usual, the reports of which occupied about nine newspaper columns. The day was ushered in with the ringing of bells and the closing of shops. The long and gay procession, with banners and full regalia, consisted of the “Old Friendly”, headed by the Hastings Band; the “Victoria Lodge, M.U.” by a German Band; the “Benevolent” by Brett’s St. Leonards Brass Band; and the “Adelaide Lodge, M.U.” by a country Band. The Friendly Society (of 677 members and £3,547 stock) dined at the Swan; the “Victoria” (317 members), at the Anchor; the “Benevolent” (313 members and £1789 stock) at the King’s Head, the “Adelaide” (£370 stock) at the Warriors’ Gate,, the “Foresters” at the Royal Standard; and the “South of England” at the Hastings Arms.
A Dinner and Evening Entertainment by invitation of Francis Smith, esq. was given at Torfield House, on the 8th of July, to the Mayor, Recorder, magistrates and borough officials.
A Sumptuous Dinner was given at Halton House by P. F. Robertson, Esq., M.P. on the 29th of December, to the Mayor and Town Council.
The Annual Tradesmen’s Dinner provided by Mr. Yates, at the Royal Oak Inn, took place on February 3rd.
School Treats
The Croft Sunday School, to the number of 100, on Whit Monday, assembled on the West Hill for their customary recreation, and afterwards for tea in the school room, where addresses were given by the Revs. W. Davis and J. Stent.
The Wesleyan School, on the same day assembled for tea in the large room over the Bourne-street Chapel, and on the following day, for games on the West hills. The numbers on the books were stated to be 380 children and 45 infants.
The National Schools of St. Clements and All Saints, to the number of 600, on the 8th of July, assembled in the new school room for their annual treat, and afterwards proceeded to the East Hill for games.
The New Schoolroom here mentioned, was opened on the 5th of April, with two formal meetings, at which the Revs. W. Wallinger, T. Vores, G. D. St. Quintin, J. D. Foyster, Earl Waldegrave and other gentlemen took part. The ground, as well as a subscription to the building fund, was given by Lady Waldegrave. The room would contain 300 girls, and thus leave the school on the East Hill for boys.
Local Institutions
Mechanics’ Institution
At a quarterly meeting, the Committee’s report showed that the number of members was 225, as against 270 at the previous year’s corresponding period. The receipts were £21 5s. and expenses £45 9s, which, with outstanding liabilities made the deficit about £50. Mr. Hallaway wondered what they could do with such a burden on their shoulders, but Mr. Walter thought that, looking at the great competition then existing, their condition was very satisfactory. A Finance Committee was formed, and it was hoped that the burden would soon be removed.
