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

MR. TOBIKINSON'S DINNER TO HIS 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
di%rent 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 Ciub, It. B. Barton, Esq., Dr, Gi'indrod, Dr. Gouth-
' waite, E. Fletcher, Esq., John Wood, Fsq , Cabbage-hall, Edward
Griffin, Esq.. C. Parsonage, Esq , Lower-hall, near Wrexham,
John Holt, Esq., It. AP 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. Turner, Esq.' sun-in-law to Mr.
Tomkinson. The dinner 1; aving been removed, and the men supplied
with ale and tobacco, for the latter of which the demand was
extensive, the usual toasts were given. alter which the Chair-
man proposed " Prosperity to Birkenhead," which was received
with hearty cheering. Mr. It. A. Mould responded in a neat
speech, and concluded by giving the health of the founder of the
feast, who. he rema, ked. 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 Ws life. The whole company
rose in enthusiastic response to the toast and, after the cheer-
ing had subsided. Mr. Tomkinson trietly, but most feeliogly
replied, thanking his -•• fellow tradesmen'' for thei, 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 h:..d 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 mainly, to enjoy themselves both with pipe and cop.
The Chairman then retired, arid Mr. Tamer took the chair; and,
after the remainder of the toasts had been drunk, 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 and evening;
one street preventing the appearance of a rac,-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 humors • and e,j7iyment. A huge bonfire
blazed on Playbrick, 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 maw: thousands, all of whom obtained a
good view, the street be-ng higher than the ground These
were provided by Mr. Atkins, of the Liverpool Zoological Oar.
dens, and did him great honour as a pyrctechnic-,,rtist. 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 fires. 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'c:ock, numbers of persons began to move off—those who
lived on this side the w to to the ferries—and, towards half-
past nine o'clock, the streets were con,iderably thinned. those
who were still engaged in the festivities of the day being occu-
pied principally within doers, participating in the pleasures of
social harmony, or "tripping on tne li ht fantastic toe " to the
strains of joyous music. The late teats, 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
withou, any accident of consequence. The above speaks
v,litrnes as to the arrangements made, arid the judicious
manner in which they were carried out.