(with Wood and Elford’s band) dined at the Swan, the “Victoria Lodge” (with Younger’s German band) dined at the Market Hall, The “Benevolent” (with Brett’s St. Leonards Band) dined at the King’s Head, and the “Adelaide Lodge” (with some other band) at the Warrior’s Gate.
A Sumptuous Banquet, on Oct. 17th was given by P. F. Robertson Esq. M.P., to the Recorder and Corporation at Halton House.
A Dinner to Capt. McClure, R.N. on Monday, Oct. 30th was given as a welcome home after his arduous and successful exploration of the Artic(sic) seas. The Mayor occupied the chair, supported by the gallant Captain in uniform, and also by several principal inhabitants. The company generally filled the large room and received the explorer with a hearty welcome. After the tables had been cleared and the loyal toasts had been given, the chairman proposed the health of the Bishop, coupling with it the names of the Rev. J. A. Hatchard and the Rev. J. Wallis. He had, he said, lived in Hastings ten or eleven years, but excepting when the Lord Mayor of London dined with them in that room this was the first time that he had seen clergymen dine with them. He felt that the society of these gentlemen was to the advantage of the company. The Rev. J. A. Hatchard rose to respond amidst great cheering, and said that though he could have wished to be exempted from the task of responding to the toast, it was from no desire that the toast should not have been given. The previous absence of clergymen from such meetings he felt sure was not from any want of sympathy with their lay brethren nor from a non-appreciation of their goodwill; for, without the co-operation of the laity the church could not be so prosperous nor so effective as it ought to be. He felt that he was not overstepping his duty in being present. They were met to welcome home a gentleman who he considered had been engaged on a mission of mercy while searching for his noble-hearted comrade Sir John Franklin. He, indeed, felt it his duty to welcome home a man who would risk his own life for the sake of another. He also felt a pleasure in knowing Capt. McClure to be a resident among them. That gentleman had, by his exploits, done great honour to the place in which he resided. He (the speaker) was a resident of St. Leonards, but he felt convinced that what reflected honour on Hastings did the same on St. Leonards, because their interests were identical. It was good that persons from sister towns should meet together to do honour to such noble men as the Captain. They gave honour to the army and navy, and should they not also give honour to those who hazarded their lives in the manner in which their guest had done. The Rev. gentleman here referred to the dangers and trying circumstances through which Capt. McClure had passed, and said that they were not met on a question that was merely provincial, -
