FEAST AT BASING PARK
On Saturday last, William Nicholson, Esq., gave a sumptuous and beautiful feast to the tenants, labourers, and others employed upon the beautiful and picturesque estate of Basing Park, upon the ingathering of the harvest in that neighbourhood. The weather was all that could be desired to give full enjoyment to the delightfully cheering scene. The assembly took place upon the North Lawn, where, a select party of gentlemen visiting at the mansion, the tenants, labourers, and others employed upon the estate, with their wives and families, &c., &c., preceeded by the worthy squire and headed by the Alton Rifle Volunteer Band, marched on with lively step to the parish church of Privett. Having reached the sacred edifice, the same was soon filled to an overflow, when a most impressive and appropriate sermon was preached by the Very Reverend the Archdeacon Sanctuary to an attentive congregation. The service being concluded, the procession reformed, and proceeded, with the merry strains of the band, to the park, where a spacious marqueee, chastely and elegantly decorated with flowers of the richest and most brilliant hues, and evergreen of every description, under the masterly superintendence of Mr. Ottaway, the Gardner on the estate, showed off to the greatest perfection. The tables were well arranged, and covered most sumptuously, and beautifully with all the good things of this life in a manner rarely to be witnessed upon similar occasions. The chair was occupied by the worthy proprietor of the estate, and the vice chair by the Rev. E. Ferryman of Privett. Other tables were attended to by the venerable the Archdeacon Sanctuary, Rev. E. Maule, Rev. W. N. Bradford, Rev. E. Docker, and W. Mean, Esq. Grace being said by the Rev. E. Docker, the bounteous repast commenced, and it is needless to add thoroughly enjoyed throughout by all present, numbering 200. The usual loyal toasts were given and responded to in the true characteristic style of Englishmen. The respected CHAIRMAN proposed in a neat and appropriate speech, ‟Church and State,‟ showing his attachment to the one, and his loyalty to the other.—The Ten. the Archdeacon gave the health of the ‟Bounteous provider of the feast,” which was received with deafening cheers, round after round followed in happy succession, evidently being joined in by all present to their heart’s content. The toast was acknowledged by the worthy gentleman, stating that he not only had the pleasure and benefit of his people at heart, but that he also highly appreciated the compliment at their hands.—Mrs. Nicholson and family was also given, and responded to with equal manifestation of gratitude, for her kindness and benevolence on all occasions to those around. Several other toasts followed from the chair, including the health of all employed upon the estate, showing that he fully appreciated their position, and though humble their lot he was pleased to acknowledge the great benefits derived at their hands, &c. This being over the party repaired to the beautiful grounds of the park, when, a variety of rural games, with cricket, foot ball, racing, &c., &c., were freely entered into, and appreciated. Number of knives, teapots, and useful clothing was distributed. ‟Drop the handkerchief,” &c., was fully patronised by the school children, who were entertained to tea, and even many who had lost all claims to ‟Childhood’s bliss,” joined heartily in their ancient amusements. Amongst the varied grades of life assembled upon this delightful spot, we noticed the Misses Nicholsons (London), Lord Dunning, the Hon. Mrs. Plunkett, Hon. J. T. Dutton, M.P., General and Mrs Coles, Miss Legge, Miss Percival, the Ven. the Archdeacon of Dorset, Mrs. Greenwood, Mrs. Scott, Mr. and Mrs. John Greenwood, Mrs. and Miss Knight, Mrs. Forbes, Miss Pipon, Mrs. Eiger, the Misses Lamprieres, Rev. W. K. Bramford and family, Rev. E. and Mrs. Ferryman, Rev. C. Maclachlan, Rev. E. Docker, Rev. E. Maule, Rev. J. and Mrs. Harvey, Mrs. Charrington, Rev. E. Bramson, &c., &c., who all joined in the different amusements until tea and cake was served, when all adjourned to the adding hall to witness a display of fireworks upon a very costly and beautiful scale, under the superintendence of Mr. Nicholson and the Reverend K. Maule. The scene at this time baffles our description—the quietness of the calm evening, the thrilling strains of the band, the rapid and vivid flashes of the variegated lights dancing in the sky, and ???? surrounding the enthusiastic operators lent a charm to the scene to remain upon the minds of all as long as they live. At last a long and continuous outburst of applause rose from the assembled multitude to the honour and praise of our esteemed, kind patron and his lovely and beautiful wife, which must have convinced them that their labour was not in vain. In conclusion it is pleasing to note that all dispersed quietly and soberly to their respective homes, with gratitude and thankfulness to the provider of this happy gathering.