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

MA. TOMKINSON'S DINNER TO lIIS 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 corn-
fort of the guests. Amongst the gentlemen who kindly volunteered
this task, we noticed H. Melling. Esq., Secretary to the Royal
Mersey Yacht Club, R. 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 Holt, Esq., R. A Mould, Esq., If L. Elmes, Esq., architect
of St. George's-hall, James Harrison, Esq , W. B. Colton, Esq.
The vice-chair was filled by J. A. Turner, 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 uF.ual toasts were given, alter which the Chair-
man proposed •• Prosperity to Birkenhead," which was received
with hearty cheering. Mr. R. A. Mould responded in a neat
speech, and conc:uded by giving the health or 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 node takings of his life. The whole company
rose in enthusiastic re4mnse to the toast : and, alter the cheer-
ing had subsided. Mr. Tomkinsnn briefly, but most feelingly
replied, thanking his " fellow tradesmen'' for their kindness.
assuring them of his ardent desire fur the happiness of all around
him, and expressing a hope that the great undertaking upon
which they InAl just entered would fill the pockets of the work-
men as well as benefit himself. He was about to r tire to
another place where his duty called him. but he trusted they
would r ontinn, to enjoy themselves both with pipe and cup.
The Chairman then retired. and Mr. Tamer took the chair; and,
after the remainder of the t casts had been drun't. and several
songs sung, the company began t 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 a,,ri evening;
one street pre,entitig the appearance of a race-course, with all
the usual co, comitants for amusement. Rockets were sent up
from various poiht,,, hand, of music played up and down, many
of the shops and houses presented fine transparencies, and all
was a scence of good humour and e: joyment. A huge bonfire
blazed on Flaybrick. and two ethers were igi ted et Mr.
ODis's lime-works, at Tranmere Pool, which h ightly ilmm n.
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 he ng higher than the ground.. Ti gse
were provided by Mr. Atkins, of the Liverpool Zoological Gar.
dens, arid did him great honour as a pyrotechnic ,rtist. Among. t
the mo‘t attractive pieces was a large steamer moving in a
,tormy sea of green fire ; also, an immense tennle of fire, in
honour of the principal Commissioners. whose names were dis-
played in coloured fires. The whole concluded with a beautiful
device. in which " The Ladies of Birkenhead " was emblazoned
in variegated fires. Three heatty cheers wre given ht the con-
clusion.

After the fireworks were coneluc,d, which was about eight
o'clock, numbers of persons began t.. move off—those who
lived on this side the w ter to the ferries—and. towards half-
past nine o'clock, the streets were contideraWy thinned, those
who were still engaged in the festivities of the day being occu-
pied principady within doors, partkliating in the pleasures of
social harmony. or "tripping on the li .ht fanttstic tee" to the
strains of joyous music. The lste 4 cats, however. continued to
be densely crowded by parties r turning to Liverpool.
fn conclusion, it is highly gratifying to state that, notwith-
stand ng the immense crowds, and the embarking and disem-
harking, during the whole day and night, the whine passed
witiudi • any accident of consequence. The above speaks
v. loon's as to the arrangements made, and the judicious
manner in which ti:ey were carried out.