by all.
present. He was delighted to witness the harmony which
had hitherto prevailed amongst them, which he hoped
would continue throughout the day. Mr. Locke was
engaged in the performance of overwhelming duties as
the acting trustee of the concern, which he performed,
as they all knew, most efficiently ; and he trusted that he
might be spared to devote his life to its interests. Ile
was intimately connected with the town of Runcorn, and
his heart was warm to them all. The speaker concluded
with giving the health of Mr. Locke, which was received
with hearty cheering, the band playing " Speed the
plough."
THOMAS OLDFIELD, Esq., was called upon to propose
the next bast, which he was confident, from its relation
to the nobleman in honour to whom they were assembled,
would be received with enthusiasm. The toast was
" Success to the Old Quay Navigation." It was a cele-
brated remark of the great Brindley, that " Rivers were
made to feed canals ;" but the managers of that naviga-
tion had effected more than this. They had not only
made their river feed canals, but they had strewn, by their
excellent management of their own navigation, how canals
ought to be navigated and worked. The toast was re-
ceived with three times three cheers, the band playing
" Should auld acquaintance."
Mr. COLLINS, Mayor of Altringbani, was called upon
to propose the next toast, and, in a neat speech, proposed
"the health of Fereday Smith, Esq.,' a gentleman
managing a great portion of their navigation. Great ap-
plause, band playing " Jim along Josey," in so
takings
style that three cheers were called for Stubbs by the
delighted company.
The next toast was given by Mr. RIPPIN, of Runcorn,
who apologised for his inability to do it justice, by plead-
ing the great fatigue he had undergone. He gave " The
Town and Trade of Runcorn." Three times three and
one cheer more, the band playing a march. Mr. Crippin
responded on behalf of the inhabitants of Liverpool and
Runcorn.
The CHAIRMAN called upon Mr. Eaton, of the Old
Quay, as the only bachelor amongst them, to propose the
next toast, who rose with a feeling of diffidence to per-
form that duty. What he lacked in ability, however, he
would make up in enthusiasm. In reference to the re-
mark made upon his social position, he asked them to
look at the motto of the Bridgewater family, which was
" sic donee"—thus until. In the same way he occupied
his position as a bachelor until— Mr. Eaton concluded
by giving " The Health of the Ladies," which was re-
ceived with enthusiasm, the band playing " Oh Where
and oh Where?"
Mr. Worrswer.r. proposed " The Health of the
Chairman," in a neat and effective speech, and Mr.
Pendlebury replied briefly. lie expressed himself thank-
ful if he had filled the office of their chairman satisfactorily.
It was an occasion which was not likely to happen more
than once in a man's lifetime. It was now 95 years since
similar festivities had taken place upon the occasion of the
coming of age of the late Duke of Bridgewater. He
thanked the meeting with all his heart for their kindness.
The male portion of the company now withdrew to ac-
commodate the females—the wives, daughters, &c. of the
men employed by the trustees, who were regaled with tea and
coffee, bread and butter and more solid beef, to the num-
ber upwards of a thousand, and seemed heartily to enjoy
the treat.
We are compelled, by the extreme length which we have
occupied in our description of this good old English cele-
bration, to pass over any description of the remaining
sports out of doors-7-climbing a greased pole, catching.
pig with a soaped tail, &c.—until dusk, when a splendid
display of fireworks took place upon the island, which
seemed infinitely to delight the assembled multitude.
During the display Mr. Stubbs's band played a succession
of beautiful airs before the ladies' stand ; and we may here
offer our bumble tribute to the taste and skill of these
talented musicians and their able leader, which elicited
throughout the day hearty encomiums.
The concluding part of the day's amusements was the
burning of a ship on fire in the centre of the river. To
render this an attractive spectacle, the vessel to be burnt,
a condemned flat, said to have been about 90 years on
service between Liverpool and Manchester, had been
converted into a ship by the erection of temporary spars,
and was filled with highly combustible matter—rosin,
pitch, &c. A little after eleven, a steamer (the Blanche)
proceeded alongside of her, and shortly afterwards flames
were observed to be breaking out of her hatches. In
about a quarter of an hour the devouring element had
gained complete possession of its prey ; and a magnificent
flame rose high in air, illuminating the whole river, and
reflected upon the sky and the scenery around for some
miles. The Tower and Blanche steamers plied round the
burning mass for awhile, as if engaged in saving life and
property, but at length sheered off, taking up stations at a
little distance ahead and astern and firing guns. The en-
tire spectacle was excellently and very dramatically
managed.
It was now approaching midnight; and shortly after-
wards the visitors from Liverpool took boat and started
for home delighted, and fatigued too, with the day's en-
tertainments. We cannot, however, conclude this im-
perfect description, without recording our sense of -the
excellent arrangements made by the gentlemen connected
with the trust for the accommodation of the public, and
the personal kindness directed towards ourselves as mem-
bers of the press. The whole of the days sports were
excellently conducted and reflect great credit upon all
parties engaged in their management.
At the conclusion of such a celebration we regret to
record one serious casuality—the loss o,
board from the Blanche on her return
a
own observation, having been in the bor
re satisfied that blame can be attached

the unfortunate man himself. The gri,
fine young woman, who was on board,
the uncertainty which attached to his
however, we learn, the body was found
tunately at an end. The deceased W:Williams and was a porter in Vac hcrvi(
Company,

of a poor man over-
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