March 18, 1899.
THE ESTATES GAZETTE
436
I 9.30 a.m. We were, of course, accompanied by the President, Mr. Edward Dobson, several of the Past and Vice-Presidents, and the majority of the London members in attendance at the meeting. At the Burton railway station, the jovial Mr. Harrison and other professional friends were ready to receive us, and our party at once made tracks for the cooperages, That Burton-on-Trent was famous for its ale and bitter beer was a fact well-known to us all; but we were naturally desirous of knowing the why and wherefor, and I am ready to admit that I was not the least inquisitive of our little party as we were being conducted through the different departments. To supply the increasing demand for Burton ale, no less than 28 firms of brewers have erected enormous establishments. These occupy considerably more than 200 acres of land, and I regard them all as solid, bold, capacious buildings, neither deficient nor conspicuous in architectural detail, but well and studiously arranged and systematically connected by chains of railway. It was on one of these, by the way, that we were conducted from one block of breweries to another. We travelled in newly-painted trucks, on which seats had been arranged, and the ride was certainly a somewhat novel one to us all.
These railways, which, I understood, were sanctioned by Parliament in 1860, cross the streets on the level, and connect the goods station with the malting houses, and these with the breweries, the cooperages, the stores, and the yards. We were interested to know that these private lines are more than ten miles long. The premises of Messrs. Bass and Co. occupy more than 140 acres and the quantity of malt brewed in a day amounts to not less than 2,200 quarters, or 5,000 barrels. The total output per week is 30,000 barrels. Messrs. Bass and, in fact, all the brewery firms in Burton, employ spring water in preference to that from the Trent. The superior excellence of Burton ales,
I am given k> understand, is attributed to the presence of sulphate of lime in large quantities in the water used for their manufacture. Our guide, with whom I chatted freely, was ready with some historical facts. He could not trace the antiquity of “Burton’s ale,” although he was able to inform me that its consumption wras principally local, not extending much beyond Derby until 1623, when it was first introduced into London under the name of Derby ale. The ale brewed down to the close of the last century was a very strong drink, and was almost entirely supplied to the English ships that traded to northern climates, but in 1822 one Hodgson, a London brewer who settled at Burton, brewed something like the present bitter ale, which he accomplished in a teapot in his counting house, and called it “ Bombay beer.” A retired East India captain improved on this, and Burton ale sson attained a celebrity. Our party was conducted through the cooperages, where casks of all sizes are made in marvellously quick time ; thence through the malt-ings and cellarages and brew-houses. What struck me mostly was the remarkable cleanliness observed in all the different depots. Lastly, we were conducted through the hop store rooms, which alone cover an area of over two acres, and provide accommodation for the very large quantity which must necessarily be kept in stock. In the sampling rooms, refreshments were provided. That this unexpected item in the programme was enjoyed was manifest all round, and all of us who were not teetotallers were prepared to admit that the glass of “ bitter” obtained here was of the finest quality, both as to flavour and aroma.
It was only natural to expect that on an occasion of this kind votes of thanks would be accorded. After lunch, the President (Mr. Dobson), in a few well-chosen words, proposed a vote of thanks to Messrs. Bass and Co. for their kindness and hospitality, and to all who had been, and would be, leaders, while they were visiting the different departments.
Mr. C. O’Sullivan, the chief brewer, responded, remarking that Messrs. Bass and Co. were always ready to welcome visitors such as chose they had that day, and to do all they could for their enjoyment, both in sight-seeing and in the way of refreshments.
The hour of departure had now arrived. At the railway station, the President was again heard asking for silence while he proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Robert Harrison, who, he said, had done so much to make our visit to Burton a success. We cheered lustily, and the genial Mr. Harrison, with characteristic brevity and wit, returned his thanks, concluding with the couplet: —
“ Go hence, and tell in many a merry tale Of Bass’s׳ welcome, and of Bass’s ale.”
The toast having been duly honoured,
The President rose to respond, and was received with loud and continued cheering. He said he had been greatly honoured by being placed at the head of the Auctioneers’ Institute, and he was proud of having to respond to the toast. He wished to express his personal thanks, and also those of the members generally, to Sir Thomas Roe for the kind words he had spoken of them. An auctioneer was supposed to know everything about everything, but things were now very different to what they formerly were. Instead of having men ״who knew or professed to know everything they now comprised experts upon almost every branch of trade (applause). Mr. Dobson went on to remark that, speaking personally, he loved his profession dearly. They were, so to speak, a family of auctioneers. His grandfather and his father were knights of the hammer, and he had his own son !assisting him in his business (applause). Speaking more particularly upon the subject of the Institute, he said it had done much to promote harmony and goodwill among the profession generally. He owed many friendships to his׳ connection with the Institute ; in fact, he had 50 times more professional friends throughout the United Kingdom at I he present time than he had ten years ago (applause). The state of affairs was now distinctly encouraging. They had good reason for congratulating themselves upon the fact that they had elected no less than 63 new members that day (applause), whilst there were waiting for examination more candidates than on any previous occasion (applause).
Mr. W. Bennett Rogers (member of the council) gave “ The Law, Accountants and Auctioneers of Derby and District,” and in so doing referred to the affinity between the various professions mentioned in the toast.
Responses, modest, but to the point, were made by Mr. T. W. Coxon, president of the Derby Law Society, and Alderman T. H. Harrison, J.P.
Alderman W. Heathoote, himself an auctioneer, and a member of the local committee, also responded, and referred to the immense amount o'f responsibility attached to the duties of the auctioneer and valuer. He expressed his sympathy with the objects of the Institute, and the pleasure it gave the local committee to receive them.
Mr. Cumberland, another auctioneer, and member of the committee, also wished the Institute welcome, and expressed a hope that the members would be able to look back with pleasure on their visit to Derby.
Mr. John Hepper (member of the council, Leeds) proposed “ Our Guests and Visitors.” He said he was now wearing out his 45th license, and in the course of his long experience he had had the opportunity of becoming ac-ouainted with many trades and professions, all of which were closely identified with their own. It would be interesting to know what the printing trade would do without the orders for posters, particulars of sale, etc., that are given at the present time (hear, hear). The legal profession was also closely identified with their own. In fact, they had so much to do with the law that they sometimes thought they could do the solicitors’ work themselves (laughter).
Alderman F. Duesbury, J.P. (ex-Mayor of Derby), responded.
Mr. J. J. Greaves (member of the council, Sheffield) gave “The Local Committee,” remarking that the members of the Institute were all much interested in all they had seen that morning, and on their behalf he wished to tender to the local committee their sincere thanks for the arrangements they had made. He assured them that they were much appreciated.
Mr. E. Partridge, Derby, and Mr. R. Harrison (Burton), responded, the latter, in the course of a very humorous speech, mentioning the arrangements which had been made for the visit to Burton on the following day.
for its members were Englishmen, (applause). Mr. Field regarded the House of Lords as the most democratic assembly in the world. W hilst the House of Commons׳ was chosen by the electors, who changed! their minds very frequently (laughter), the House of Lords must be regarded as a place of rest and quietness. It was a place where those whom the nation chose to honour found a resting place. There was no doubt that both political1 parties !sent to the House of Lords the most distinguished men in their own sphere, but how it came about that they nearly all came to the same political opinion when they reached the gilded chamber was one of those mysteries of nature which no philosopher had yet arisen to explain (laughter). However, whether they spoke of the House of Lords or Commons—he proposed to speak of them both—it was a legislature of which they might well be proud (applause). It was composed! of men who, though they fought keenly in the arena of party politics, stood shoulder to shoulder when discussing those great questions which might affect the interest if not the very existence of our empire (applause).
Mr. W. Roland Peck (Vice-President, London) gave “The Mayor and Corporation of Derby.” He regarded the toast as of the utmost importance, in fact, it might appropriately be called the toast of the evening. Derby was known throughout 'the world as having lent its name not only to the most beautiful china, but also to the greatest race that was run. Mr. Peck proceeded to pay a warm tribute to the civic representatives of the town for the courtesy they had shown to the members of the Institute on the occasion of their present visit. He
A VISIT TO BURTON.
INTERESTING FACTS.
THE JOURNEY HOME.
The Derby meeting, which has certainly proved one of the most successful hitherto held in the annals of the Institute, was brought to a close early on Saturday afternoon. Having returned from Burton, a large party partook of luncheon at the Royal Hotel. The homeward journey was commenced about three o’clock; but previous to the departure a group was photo-
I have already stated that it was mainly owing to the instrumentality of Mr. Robert Harrison, of Burton, that the members of the Institute were given an opportunity of visiting that historical town and the extensive breweries of Messrs. Bass and Co., on Saturday. Being a member of the local committee, and knowing that an inspection of the brewing premises would not fail to interest his friends and colleagues, Mr. Harrison lost no time in seeking the necessary permit from those in authority, with the result that a most elaborate programme was duly arranged. Saturday, it must be ■stated, is generally an “off” day at the breweries, and the fact that the firm not only invited the members, but arranged to set all the machinery in motion for their special benefit on that day, was one of the most pleasing circumstances connected with the visit. It is hardly necessary to add that this kindness and consideration was highly appreciated.
, Between forty and fifty members entrained in two special saloon carriages for Burton at
coupled with the toast the name of his worship the Mayor.
The toast was drunk with enthusiasm. Alderman E. T. Ann, J.P., the Mayor of Derby, in responding, thanked the company for their warm reception of the toast, and assured the members on behalf of the Corporation that their welcome was most sincere, and that they were all delighted that the Institute had held its meeting in the good old town o'f Derby. He had presided over many gatherings׳ during his term of office, but he must admit that not one was of greater importance than theirs (applause). He had, of course, anticipated that that would be an important meeting, but his anticipations had been more than realised (applause).
Sir Thomas Roe, J.P., proposed the toast of the evening, “ Success to the Auctioneers’ Institute.” He said that Mr. Peck had told them that he had the honour and privilege of proposing the most important toast in the list. Perhaps he would be allowed to out-bid him (laughter) by saying that this was the toast of the evening. “He said he gave every credit to the Institute for the endeavours of its members to improve their professional reputation, and proceeded to refer in detail to the various examinations which an auctioneer was required to pass before he could qualify himself for membership. Having mentioned the names and related some amusing stories of some auctioneers of the past in Derby, notably a character named Roland Brearley, Sir Thomas went on to say that although established as recently as 1886 the Institute had made rapid progress, and now with a membership of about 1,100 they embraced practically all the influential and respectable members of the profession (applause). At first they had to contend with a great many difficulties. Auctioneers failed 5 to realise the importance of their Institute and the benefit that would be derived therefrom, but their progress during the last three years had been remarkable, and he was given to understand that they had that day enrolled between 60 and 70 new members (applause). They were striving to raise the status of the auctioneer, and were no doubt taking the proper course in requiring candidates for membership to pass the necessary examinations. They had established branches in various parts of !the country. This he considered a magnificent idea, and he could well understand how the Institute had benefited so greatly. In Cardiff, for instance, the Institute had taken a very firm hold, principally owing to the instrumentality of the chairman of the branch, Mr. Alexander (applause). He was also given to understand that a very strong and useful branch had been formed to cover the southern counties of Kent, Surrey and Sussex, and that Mr. Brackett, of Tunbridge Wells, made a very worthy chairman (applause). Then they had their worthy President as chairman of the oldest branch—that of Yorkshire (applause). He hailed from the good old town of Bradford, and no doubt the influence which he had in his district was very great. Having dilated upon the excellences of the Institute’s objects and expressed a hope that they would lave every reason to be satisfied with their visit to Derby, Sir Thomas made a sympathetic reference to the death of a very old friend of his, in the person of Mr. Goddard, who had passed away on the previous day. Mr. Goddard, he said, was one of the best-known auctioneers in
DiUey (Huntingdon), Allen Drew (London), J.
J. Greaves (Sheflfield), J. H. Townsend Green (London), J. Hepper (Leeds), and W. B. Rogers (London), members of the council; and Mr. C. Harris (London), secretary of the Institute. Messrs. J. B. Brownson, Wallace Brown-son, Wm. Brownson, J. Cumberland, T. Cumberland, E. T. Finney, G. Willson, E. Partridge, W. Heatheote, jun., A. C. Partridge, J. Johnson, W. B. Delacombe, F. G. Huggins, J. Cheetham, B. Johnson, and H. Tempest, all of Derby; H. T. ■Hincks, J. Shakespear, J.
H. Tarratt, — Tarratt, T. H. Ford, W. Burton, all of Leicester ; C. Harrison and R. Harrison, Burton-on-Trent; J. Hodgkinson (Matlock Bridge), C. P. Plant (Buxton), T. Wardle (Chesterfield), F. W. German (Loughborough),
J. Crompton (Mansfield), E. H. Hepper and J. S. Webb (Leeds) ; Arthur Butler, E. II. Henry, H. F. Joyce, A. M. Cawthorne, G. Fairbairns, G. E. Clarke, W. J. Bassett, all of London; O. H. Elsom (High Wycombe),
E Walton (Nottingham), J. Press׳ (Nottingham), T. H. Griffiths (Longton), J. H. Hartle (Sheffield), J. H. Duff (Leigh), S. T. Watson (Ripley), S. Watson (Heanor), Harold Tinker (Huddersfield), C. E. South and W. S. Bag-shaw (Uttoxeter), W. Bennett (Burton-on-Trent) ; A. R. Lee (Ripley), J. F. Goddard (Glossop), and F. Ruff (Long Eaton).
The usual loyal toaists having been proposed from the chair and duly honoured,
Mr. James F. Field (Past President, London) gave the “Imperial Parliament.” After a few humorous remarks, he proceeded to say that there were two gentlemen in ׳that room who had sat in Parliament on benches which were diametrically opposite. The fact that they had to look at the same subject from a different standpoint was not at all peculiar to members of the legislative body ; even surveyors and auctioneers had often to do that, and׳ sometimes did it with a vast amount of success (laughter and applause). But whatever might be said in lighter vein! about Imperial Parliament, it could not be denied that its antiquity was only equalled by the respect in which it was held by all classes of Englishmen (applause). The Parliament o׳f Great Britain had been aptly described as the mother of Parliaments.^ Asa mother there was a very strong analogy in Parliament to Her Majesty the Queen. Our Queen had been throughout her long life a model for mothers, and the׳ ;mother of Parliaments, had been, and he hoped always would be, a model of what a legislative council should be (applause). During the last few months Members of Parliament had shown that they were ready to let party strife cease in face of a common danger (applause). They had striven for the grand old flag in order to preserve inviolate the ׳honour o’f our country (applause). These words would also apply to- the House of Lords, which he considered the most democratic assembly in the wide world (laughter). He said that because it was absolutely recruited from the ranks׳ (hear, hear). Whatever was good and excellent was sure in the course of time to׳ find its place in the House of Lords (laughter and applause). When it was considered that great poets׳, great statesmen, great soldiers׳, gallant sailors, excellent brewers (laughter) had recruited the ranks of the House of Lords, their Radical friends would have nothing to complain of except perhaps that behind the front benches there was not a single auctioneer (loud laughter). Mr. ■Field said lie coupled with the toast the name of Sir Henry Bemrose, the member for the borough of Derby.
The toast was well received.
Sir H. H. Bemrose, who, upon rising to respond, was received with loud cheering, said he wished in the׳ first place to express the gratification it had given him to be the guest of such an enlightened body of men as the Auctioneers’ Institute. He found himself in׳ the company of a body of gentlemen who had associated together for the furtherance of their interests as professional men engaged in the same profession, and if he might judge by the specimens which he had the pleasure of meeting, he should say they were a body of gentlemen unsurpassed in the British Empire (laughter and applause). It seemed to him a most proper thing that they should unite !themselves together in the way they had done (hear, bear). Their motto was “ Defence and not Defiance’( ; if any body of men wished to hold their own in these days׳ they must combine (applause). He was glad to iearn that their Institute was flourishing, and; that it was conducted on such lines as would not only tend to improve themselves but also benefit the public generally. Sir Henry proceeded to chaff the members upon the possession of a remarkable gift of oratory, and described ׳them, amid much laughter, as the residuary legatees of an almost defunct race in that respect. He proceeded to remark that he had always been puzzled by the vast amount of knowledge the auctioneer possessed. With hammer in hand the auctioneer of these days was quite up-to-date, and ׳he could only compare him with the newspaper, which told them all it knew and something besides (loud laughter). Reverting to the subject matter of the
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toast, the speaker said that whilst the British | the country during the last 20 years, and his !
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loss would be very deeply felt by a large circle of friends.
Parliament had many faults, for its members were only human, it had also many excellences.