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

FESTIVITIES AT BIRKENHEAD.

We have already given, in our last publication, such
details of the preparations and programme in anticipation, of
the proceedings and festivities at Birkenhead, on occa-
sion of laying the foundation stone of the new docks in
that locality, that we do not deem it necessary, now that
nearly a week has elapsed, to furnish more than a con-
densed sketch of the events of the great day, more espe-
cially as the very full accounts of our intermediate con-
temporaries, several of them accompanied by plans
or illustrations, have already put nearly the whole read-
ing comumnity in possession of the principal facts.
The day was one of the finest that could be hoped for
at this advanced period of the autumn, the sky being
cloudless throughout, the sun bright, and the breeze just
sufficient to produce a:coolness highly grateful to all en-
gaged in the active movements of the occasion. The
previous day having been also fine, and the night clear and
inclined to frost, the streets and roads were in prime or-
der for the procession, being at once dry, and from the
humidity of the previous dew, free from dust. Weather
equally favourable could scarcely, indeed, have been
found even in the middle of summer, and its exhilarating
effect was visible in the happy countenances and general
good feeling and fellowship of the thousands who at-
tended. As early as six o'clock in the morning the
• sound of cannonading was heard reverberating for miles
along both shores of the Mersey, rousing those of our
citizens, not yet astir, from their slumbers, to prepare
for the pleasures of a holiday, to which vast numbers had
wade arrangements to devote themselves. The pier-
head, from an early hour, presented an unusual scene of
bustle and animation. Crowds of well-dressed indivi-
duals of both sexes wended their way to embarking steps
and slips. The Woodside, Monk's Ferry, and Birken-
head steamers, were gaily decorated with flags, as were
most of the vessels in the river ; and the who'e line of
opposite shore from the Black Rock, north, to the Royal
Rock Ferry on the south, was enlivened at every point by
flags and evergreens, fluttering in the breeze from all the
ferries, the new works along the shore, the public and
many of the private buildings, the masts and yards of
vessels, large and small, an-I, in fine, from nearly every
eminence whence they could lie displayed. At Wood-
side ferry, and.also round the site on which the founda-
tion stone was to be deposited, long lines of flags of all
kinds and colours were hung on ropes exuending hori-
zontally from spar to spar, forming immense wreaths or
valances, at once gay and graceful in effect. From
Gleave's and the Monks' Ferry Hotels, a profusion
of flags was also displayed. Her Majesty's steam ten-
der, Redwing, lay at her anchorage ground, and was
literally covered with ensigns, union jacks, and signal
flags. Contrasted with the previous day,- though the
shore even then presented a cheerful, busy, and interest-
ing appearance, the result of the improvements and new
works going on, the whole coast and town now assumed
a different and more lively aspect: it was peopled by
thousands and thousands, and dressed up, if we may so
express ourselves, in new and profuse holiday attire.
Many of the vessels in the Liverpool docks were also
gaily ornamented with flags, indicative of the friendly
feeling entertained by the owners or captains towards
the new enterprise on the opposite side Seven s'eam-
boats plied regularly during the whole day between this
town and the Woodside and Monks' Ferries, and their
commanders and others on board paid every possible at-
tention to the comfort and safety, in landing or embark-
ing, of the passengers, which the great n quisitiou these
conveyances were in would admit. The George's Pa-
rade was so crowded, that it at Twiny periods of the day
required some perseverance and nerve to obtain a place
on board. So extraordinary a rush was not eepected,
and there was at first a want of a sufficient police force
to maintain order and avert danger. This was after-
wards remedied, and, happily, no serious accident, so far
as. we have heard. Book place, though on some occasions
in the forenoon, females, from alarm, relinquished their
intention of c-ossing.
With regard to the interior of the town and township
of Birkenhead and its adjuncts, Tranntere,
Oxton, Claughton, Ilidston, &c., similar demonstrations
of rejoicing were everywhere conspicuous. In Hamil-
ton-street, in the immediate vicinity of the Town-hall,
the point whence the procession was to start, the scene
was one of more titan ordinary splendour and gaiety.
Almost from every window were displayed new and
handsome flags, and each person seemed to vie with his
neighbour in enthusiasm. At the north-eastern corner
of Hamilton-square, and also at the entrance to the
platform, triumphal laurel arches were erected. It would
he an endless, if not an invi.ieus task, 'o attempt, parti-
cularly, to enumerate she various houses from which ele-
gant devices and colours were displayed. Suffice it to
say, that the whel of the buildings in the town seemed
to be'decked in holiday dress. The streets were lined
with thousands of the residents, and by perhaps treble
thousands from this town, Chester, &c., all apparently
resolved to be p!ea red and to please. The shops and
markets were al! cloy ad, an I there was a general cessa-
tion from labour, each man having not only the privilee
of a holiday, hut Cie boon of his day's wages. A large
body of the Liverpool police, under the command of Mr.
Miller, was in attendance. He was assisted by Super-
intendents Leverett sud M'Donald, and several ins?ee--
tors who had the immediate disposition of the officerA of.
the police force, and the arrangements were such as,
under the circumstances, reflected great credit upon all
parties concerned.

The out-door arrangements, including the cannon, the
flags, &c. were under the superintendence of Mr. Morti-
mer, to whom the press are especially indebted for the
readiness with which he furnished them with ever• possi-
ble information.

TEIE PROCESSION.
This was formed in Hamilton-street, opposite the pre-
sent Town-hill, and in Ham'iton-square and the streets
adjoining.
The high constable of the hundred, Mr. Palmer ; Mr Milder,
hea • constable of Liverpool ; Mr. Mcss, general superinten-
dent; and Mr Thiughey. police inspector, headed the procession
on horseback, and a ted as conductors. They were followed
by a few other officers on horseback.
Four Trumpeters, on horseback.
The Champion,
in complete poli'hed steel armour, and mounted, as Seneschal
of the Pri pry of Birkenhead.
Load n Assurance Fire Engine,
drawn by four horses, with postilions in scarlet.
Firemen in uniform, with helmets.
Norwich Union Fire Engine,
late'y presented to the township, accompanied by Mr. Hewitt,
superintendent of our fire police, and several of his brigade, in
uniform.

Printing Press,
from the office of Mr. J. Law, no a large waggon drawn by two
horses. As the processiob proceeded, copies of the Birkenhead
coat of arms, with the m-tto Homo proponit, Deus disponit,"
a list of the Dock Commi.sioners, and a notice of the occasion
which it commemorated, were printed off, and handed to the
crowd, who evinced the greatest eagerness to obtain impres-
sions. Copies also of two songs--one written by Mr. Morgan,
of the Imperial Hotel. Liverpool, and the other by Mr. George
Cranmer—were printed and distributed.
Temperance Hand, in handsome uniform.
Good Samaritan Lodge of Oddfellows,
with five flags and regalia.
princess Roy,l Lodge,
with a splendiri banner•, representing her Majesty and the
Princess Tha men were ♦ery neatly dressed. and decorated
with sashes, rosettes. &e. Th:i regalia was of the most costly
and beautiful description.
• • "