Haverfordwest and Milford Haven Telegraph and General Weekly Reporter for the Counties of Pembroke Cardigan Carmarthen Glamorgan and the Rest of South Wales

 7? DARDEN PARTY AT PICTON CASTLE. SIR CHARLES PHILIPPS ENTERTAINS THE COUNTY COUNCIL AND THE CORPORATION. The knack of doing just the right thing in the most pleasing way is admittedly one of the happiest social characteristics of Sir Charles Philipps, and the garden party given by him at Picton Castle last Friday afternoon was a pleasant function most effectively carried out. It was perhaps one of the most agreeable methods in which he could show his appreciation of the honour conferred upon him by the County Council by electing him to the chairmanship for the second term, although he has already amply repaid them by the able, dignified and courteous manner in which he fulfils the duties of tha office. He also extended his hospitality to the members of the Haverfordwest Corporation, with which he has been intimately connected, having worn the Mayoral robes for two years, and he was careful not to overlook the officials of both bodies, to whom a large amount of credit is due for the smooth and satisfactory working of county and municipal affairs. Friday morning looked somewhat threatening, but it cleared up later on, and the weather during the afternoon, at no time very reliable, held up wonderfully well. All who could possibly respond to the kind invitation of Sir Charles and Lady Philipps did so, and there was a large assemblage of guests on the grounds by 3 o'clock. As each party arrived they were courteously welcomed by the genial host and hostess-as well as by Mr H. E. E. Philipps and Miss Philipps—and immediately set at their ease. The grounds and gardens, which are kept in splendid con- dition, looked beautiful and were greatly admired by the guests, who spent some hours walking through them. The fine trees round the castle were clothed in a wealth of foliage, the dahlias, asters, geraniums, etc., in the garden extorted a chorus of praise, and the scenic beauties of the surroundings were enhanced by the pleasing effect of the strains of the music provided by the band upon the lawn. Nature and art have collaborated most effectively to make the grounds of Picton Castle as quietly picturesque as can well be imagined. The guests were also privileged to be escorted through portions of the Castle itself, and to an antiquarian, like the Mayor of Haverfordwest, this portion of the proceedings was perhaps the most interesting of all. Built in the time of William Rufus, before that unfortunate monarch fell a victim to the mediteval pursuit of stopping arrows- which was almost as dangerous a pastime as modern football-it was taken possession of by a Norman knight, William de Picton, about 1087. Through defect of issue male, as the old chronicles put it, it descended from him to the Wogans, then to the Donnes, and lastly to the family of Philipps of Kylsant, in whose possession it has remained for generations. The grounds were modernised by Lord Milford, who resided there. The Castle had some rough experiences since the old Norman baron first set it up to brave "the battle of the breeze." Sir Richard Philipps, who is described as an intrepid general, sustained a siege there during the time of Charles 1. It was captured by the Cavaliers, and re- captured by the Roundheads. Sir John Philipps, however, is even better known than Sir Richard, although he does not seem to have had his career diversified by such stirring incidents as seiges. He it was who presented the Old Bridge to Haverfordwest, and made himself eminent for many philauthrophic works. His portrait at the Castle was examined with Jrest by many of the guests who knew something of !.8 history, whilst those who delight in such lore will find his monument in St. Mary's with a, remarkable inscription, and a letter from him in reply to an invi- tation to stand for the Parliamentary representation of Haverfordwest is still preserved in the Council Chamber. It would take too much space to describe all the objects of interest in the Castle. The ladies were loud in their praise of the tasteful decoration of the various rooms, through which they were escorted several valuable paintings were greatly admired by connoisseurs, but one feature—the beautifully carved mantlcpieces- extorted the admiration of all. They are the work of an Italian artist, who was engaged on them for years. The mosaics are magnificently delicate pieces of work. The Chapel, with its beautiful stained glass windows, was greatly admired. The antiquarians, however, manifested greatest interest in examining the dungeon dark and deep," in which the Knights of old, who held the Castle, immured those who had incurred their wrath. It is in a splendid state of preservation. If it were not in the hands of such a kind-hearted host, and if the Habeas Corpus Act and other Acts had not abolished the law of the strong right arm," it might even yet prove the safe abiding place of refractory servai's. Another relic of ancient days is to be seen in the rack filled with arms in the kitchen. Here are swords, battle-axes, javelins and old flint-lock muskets, at which an up-to-date rabbit ten yards off would now sniff contemptuously. In clo^e proximity huug what the secretary, Mr Lowe, graphically described as a turtle, which had been killed and eaten and painted on the back with a coat of arms." Leaving these interesting aspects of the walk through the Castle, it may be mentioned that the arrangements for the installation of the electric light will be completed about October. A power-house has been erected with two 12 h.p. engines, one of which will be used as a stand- by in case of any accident to the other. All these things were examined with interest by the guests, who were highly delighted with them, as well as by the picturesque- ness of the surroundings, in which their afternoon was spent. Hospitality was dispensed in the conservatory and in the open air, and all enjoyed themselves thoroughly till G o'clock, when they took leave of their kind hosts. The following were amongst the guests present:—Sir Owen H. P. Scourfield, Bart., Mr Morris Owen, Mr M. Samson, Mr E. Eaton Evans, Mr W. G. Eaton Evans, Mr C. W. R. Stokes, Mr Robert George, Mr G. P. Brewer, Mr and Mrs Humphreys, Rev. Lewis James and Mrs James; Mr and Mrs W. Palmer Morgan, Mr and Mrs Jas. Harrips, Mr S. H. Owen, Mr Joseph Thomas and Miss Thomas; Mr and Mrs S. B. Sketch, Mr and Mrs W. T. Davies, Mr Richard John, Mr and Mrs John Evans, Bletherston; Mr James Thomas and Miss Thomas, Philbeach Mr Robert Ward, Mr and Mrs R. H. Harries, Mr and Mrs Thomas, Bicton Mr R. Carrow, Mr C. Carrow, Mr and Mrs W. J. Canton, Mr and Mrs O. H. S. Williams, Mr and Mrs T. E. Thomas, Trehale Mr and Mrs W. D. George, Mr and Mrs A. W. Massy, Mr Arthur H. Thomas, Mr and Mrs Matthews, Miss Wood-Smith and Miss Baird, Withybush; Mr Guy Allen, Rev. W. and Miss Scott, the Mayor (Mr T. L. James) and Miss White, Alderman Thomas James, Alderman T. Rule Owen, Alderman Wm. Williams and Mrs Williams, Mr W. H. George and Mrs George, Mr W. J. Jones, Mr Jas. Reynolds and Miss Reynolds, Mr and Mrs Geo. Davies, Mr and Mrs J. H. Bishop, Mr and Mrs R. Mumford, Mr and Mrs Isaiah Reynolds, Mr and Mrs W. McKenzie, Mr P. White, Mr and Mrs Gibbon, Mr F. J. Warren and Mrs Evans, Dr. C. Brigstocke and Miss Brigstocke Mr James Thomas and Mrs Thomas, Rock House; Mr T. Russell, Mr and Mrs John Bland, Dr. P. A. Lloyd, Mr. W. Owen, National and Provincial Bank, and Miss Owen, Mr J. W. Hammond, Mrs Hammond and Mrs HoulJsworth, and the representatives of the Telegraph and Herald. The band of the E. Co* (Pembroke) 1st Y.B. Welsh Regiment, under the capable conductorship of Band- master T. James, discoursed the following musical programme during the afternoon: Grand March, Preciosa," Devery; Overture, Tancredi," Rossini; Waltz, Sobre Las Olas," Rosas Selection, Reminiscences of Wales," Hare Piccolo Solo, Danse de Satyrs," Suppe Waltz, Soldaten Lieder," Gunge; de Satyrs, Reminiscences of Scotland," Weber Inter- mezzo, The Road to Moscow," De Loatz March, Washington," Sotwell; God save the King.