air was but a few degrees above freezing. Shortly afterwards, the same man having been rowed ashore by his companions was seen walking up the beach in a manner which suggested that the liquid within and without were not of the same character. On the following morning, an unexpected visitor in a state of partial nudity made his appearance at Hollington and created quite a consternation. His torn garments and lacerated face and hands too plainly indicated that he had been pursuing a reckless course among the briars and thickets, and that he was some unfortunate being dispossessed of reason. Information having been conveyed to one of the county constabulary near the place, that officer immediately went in pursuit of the fugitive, and on questioning him as to his intentions was told that he was going to get married at a church in Shoreditch where a jew preached. The officer supplied some additional clothing to the poor imbecile and conveyed him to Hastings, where he ascertained that the man had occupied apartments much to the alarm of the owners, and that he was proprietor of a large business in London. The police-officer accompanied him thither, where he also learnt that he left home with £40 or £50 in his pocket, not any of which he was then possessed of.
Special Dinners, &c.
T. Brassey, jun., Esq., the occupant of Beauport, was invited to a public dinner given in his honour by friends at Birkenhead, on the 14th of January, in connection with the late election.
F. North, Esq. M.P. entertained the Mayor and Corporation at dinner at Hastings Lodge, on the 7th of January. Much regret was felt in consequence of the esteemed host being prevented by illness from joining the party. In his absence, the honours of the table devolved upon the Rt. Hon. Thos. E. Headlam, Judge-Advocate General, then on a visit at Hastings Lodge.
A Hop-Sweepstake dinner, at the Terminus Hotel, St. Leonards, was partaken of on February 13th by some 40 or 50 persons, all of whom, it was said spent the evening in an enjoyable manner.
Band-Master Lindridge was invited to a sort of testimonial supper on the 14th of April, by the members of the Cinque-ports Artillery Band, in acknowledgement of his services in raising the band to its then state of efficiency. Sergt.-Major Polhill occupied the chair, and the catering of Host Rubie, of the Royal Standard, was greatly appreciated.
The Adelaide Lodge of Oddfellows, to the number of about 200, celebrated their 23rd anniversary, with a three hours’ perambulation of St. Leonards and as far eastward as Robertson terrace, in full regalia, with two bands of music, and, as usual, with a dinner at the Warriors Gate, served up by Host Lamb.
The chair was occupied by John Gibbs, Esq., and the vice-chair by George Gipps, Esq. (The other Whit-Monday Club dinners are noticed in the next chapter.)
