147 StThe glories of the ocean grand
'Tis very well to sing on land;
'Tis very well to hear them caroll’d
By Thomas Campbell or Child Harolde;
But very sad to see that ocean
From east to west in wild commotion;
To hear the burly billows roar
Around, behind us, and before;
To view the red and lurid sky
In all its ’constant sympathy,’
With sea as mad as moon can make
The mistress of that reckless rake;
Tis sad to trust the wintry wave,
Too oft, alas! the seaman’s grave;
To brave the fury. of the storm,
Some notion of its rage to form;
To feel the ‘dread sublime’ in all
The terrors of a sudden squall;
To grasp the gunwale every time
The ruffian billows upward climb,
And cling to rope at every lurch
That might upset a solid church;
To see huge trunks and packing cases
Fly off at tangents from their places;
The chairs and tables emulate
The evolutions of a plate;
The larger dishes fiercely fall
In mortal conflict with the squall;
The locomotive saucers chase
Inconstant cups from place to place;
Grave mustard-pots to, tea-pots setting,
And pepper-castors pirouetting;
To hear the same eternal thump
From, morn till night at either.pump;
To bear the same infernal strife,
For days, for weeks — perhaps for life;,
The rattling blocks, the tempest’s howl,
The rough command, the surly growl,
With men of unccngenial mind
To be ‘cribbed, cabined and confined’;
To tug at beef, in rounds and briskets,
Salt pork and adamantine biscuits;
And, finally, from first to last,
To be convinced all sufferings past
Are ‘trifles light as air’ to those
A sea-sick landsman undergoes;
And own a ship is but a jail
Of wooden walls, of structure frail,
Where one, not doomed to die aground,
Is very likely to be drowned.”
But if Dr. (or Mr. R. R.) Madden could write so serio-comically of the mal-de-mer, as against the opposite strain of his friend Campbell, in his ”Address to the Sea,” while residing at No, 10 South Colonnade, the former gentleman also showed that he was enthusiastically in love with the town which Mr. Campbell had selected for his abode at the time when he wrote his admired ode. Madden’s, poem “ St. Leonards by Moonlight for Me.” was as much in adoration of the town as Campbell’s was in praise of the sea. It was set to music by T. B. Brett, as stated in chapter 39 and the words were there quoted.
Personal Matters - Robert Hemsted - Robert Hollond - H. Braze
From April to November was an off season in regard to lectures, and the winter session commenced on Nov. 21st with a lecture on History by Mr. S. A. Bacon at the St. Leonards Mechanics’ Institution. There was a large audience, notwithstanding that on the opposite side of the road the members of the Adelaide Lodge of Oddfellows were holding their annual festival, The next lecture was by the Rev. Wiliam Davis, and on a topic that was then more serious — “The Cholera.” The lecture was held to be so timely instructive as to be printed by request. The deaths during the then past year in this country from cholera alone were no fewer than 53,000, since which time, it is gratifying to know, its virulence has decreased at each visitation. In 1854, it was not much over 20,000; in 1866, the deaths were 14,378, and in 1893, they were only 135.
The next lectures were two, on Astronomy, by Mr. H. O’Connell, of the Edinburgh Observatory, illustrated by apparatus and dissolving views. These were delivered in the Wellington-square Lecture Hall on the evenings of Dec. 10th and 11th. On the next evening, Mr. S. A. Bacon delivered his second lecture on History at the St. Leonards Mechanics’ Institution. This gentleman, some of my readers will remember, was then at the Saxon Hotel, and was one, with the late Mr. Hempsted, who took an active interest in collecting the means. for the erection of St. Mary Magdalen’s Church. The history of this church has been given in my still unfinished biography of the Rev, W. W. Hume, but the associated names of Bacon and Hempsted are opportune with a letter from Mr Hempsted, which I find pinned to my diarian notes of the year now under review. As in the said letter there are some items applicable to the History of St. Leonards, it will be proper to extract them. It is dated Rose Cottage, Somersham, Jan. 13th, 1879, and after sympathising with the present writer for the loss of his son, says.
“I read with great interest in the GAZETTE — to which I have been so long a subscriber — the History of St, Leonards. I think mine was the first plate-glass window in the town, and insured by yourself. In the year 1848, I hired of ‘Old Ben. Tree’ Saxon House, then a Berlin Wool shop, going up a flight of six steps. I altered it, and opened it as a chemist’s shop, and it is now known as 14 Grand parade. I continued there, as you know, until 1854 ”
Mr. Hempsted’s reference to the “History of St. Leonards” going on in the GAZETTE in 1879, is a reminder that it has continued to go on at the rate of several columns per week for 17 years, and has not yet reached the half-way point of its projected journey. The sad reflection is that as St. Leonardensis enters his 80th year of existence while writing these remarks, there is no probability of his being able to bring the work to completion, notwithstanding that he still labours incessantly at the rate of 18 hours per day. Other duties and other labours — all of a necessitous character — leave him but a small amount of time for the history in question; and hence the regret of not being, able to finish and prepare the same for book form, in compliance with the many urgent requests to do so.
It may be true, as has been said, that he will leave much historical material behind him, but he cannot leave his memory, and this latter fact may be. something less than an advantage.
Various other matters other than the lectures already described may appropriately come under the same classification of Personal.
On Valentine’s Day, Mr. Robert Hollond, with Mrs. Hollond, travelled from his house at St. Leonards to the opening of Parliament, It has before been shown that Mr. Hollond (of whom I have an excellent portrait) was M.P, for Hastings in the Liberal interest. He, however. voted against Mr, Cobden’s motion for Financial Reform, whereupon the Liberals’ committee drew up a memorial to their member in which they expressed their surprise and regret, believing, as they did, that there had been a lavish expenditure of the people’s money by successive Governments.
Mr. Hollond replied to his memorialists at considerable length, remarking that he could have hoped that, considering the years of mutual confidence that had passed since the electors first thought him worthy to represent them, and what they called the general consistency of his votes, they would have deemed him rather entitled to a demand for an explanation than to so peremptory an expression of dissatisfaction. He agreed with them that there had been a lavish expenditure, and when any really practical motion for reduction was brought forward he would give it his support. His objection to Mr. Cobden’s motion was that it was an abstract proposition, not intended to be carried into immediate effect; and, like all abstract resolutions, was calculated to embarrass rather than to promote the cause which it was intended to advance. Neither the House of Commons nor the English people were enamoured with abstract resolutions on matters of practical Government, and he confessed that he partook of that feeling. Very sweeping resolutions usually produced a strong feeling of hostility, and exposed the party and the cause to a dangerous feeling in the public mind — a conviction of the want of reality. If the House granted no more than the exigences which the public service required, it did not want the aid of a previous formal resolution to be of any avail.
On the 8th of March, Mr. Wise held his annual "Juvenile Concert", the chief executants being two of his children, Miss and Master Wise, who were assisted by himself, Mr. Woollett and others. Mr. Wise was a schoolmaster at Hastings at a time when the present writer was a pedagogue at St. Leonards, each having a band of his own, and, not infrequently, the two practising together alternately in each other’s schoolroom. Unfortunately, the young violinist (Stanley Wise) in after years whilst becoming an efficient leader of small orchestras, gave way to drink and became a ruin, while his sisters acquired a competency by conducting a school for young ladies, with other accomplishments.
From Mr. Wise’s musical family I turn to Mr. Lindridge, the then efficient organist of St. Mary's-in the-Castle, who having first brought to Hastings the harmonium as a French invention, tested its powers on the 27th of March in the Baptist Chapel.
While referring to musical matters, it occurs to me that some tradesmen had raised subscriptions for the performance of a German band, as against the old Town Band, which had served the public well and truly for many years. Much correspondence resulted and much bitter feeling was manifested. On the 26th of June, however, the local bandsmen marched round the town and took their station on the parade as a commencement of the season. Seeing this determined attitude, the German Band committee expressed a desire to make terms with the committee of the Town Band for securing harmony without collision. A disadvantage of the Town Band was that being mainly composed of tradesmen and mechanics, it could only regularly perform at eventide and on holiday occasions; hence the German Band — the first of that nationality ever engaged at Hastings—obtained a permanent footing, to the disparagement and ultimate breaking-up of its local rival, which, both from efficiency and long service, deserved better treatment. An attempt. was also made with a German band to supplant Brett's younger band at St. Leonards, already alluded to, but without success.
One more reference to musical matters and then I shall have done with that phase of amusements. On the 12th. of October the St. Leonards Assembly Room was crowded with a fashionable audience to listen to a concert given by Mons. Julien’s celebrated London Band. It consisted of selections from eminent composers, as well as some of Julien’s own favourites, including his popular Post-Horn Gallop; which was lustily encored. The performance of Mr. Lazarus on the clarionet and that of Herr Koenig on the cornet were simply unique, and evoked enthusiastic plaudits. Being myself a subscriber to Julien’s Journal, a monthly publication for septett and orchestral bands, I was favoured with a free ticket for the concert here described. In my own out-door band at the time was a violinist and cornet player, named Clark. from Brighton, to whose memory it is but a just tribute to say that his execution of the Galop, first on the cornet and next on the shrill post horn, attracted crowds of listeners on the St. Leonards parade.
When referring to Mr. Hollond’s departure for London, it might have been said that his near neighbour, Emile Grosslob, was preparing his chalybeate spa. The formal opening of the same by Lady Helen Mc Donnell took place on the 17th of April, when Brett's Band was stationed on the lawn, and ninety persons were present to partake of the water.
On the 26th of March as Mr. Daniel was returning home from Hastings to Bexhill he fell into a hollow place and fractured one of his legs.
In the same month, Mr. Henry Harrison, of Quarry Castle, St. Leonards, was appointed a Commissioner of the Exchequer-Loan-Board, in the room of Viscount Melbourne.
About the same time, or a little later, Mr. Todhunter, previously of Hastings, but then senior wrangler of St. John’s College, Cambridge, obtained the Burney Prize for an essay, entitled “The Doctrine of a Divine Providence is inseparable from the Belief in the Existence of an absolute perfect Creator.” This gentleman, while living with his widowed mother at Hastings, was a studious and an esteemed companion of the present writer.
In the month of April, Mr. George Fry was the appointed surgeon to the whole line of railway works between Bopeep on the west and Lidham Hill on the east, a district which included from 3,000 to 4,000 workmen. He was also Medical Officer to the Adelaide Lodge of Oddfellows at St. Leonards, and being naturally on intimate terms with the Permanent-Secretary (T. B. Brett) he occasionally pressed him into his assistance when accidents occurred near home.
In the month of April, Mr. Charles Clark, engineer, commenced a system of waterworks in his own name, albeit, Mr. Eversfield was regarded as the real proprietor. Two reservoirs were constructed, to be supplied from springs in the Newgate, Shornden and Ore woods.
Mr, J. C. Savery received two medals and a book at the distribution of prizes at the Charing Cross hospital, for proficiency in medicine and surgery.
On the 27th of June, Mr. C. J. Jeudwine, a grocer, of All Saints’ street, was elected a member of the Town Council, with 124 votes as against 38 for his rival, Mr. John Cousens.
The Rev. C. D. (now Canon) Bell, then curate at St. Mary in-the-Castle, was presented with a pair of silver candlesticks and several other articles in commemoration of his approaching marriage.
Capt. F. W. Paul, of the Express, belonging to the South-Western Steam Navigation Company, had sent to him from St. Leonards, an elegant present, consisting of a case containing a beautiful silver vase and cover, with a chased foot, surmounted with shells. The cover had a wreath of flowers round the margin, and the handle exhibited the figure of a sailor resting his right hand on an anchor, the cable of which was held by the left hand. On the body of the vase was an antique shield, surrounded by flowers, and bearing the inscription “Les Roi Louis Phillipe et la Reine Amelia au Capataine Paul d Express, en souvenir des 28 Février et 2 Mars, 1848.” This was a second substantial acknowledgment(sic) of a service rendered to the ex-King by Capt Paul. During the French revolution of 1848, Louis Phillipe and his Queen made their escape from Havre in the Express steam boat, then running between that town and Southampton. The ship had lain in the dock several days with her steam up ready for starting at a minute's notice, as arranged by those who were secretly aiding the escape of the royal fugitives. Immediately they were on board, the Captain put to sea in the midst of tempestuous weather. The night was a perilous one, but with good handling. the steamer — a small one — landed the party at Newhaven. On parting with Capt. Paul, Louis Phillipe expressed his deep obligation and presented him with a valuable diamond pin, and as a further acknowledgment(sic) their ex majesties, while sojourning at St. Leonards, sent the handsome present here described, together with an autograph letter.
In the month of October, Mr. Thomas Ross (1810-1881) published the sixth edition of his ”Hastings and St. Leonards Guide,” and at the same time Mr, Curling Hope published a sixpenny Guide, with nearly 50 illustrations.
In the same month, Earl Waldegrave went on board of several vessels lying in Rye harbour and conversed with the sailors, who hoisted flags and gave three cheers in honour of his visit. At about the same time this nobleman gave back to his tenants ten per cent. on their rentals.
Another personal eventuality in October — and a very sad one — was the accidental shooting of Elizabeth, the wife of George Harman, a labourer at Ore, by a lodger named George Stone, who, while taking up a gun loaded and capped without his knowledge, was horrified and wild with grief to find it go off and the charge enter the woman's head just as she was going through the doorway. A verdict of ”Accidental death” was recorded in this fatal case.
Another personal action in the same month was that which applied to a master carpenter, named William Standen, who was honoured with the sobriquet of “Born Drunk.” He was summoned for abusive language, but having gracefully apologised, and produced a certificate of having taken a temperance pledge, was discharged.
The next personal reference is to the death of Mrs, Hannah Beck, who at the age of nearly 98 years, died at St. Leonards on the 18th of October.
On the 24th of the same month, as Messrs. Mann and Chester — two of the earliest St, Leonards tradesmen — were superintending the removal of cliff near the Fountain Inn, a loaded waggon knocked down Mr. Chester and ran over both legs, fortunately without breaking them.
About the same time, the Rev. J. G. Foyster, Rector of St. Clement’s returned after a lengthened absence, but with health still precarious.
On Dec. 9th, the Right Rev. Lord Bishop of Chichester, who had been staying at the Victoria Hotel, preached in the St. Leonards church, and on the following Sunday, at St. Clement's, where an offertory of nearly £50 was obtained for the schools. And while referring to sermons, be it said the collection at St. Leonards church on the day of Humiliation amounted to £95 3s. and the sermons at St. Mary’s Schools on Oct, 28th realised over £44. The day for Humiliation and Special Services on account of the cholera was Wednesday, Sept. 26th, and it was observed at all the churches and chapels. At the Croft Chapel £20 was collected for the school.
The Borough Recorder had the felicity at the Epiphany Quarter Sessions of receiving a pair of white gloves as a memento of a maiden Sessions.
In the month of June the Rey. H. A. Barrett was presented with a valuable writing desk, with an appropriate inscription, by the principal drapers, for his services in the Early Closing movement.
