principally the organist and choir of the church of St. Mary Magdalen. Great interest was evinced by the company in the execution of the various pieces, and much gratification was expressed for the entertainment thus provided.
Mr. North, M.P. gave another dinner party and evening entertainment at Hastings Lodge on the 23rd of January.
The Bachelors' Ball. At the St Leonards Assembly Rooms on the evening of February 5th, the bachelors connected with the Hastings and St Leonards Gentlemen's Club gave a grand ball, which was attended by a brilliant company of 170 persons. After all the expenses of the ball had been met - which must have been very considerable - a surplus was left, and given over to the funds of the Infirmary.
Several other balls took place during February in different parts of the borough, and which were generally attended by as many persons as had been provided for. On the 10th about 40 assembled at the Kings Head (Old Town), and continued dancing till a late hour. On the 12th, about 50 took part in the Tradesmen's ball at the Royal Oak Hotel, and spent the night most agreeably. On the 17th, a respectable party of 50 assembled at the Norman Hotel, and joined in the waltzes, polkas and quadrilles, for which an excellent band was engaged.
Notwithstanding that the compiler of this History was both a journalist and a musician, there were several private balls and evening parties the particulars of which came not within his knowledge; but a sufficient number are here enumerated to show that 1857 was very beneficial to pastry-cooks and other caterers, as well as to musicians and flymen.
Wesleyan Items
Sermons were preached in St. Leonards on Sunday, January 18th, and a public meeting was held on the following day in support of the Wesleyan Missions, when about £11 formed the amount of collections. - The anniversary sermons were preached on the 10th of April in the Wesleyan Chapels of Hastings and St. Leonards - the former in the morning, and the latter in the evening. A public tea-meeting was held at St. Leonards in the afternoon, which was attended by a large number of the connection from the outlying districts, the day being Friday - For the Wesleyan Chapel fund, a bazaar was held on the 18th of August, but of the amount realised I have no account.
The Bible Society
Two meetings on behalf of this society were held on Sept. 18th, which resulted in a collection of £15 at the first and £14 at the second.
