had previously refused to subscribe when applied to by the committee, he sent his steward the following day to express his regret, and to offer to make up any deficiency, should there be any in the funds, and which, we are sorry to say, is considerable. The manner in which this day passed off will never be forgotten, either by those who gave, or by those who partook of the bounty; and it will do more to allay the bad feeling which has existed among the labourers and their employers—it will do more towards quenching the fires and suppressing the riots from which this parish has suffered so much, than all the police officers that can be procured from London, or all the soldiers in the pay of the King, or all the special commissions that can be sent into the county by the King in Council. On that day might be seen the mother smiling on the hand that fed her children, while the father’s countenance beamed with benignity and joy as he felt, perhaps for the first time, that even his children were to him a source of pleasure."
Another account states that on Tuesday, the 26th inst., this town presented a scene of gaiety and joyous animation, such as had never been witnessed here by the oldest inhabitant. The day was set apart for the celebration of the passing of the English Reform Bill. The Committee that had been appointed to make the necessary arrangements had been most unremitting in their exertions for a considerable time previous, and the result of their labours was such as to reflect the highest credit on their activity and judgment, eliciting the most unbounded applause. The heavens were propitious to the fete, and the pleasures of the day were greatly enhanced by the liberality of [[Sir Godfrey Webster (1789-1836)|Sir Godfrey Webster], Bart., who granted the use of the beautiful lawn in front of the Abbey to be appropriated for that day as a heaven-canopied dining-room for the rustic guests. The whole town was beautifully decorated with evergreens and numerous banners, bearing appropriate inscriptions, and the scene upon the whole was calculated, as was evident by the sequel, to gladden every eye and warm every heart.
And here let it he recorded to the honour of the influential inhabitants of the parish, that, all appeared to vie with each other in promoting the great objects of the day, the comfort of the agricultural labourers and working-classes, and the promotion of that kindly feeling which links man to man, and is the only certain safeguard of person and property. About one o'clock the labourers from the East and West divisions of the parish marched in procession into the town, each party being preceded by a band of music, and a leader in a grotesque dress carrying a banner. On the banner of one division was inscribed "From our labour, springs wealth," and on that of the other "The Supporters of the People." Both parties now uniting, and being joined by the townspeople, a regular procession was formed, which proceeded to the lawn, where the guests, consisting of eighteen hundred men, women, and children, being seated, signal guns were fired, and a hot dinner of roast and boiled beef and excellent plum puddings was served up on 26 tables, each table being attended by three carvers and four waiters, the bands playing "God Save the King," and other national airs. The greatest order and regularity prevailed, and the whole scene was of that gratifying description which must be seen to be properly appreciated. After dinner, the following toasts were drunk :— "The King and Constitution." "Lord Grey, and the rest of his Majesty's Ministers," "The Reform Bill, and may it shower down blessings on us all," "Sir Godfrey and Lady Webster, with thanks for the use of the Lawn."
Although the supply of ale was unlimited, not an individual was to be seen in a state of intoxication. The most uneducated appeared deeply impressed with the importance of the great national measure which they were assembled to celebrate, and the manner in which numbers of them expressed their gratitude for the feast which had been so liberally provided for them was calculated to awaken in the breasts of the donors the most pleasurable feelings. At six o'clock another procession was formed, which was got up by the young men of the town, assisted by numerous young ladies, who most willingly lent a helping hand in preparing the dresses, decorations, &c. A car, tastefully adorned with evergreens and flowers, formed the most prominent object. A gentleman was seated in it, attired splendid robe and other appropriate insignia, intended to represent Earl Grey. The vehicle was drawn by four horses, the postillions being gaily dressed, and a band of music, playing popular airs, preceded the car. There were 18 flags and banners in the procession. The first was the Union Jack, and the following were among the inscriptions on others :—"The Patriot King and the People," "Liberty," "Peace," "The King and Reform," "The Constitution in its Purity," "The Voice of the People." The procession was closed by a large banner on which was inscribed, "United we are invincible." Upwards of £100 had been subscribed, a sum which would have been very inadequate, but the generosity manifested by the inhabitants in furnishing nearly everything necessary for the occasion, free of expense, precluded the necessity for any greater pecuniary advance. And this highly commendable display of social and generous feeling was not confined to the precincts of the town; many of the farmers in the neighbourhood, in addition to their subscriptions, kindly gave the use of their teams and waggons for the carriage of the materials which were used in the various arrangements. It was a subject of high gratification during the day that although the influx of people from the neighbouring parts was greater than on any former occasion, and a great majority of them were agricultural labourers, yet not the slightest disturbance occurred, proving that they were possessed of minds capable of being conciliated, and that the best security which the middle classes can obtain in the present distressful times against violence from what is termed the "lower classes" will be found in the exercise of that generous sympathy which, being God-like in its nature and operation, will invariably be conducive to innocence and peace.
"The thoughtless world to majesty may bow,
Exalt the brave and idolise success;
But more to Innocence their safety owe
Than power or glories e'er conspired to bless."
As soon as the shades of evening appeared, a large bonfire was lighted on the market green, after which a most beautiful display of fireworks closed the pleasures of the day, and the immense assemblage retired in the most peaceful manner to their homes. On the following day, leave having been kindly given by [[Sir Godfrey Webster (1789-1836)|Sir Godfrey Webster], a game of cricket was played on the Abbey lawn by the young men who had taken an active part in the celebration of the féte, and in the evening the gentry and principal inhabitants, who had been actively and, indeed, laboriously engaged the day before in promoting the comfort of others, experienced a most agreeable relaxation by tripping it on the light fantastic toe on the green sward till—
....."The bright-haired sun
Was seated in his Western Tent,"
when, on the invitation of Lady Webster (whom to know is to admire, and whose generosity on this and other occasions has raised her high in the esteem of the inhabitants) they retired to the Abbey to partake of refreshments and listen to the cheerful song till the witching time of night drew near, and they then departed highly gratified.
On the day of the féte a very large flag, handsomely ornamented, was hoisted on the Abbey gate. On this is to be inscribed an account of the féte and the great national victory which gave rise to it. It is then to be placed in some conspicuous situation as a memorial.
There on the walls the patriot’s sight
May ever hang with fresh delight,
And graved with some prophetic rage,
Read Albion's fame through every age."
The Commissioners New Local Act
It has here been shown that 1832 was a more than very important year for Hastings in its Parliamentary and Municipal life, as well as in associations abounding with features of local interest. It was in the same year that the new Act of Parliament was obtained which gave increased powers to the Commissioners. For about two years the proposed measure had been advocated and discussed, and although mostly the townspeople were favourable to it, there were others who threw obstacles in its way, especially those whose property, regarded as an obstruction was sought to be removed, as witness the various correspondences respecting Beach Cottages. It was on the 23rd of June 1832, that the Commissioner's new act received the Royal Assent, the provisions of which are here set forth with as little of the legal verbality of such documents as its general report will allow.
It is entitled "An Act for Paving, Lighting, Watching, Cleansing and Improving the Town and Port of Hastings, and for establishing and regulating Market therein and supplying the inhabitants with Water, and for other purposes." It recites and repeals a former Act of 1820, which -
