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IMAJORITY OF JOHN FREDERICK…

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I MAJORITY OF JOHN FREDERICK LORT PHILLIPS, ESQ. I During what is called living memory, which has been the most popular and best-beloved family in the county of Pembroke ? If such a question were asked in any part of Pembrokeshire, there would be hut one answer-the Lort Phillipses. We do not give this as mere empty flattery, because the fact i, ah well known to everybody in Pembrokeshire as it is known to ourselves. The family occupy a very important place in the history of Haverfordwest and its neigh- bourhood for a century past, we may say for centurit s, and therefore the majority of a heir in such a family is naturally a matter of very considerable interest. We mentioned a fortnight ago that the heir to such estates as those of Lawrenny and Nash must necessarily occupy a prominent position in the county; but there is something more than this to account for the very hearty rejoicings that have taken place this week. Mr Phillips is the eldest, son of the late Mr Richard Lort Phillips, who was the third son of the late Mr John Lort Phillips, of Haverfordwest, and brother of the late Mr George Lort Phillips of Lawrenny Castle, who is well known throughout the kingdom as having been for many years one of the most popular masters of foxhounds in all the country, and who at the time of his death was Member of Parliament for Pembrokeshire. The young Squire who now attains his majority is therefore connected on the paternal side with Mr Scourfield's family, Mr Allen of Cresselly's famih, and other families occupying a prominent position in the country and on the maternal side h is connected with Baron De Rutzen, who is in fact his uncle. Under such circumstances he comes into possession of his estates bringing with him antecedents of which any man on earth might be proud. It can hardly be expected that the young Squire of Lawrenny should as yet be very widely known, but as an officer in the Castlemartin Yeomanry, and in all such matters as have brought him before the public, rumour places him as a very worthy represen- tative of the Phillipses. When some eight years ago the country mourned the death of Mr George Lort Phillips, the estates of Lawrenny and Nash were placed by the Court of Chancery under the control of Admiral Lort Stokes of Haverford- west, who appointed as agent of the property, his nephew, Mr C. W. R. Stokes (of the firm of Messrs Gwynne and Stokes), Tenby. It will be universally confessed that no better appointments could possibly be made in the interests of all parties. Everybody on the etltates felt that they had to treat with gentlemen, and the transactions of the eight years have been eminently of a cordial character and satisfactory to all concerned. The announcement that the young Squire has succeeded in retaining the services of Mr Stokes will be received with pleasure by the tenantry, and everywhere it will be acknowledged that the excellent advice which was given by Admiral Stokes, is a fitting termination to his connection with the estates, Mrs George Lort Phillip*, who continues to occupy the stately mansion of Lawrenny Castle, has with that kindness of disposition so characi eristic of her, taken the principal part in the preparations for cele- brating the majority of her nephew with becoming dig- nitv. Mr Phillips came ot age on Saturday last, but Mrs Phillips determined upon having the rejoicings at Law- renny Castle on Wednesday. The tenantry on other parts of the estate celebrated the event on Saturday, and at night, huge bonfires were lit up in different parts of the country. At Robeston Wathen, Mr J. H. Harkett, the largest landholder on the estate in that neighbourhood, undertook the conduct of the proceedings, and well he did his work. Several farmers lent their carts to convey furze and other material for a bonfire, and by Saturday evening a huge mass of combustible material had been collected. As night set in the huge mass was set on fire, and burnt brilliantly for several hours. The spectators the mean- while were regaled with a plentiful supply of good beer, and the health of the young Squire was heartily pledged in frorft of the blazing pile. The health of Mr C. W. R. Stokes and Mrs Stokes was also drank most cor- dially. The crovid having become warm through the good things supplied them, Mr Hackett was shouldered, and who finished up the night's proceedings by de- livering an address, which was loudly cheered. The rejoicings on other portions of the estates were equally hearty. But it was on Wednesday, at Lawrenny, that the rejoicings assumed the greatest magnitude. Mrs Phillips had caused invitations to be sent to upwards of four hundred of the tenantry, and many besides, and Mr Finch of Carmarthen was en- gaged to provide a dinner for the large company. This was no easy undertaking, but everything was carried out very satisfactorily. There appeared to be a general holiday in the country around Lawrenny, and every- body seemed to vie with each other in the matter of decorations. At Penquaint a very handsome arch of evergreens and flowers spanned the road, and in the cen. tre was the motto, Welcome to thine inheritance," in red letters on a white ground. At the entrance to the old mansion there was a similar arch with the motto Peace and happiness attend thee," and higher up the village were two other arches one bearing the motto 11 Peace and prosperity attend thee," and the other at the entrance to the park had the family crest and motto, Animo et fide." At the mansion there was a dis- tinguished party entertained, the magnificent hall being tastefuly decorated, suspended on the walls of which were the following texts in illuminated letters—" May God send his blessings on yon," Long continuance and increasing hourly jcys be still npon you." Admiral Stokes and Mr C. W. R. Stokes were everywhere during the day extending their courtesies to all who came within their influence. In the park there were assembled some twelve or fifteen hundred persons, the fine weather favouring the holiday seekers immensely. The out-door proceedings were rendered very much more enjoyable by the presence of the Oastlemartin Yeomanry Band, under the leadership of Mr T. W. Thomas and during the day some very fine pieces were played in an excellent style. We should not forget to mention that the decorations were carried out under the guidance of the Rev O. Phillips and Mrs Phillips, in a manner that reflects credit upon their taste and judgment. The dinner to the tenantry and those who had been invited to join in the day's festivities was laid in a com- modious marquee, erected in front of the mansion by Mr Job Smart of Cardiff. The marquee was nicely decorated, and suitable mottoes were suspended in several parts. The tables were laid for between 400 and 500 persons, and every place was occupied. Mr Scourfield, the respected Member for the county of Pembroke, occupied the chair, having on his right Mrs Lort Phillips and on his left Mr J. F. Lort Phillips. There were present-Mrs Scourfield, Mr Owen Scour- field, and Mr John Scourfield Mr John Higgon and Mrs Higgon; Lady Catherine Allen; Baron De Rutzen, Slobech Hall Mr Gillett, London, and Mrs Gillett; Admiral Lort Stokes, Haverfordwest, and Mrs Stokes Mr Edward Curre, Itten Court, near Chepstow Rev O. Phillips, Lawrenny, and Mrs Phillips Miss Harrison and Miss Bessie Harrison Mr Eugene de Rutzen, Slebech Hall; Mr C. W. R. Stokes and Mr Gwvnne. Tenbv Mr G. Ormond, Williamston Mr W. Hulm, Pembroke Mr F. Bowers and Mr J. Hughes, Tenby, &c., &e. The Chairman, when eating had concluded, said the first toast on this and all public occasions was the health of Her Majesty the Queen, whose name was always mentioned with feelings of gratitude, respect, and af- fection. With the toast he would on this occasion couple the Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family. The Prince of Wales was at preeent on a long journey, which he had undertaken for the purpose of further consolidating his Eastern possessions, and it could not but have a good effect upon the character of the English people. If they felt cold this afternoon they might warm themselves by thinking of the Prince of Wales in India (laughter and cheers). Admiral Stokes said-I have been requested to pro. propose a toast—a toast which you will have as much pleasure in drinking as I have in proposing. It is the health of that excellent and noble minded lady, Mrs Lort Phillips (loud cheers). No words of mine are adequate to convey to you the feelings of respect that I entertain for her, and I shall not attempt to do so. I have much pleasure in proposing her health, wishing her a long life and happiness. (The toast was drunk with great enthusiasm, the cheering being kept up for some time.) The Chairman-I have been requested by Mrs Lort Phillips to return her thanks for the very kind mention of her name by Admiral Stokes, and for your kind reception of the toast. As I am now representing a lady, I hope you will fancy me for a moment to be a lady, and extend to me that indulgence which it is customary to extend to the sex (laughter). As to Mrs Lort Philips, she must feel great satisfection at being surrounded by so many friends, and she does give you all a most cordial welcome here under the shadows of those walls upon which she and her lamented husband bestowed so much care dnd attention for many years. The noble building is a credit to tba architecture of the county, and in that character it will be regarded by succeeding generations (hear, hear). I am sure it is unnecessary for me to say one word more upon this occasion. I shall content myself with thanking you for the kind reception which you have given to Mrs Phillips's name (cheers). The Chairman, again rising, said-Ladies and gentle- men—I feel that you must all anticipate and are fully prepared to appreciate the toast which I am now going to propose. It is the health of Mr John Frederick Lort Phillips, and I am sore we all unite most heartily in wishing him long life and prosperity (loud cheers, everyone rising). It is impossible for me on the present occasion, whuD I am thinking of the future, to be en- tirely forgetful of the past. I cannot help thinking, looking at the average duration of life, that many persons have been called away who had more right to be present to day than I have. But if it be true that to live in the hearts of those who knew them is not to die, then I am sure that, Mr Phillips's predecessors still survive and live in the hearts ot those who recollect and appreciate their honourable character and kindly disposition (loud cheers.) I will once more repeat my wish for the health and prosperity of Mr Lort Phillips. I hope he will live for many years to use all the advantages which his position places withm his reach to the satisfaction of his friends and to his own happiness. (The toast was drunk amidst great enthusiasm, the cheering being con- tinued for some time.) The Rev. 0 Phillips next read the following address on behalf of the tenant" We, the tenants of the Lawrenny and Nash Estates, desire to offer you our warmest congratulations on the great events of this day, viz.:—Your coming of age and entering into possession of your ancestral domains. As the representative of a family that has tor centuries owned this property, as the son of one of the most kindhearted, honourable, and generous of men, and as the nephew and successor of one whose name will ever be remembered as that of the most popular county member, the most liberal and sympathising of landlords, the truest and staunchest of friends, and the most perfect country gentleman, we desire with the utmost respect and cordiality to bid you welcome. The recollection of the past, combined with the genial and approachable disposition you have shown while among us, cheers us with the belief that we have in you a gentleman fully qualified for the distinguished position in which you are placed, and no words of ours could adequately express the gratification with which we see you here to-day. We beg your acceptance of this salver as a memorial of this our first meeting, and in testimony of our respect and esteem for your family and yourself. We only add that our earnest prayer is that health and prosperity may ever attend you, that your future may be useful and happy, and that you may long continue to live in our midst and in our hearts (loud cheers). The address was signed by upwards of four hundred of the tenantry on the Lawrenny and Na-h estates. The salver aud clarei jug each bore the following in tieription Presented to John Frederick Lort, Phil- lips, Esq., of Lawrenny Park, on attaining his majority, 27th November, 1875, by the tenants of Lawrenny and N ash estates." Mr Henry Davies of Haverfordweat also read a con- gratulatory address from the tenants at, Neylmd. Mr Phillips, who on rising was again loudly cheered, said -Ladies and gentlemen In rising to respond to the toast you have so cordially received, I need scarcely tell you that my experience in such matters has been rather limited, and that I shall require your indulgence. Indeed, I feel that the brilliant assembly with which I am surrounded, the hearty reception you have given me, the touching address and the costly gifts that have been presented to me, might well embarass older men than myself (cheers) And while I am persuaded that I owe all this rather to the esteem in which you held my honoured uncle and parents than to anything I have done, it only deepens my sense of gratitude towards you (renewed cheers). This very elegant salver and claret jug (as a testimonial of your regard for my family and myself) I accept with heart-felt gratitude, and promise you that they shall be safely kept among my choicest treasures. They are all the more acceptable from the fact of their being entirely unexpected (cheers). I may truly say that the remembrance of this day, and of your cheering and hearty greeting will never be effaced from my mind (renewed cheering). It affords me much pleasure to learn that the tenants on this estate are second to none in intelligence, industry, and respectability; and I am sure you will be glad to know that I have secured the continuance of Mr Stokes's services in the management of the property (hear, hear, and loud cheers). Hitherto you and I have seen but little of each other. As the successor of my late uncle I feel that I tread, as it were, on hallowed ground; but by following as closely as circumstances may admit, the noble example he has set before me, I trust that a more intimate acquaintance with you all may entitle me to some portion of the approbation with which you have received me to day (loud cheers). Ladies and gentle. men-I thank you very, very much for the honour you have done me. Before I sit down, I beg to propose the health of the ladies who have so kindly honoured us by their presence here to-day-a toast which, I am sure, will be ably acknowledged on their behalf by my friend Mr Curre (loud cheers). Mr Curre returned thanks in a humorous and appro- priate speech. The Rev 0. Phillips said—I have been asked to pro- pose the next toast, and I do so with very great pleasure. It is the health of the young Squire's mother, sisters and brother. As to his mother, you knew her at Ashdile with her husband and children, and you know what a great bereavement she sustained at an early age through ner husband being taken away from her. Her trials as a young widow left with young children to care for, were very severe. It is the duty of parents to bring up their children in the way they should go, and her partner being removed, a double duty fell upon Mrs Phillips, and I can conscientiously say, that what we have seen here to-day in the conduct of her sons and daughters, is a proof of the able and honourable manner in which she has done her doty (cheers). I am proud to think that the proceedings here to-day will be fully chronicled, and that her noble character will be handed down to posterity (loud cheers). Mr Gillett briefly acknowledged the toast. The Chairman next proposed the health of Admiral Stokes, who had managed the estate so well during Mr Phillips's minority. The gallant Admiral bad been twice round the world, and was as well known on the high seas all he was here but he had never been in company where he was more appreciated than on this occasion. He had piloted many a ship and bad lately been steering the ship of the Lawrenny estate, and he was quite sure that the gallant Admiral had never been in any company where he was held in higher esteem than on the present occasion. (The toast was drunk amidst great enthusiasm). Admiral Stokes, who on rising to respond, was loudly cheered, said -Ladies and gentlemen, I have to thank Mr Scourfield for the complimentary way in which he has proposed my health, and my thanks are due to you all for the very kind manner in which you have been pleased to receive the toast. I also beg very sincerely to thank Mrs Lort Phillips for affording me the grati- fication of joining in the celebration of the coming of age of the heir to that dearly loved and generous- hearted man, the late Squire of Lawrenny Castle, whose sad, sad loss Pembrokeshire at large still deeply deplores (hear, hear). But I must not dwell on the melancholy on a day of rejoicing like this-a day which I believe will be felt and thought of everywhere in this county (loud cheers). You are all aware that for some years past the Court of Chancery has placed the Lawrenny and other estates under my control. In their management, I have now thankfully to ac- knowledge the kind and able assistance which I have received from Mrs Lort Phillips, Mr C. Stokes, of Tenby, and my zealous, upright, and painstaking clerk, David Thomas (loud cheers). During those years of what I may call my stewardship, I have endea- voured to study economy, and at the same time have paid every attention to the urgent wants of the tenants in the way of repairs, as many present to-day can testify (loud cheers). Those repairs and other estate improvements, have been at- tended with a very considerable outlay, owing to the condition the various farm buildings were found to be in -an outlay that I am satisfied will prove on inspec- tion to be of a strictly necessary character (hear, hear). Possessing, as the present young squire of Lawrenny does, the Lort Phillips' truly affable and cheery manner, he is certain to follow in the footsteps of his beloved and generous uncle, by winning the affections of all he comes in contact with, and especially of his tenantry (loud cheers). God grant he may long be spared to make their homes happy, and to fill his destined position of being one of the first gentlemen in this his county (loud cheers). Baron de Rutzen in a few complimentary words pro- posed the health of the Charman, the toast being drunk amidst loud cheers. The Chairman briefly acknowledged the compliment paid him. Mr C. W. R. Stokes said—I now rise to propose a toast, which I know will meet with your hearty ap- proval. It is the health of the tenants on the Lawrenny and Nash Estates (cheers). I think I can consci- entiously say, after an experience of eight years, that it is impossible for any landlord to have a better tenantry (hear, hear). When the rent day comes round they meet me rent in hand and with a smile on their faces (hear, hear). Now, ladies and gentlemen, what makes a good tenant ? Why, a good landlord (hear, bear). And that is the reason why the tenants on these estates have always been so good and true to their landlord (cheers). I therefore beg to propose, with the greatest sincerity, health and properity to the tenants on the Lawrenny and Nash Estates (loud cheers). The toast was responded to by Mr James Davies, Knowles, in a very sensible speech, which was well received. He said-In en leavouring to respond to the toast, I venture, in the name of the tenantry, to return our most sincere and heartfelt thanks for the very flattering and encouraging manner in which our health has been received. We earnestly hope that the young gentleman whose coming of age we have met to celebrate to-day, may be long spared to be called onr landlord, and we have every reason to believe that be will be a good and honourable one (cheers). I am sure that we all wish him every pros- perity and success, and I hope there will be nothing wanting on our part as tenants (hear, hear). I hope also that for many years to come, on our rent audit, we shall have the pleasure of meeting, as his worthy and our respected agent, Charles William Rees Stokes, Esq. (loud cheers). The Rev O. Phillips said—Ladies and gentlemen,—I have another toast to propose to you, and that is the health of Mr Charles Stokes (loud cheers). We have just heard that Admiral Stokes has conducted the ship of the Lawrenny estate in safety for a period of eight years, and I believe I can truly Bay that he has had on board an able and apt seaman in the person of his nephew, Mr Charles Stokes (loud cheers). He has spoken of the pleasure with which be has always met us as tenants. I am sure we as tenants can reciprocate that feeling, and say that we are al Wa) 8 rejoiced to see him amongst us (cheers), I feel confident that I speak the sentiments of the majority of the tenants on this estate when I say that we were glad when we heard from the lips of the Squire this evening that he has succeeded in retaining the services of Mr Charles Stokes as agent of this property (the toast was drunk with loud cheers, which were continued for some time). Mr Stokes said,- Ltidies and gentlemen,—I find it much easier to propose a toast than to respond to the toast that has been proposed, in such a kind and cordial manner by my friend Mr Phillips. I shall ever look hltck with great pride at this day, as the day on which I was appointed agent for the Lawrenny and Nash estates, and I assure you it will be my endeavour to do my duty to the landlord and his tenants, to the utmost of my ability (cheers). But I will not take upon my- self the credit for what has been done for the last eight years, for whatever has been done by me, his been done under the able direction of my uncle, Ad- miral Stokes (chaera). Whatever he has suggested, I hllye endeltvoured to carry out. 1 thank you very much lor your kindness (loud cheers). The proceedings in the marquee were thus brought to a close. The visitors continued to enjoy themselves in various ways until long after night had set in. The village of Lawrenny was most completely and tastefully illuminated, and on a neighbouring eminence there was a huge bonfire, the glare of which illumined the country for miles around during several hours. The South Pembrokeshire Hounds meet this morning at Lawrenny Castle, when Mr Phillips gives his first bunt breakfast, which will be got up in a styie befitting the occasion, under thesupenision of Mr Finch.

DR. MOFFAT AT WESTMINSTER…

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