(Transcription) Western Morning News • 31 Aug 1906, page 5

LORD ELIOT'S MAJORITY.
PRESENTATIONS TO HIS LORDSHIP AND PARENTS.
THE TENANTRY ENTERTAINED.
It was a red-letter day in the history of St. Germans yesterday. Never has the pretty Cornish village been so crowded with people and filled with enthusiasm to do honour to a noble and highly-esteemed family. The occasion was the majority of Lord Eliot, son and heir of the Earl and Countess of St. Germans, and the day was given over entirely to festivity. It also came to the knowledge of the tenantry of the Port Eliot Estate that on the 18th of October next the noble earl and countess will celebrate their silver wedding at their seat at Down Ampney, Gloucestershire, and they determined that on the occasion of the coming-of-age of Lord Eliot they would show the earl and countess some mark of the high regard and affection in which they are held in a wide district. Thus it came about that the day was one of immense interest, and thousands flocked to the splendid ancestral home of the St. Germans family to do homage.

The tenantry had decided to mark the occasion by presenting Lord Eliot with a handsome silver cup of the 16th century pattern, richly enchased, and to commemorate the silver wedding of the noble earl and countess by asking their acceptance of a silver cup of exactly the same description. On the other hand, the household and estate staff decided upon a splendid gold watch and chain for Lord Eliot, and a replica of the famous Warwick vase for the Earl and Countess of St. Germans. The day was brilliant. To add to the enjoyment the church bells of the parish rang out merry peals about noon. Knowing the wish of the tenantry and the employees with reference to the presentations, the Earl and Countess of St. Germans decided to invite them all, with their families, to Port Eliot, and yesterday hospitality was extended on a lavish scale. In the centre of the park was erected a huge marquee with 14 long tables, and here nearly twelve hundred persons sat down to lunch as the guests of the Earl and Countess. The sight was one to be remembered. As the guests came trooping towards the marquee through the park they received a cordial welcome from the Earl, the Countess, and Lord Eliot. The luncheon was of a recherche description, and splendidly arranged by H. Matthews and Sons, of Plymouth, who were responsible for the whole of the catering for the day. The Earl and Countess and Lord Eliot were present, and also the following, who are included in the house party at Port Eliot: — The Hon. John Eliot, the Earl and Countess of Mount Edgcumbe, the Earl and Countess of Dartrey, Lady Mary Dawson, the Earl of Morley, Lady Mary Parker, Lady Margaret Boscawen, Sir Arthur and Lady Hardinge, Miss Eliot, Miss Evelyn Eliot, Mr. Montague Eliot, and Mr. Edward Stanley.

During the lunch music was discoursed by the bands of the 1st Batt. D.C.L.I., under Mr. H.M. Reilly, and the 3rd Rifle Brigade, conducted by Mr. Richard T. Stevens. The whole of the arrangements worked with the most perfect smoothness, thanks to the indefatigable energy and courtesy displayed by Mr. C.I.L. Allix, chief agent of the Port Eliot and Down Ampney estates, and Mr. G. Brenton, estates surveyor. The interval between the lunch and presentations was pleasantly spent by selections of music from the bands, sports in one portion of the park, a comical cricket match, and a variety entertainment. Heath and Stoneman, of Plymouth, took photographic groups of the house party.

HANDSOME PRESENTATIONS.
Soon after four o'clock the Earl and Countess of St. Germans and Lord Eliot were invited on to a raised platform in the park, where an entertainment had taken place. In addition to the house party, there were present Lady Ernestine Edgcumbe, Col. Edgcumbe, Col. and Mrs. Wodehouse, Colonel and Mrs. Roberts, Mr. H.Y.B. Lopes and Lady Albertha Lopes, Canon and Mrs. Westmacott, Mr. E.A. St. Aubyn and Mrs. St. Aubyn, Canon and Mrs. Hammond, Mr. Digby Collins, Dr. Gill, Dr. Kerswill, Dr. Harman, Mr. and Mrs. Montagu, Mrs. Boucher, Miss Pole Carew, Mr. and Mrs. Somers Cocks, Miss Hammond, Mr. and Mrs. Penwell, Mr. E. Rashleigh, Messrs. W.F. Creber, J. T. Tucker, Cyril G. Tucker, W. Paige, R. Banbury, L. A. Bursey, W.J. Creber, E. Matthews, R. Oliver, W. Brenton, I. Couch, E.G. Palmer, E Body, and others. In front of the raised platform was a concourse of about two thousand persons.

Mr. W.F. Creber said he had been requested by the tenantry of the Port Eliot estate to ask his lordship's acceptance of a silver cup on the gratifying occasion of his attaining his majority — an event upon which they most heartily congratulated him. (Applause.) Having attained to man's estate, they trusted that Lord Eliot would be guided to retain the traditions of his ancestors. (Hear, hear.) He had had handed on to him the brightest examples of English distinguished noblemen. Notably in the remembrance of the speaker was Lord Eliot's beloved father and grandfather, the third Earl of St. Germans, who acted in the capacity of Postmaster-General, Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, Lord Steward of her Majesty's household, and was chosen by our late beloved Queen Victoria to accompany our present King, then Prince of Wales, on his tour to Canada and the United States of America. (Applause.) These services showed how much he was beloved by his Queen and countrymen. (Applause.) They hoped that the present Lord Eliot might also deserve the same good opinions, and strive to add laurels to the already honoured name of Eliot. (Applause.) They asked his lordship's acceptance of the cup as a pledge of their good wishes, expressing the hope that he might be blessed with good health, happiness, and long life. (Applause.)

The cup, of solid silver, and of the 16th century pattern, standing 22 inches high, was then handed to Lord Eliot amidst vociferous cheers. It contained the following inscription:— "Presented to Lord Eliot, on his 21st birthday by the tenantry of Port Eliot Estate, 30th August, 1906."

Lord Eliot received the cheers, said he hardly knew how to thank the tenantry for their magnificent present, and he could hardly tell them how much he appreciated it. (Applause.) He should always value it. The last time Mr. Creber presented a cup to him was when he made his first appearance in that county — (laughter)— and he was glad to see Mr. Creber acting in that capacity again. (Laughter.) In that county of Cornwall their motto was "One and all," and it was never very difficult for landlords and tenants to get on well together there. (Applause.) He believed that the relationship between Port Eliot and the people on the estate had always been a most friendly one — (applause) — and he sincerely hoped it would continue to be so. (Applause.) Of course, they could not always have the same political opinions, but he did not think it could be said that this created any ill-feeling between landlord and tenant on that estate. (Loud applause.) There was one sentiment expressed which he was sure they would all be in accord with— that the Westcountry was the best place to live in England. (Applause.) there could not be any two opinions about that. (Applause.) He was very glad to be of the Westcountry, although not born in it. (Hear, hear.) That was a very great day for him — his 21st birthday. (Hear, hear.) They all had to be 21 some day if they wished to grow into manhood. (Applause.) But he felt that he was now making his first real appearance amongst them; and although he might be somewhat of a stranger amongst some of them — ("No") — they knew his father much better than himself — (applause)— and he hoped they would extend the same friendship towards him. (Hear, hear.) In returning thanks for their kindness he could only hope that they would have many prosperous seasons as tenants on his father's estate. (Hear, hear.) He hoped they would regard Port Eliot as a big house, not where they ground the rent out of the tenants, but a place where their interests were taken to heart; and that there would continue to be that spirit of entente cordiale which had been so kindly and sincerely manifested in the past. (Applause.) He thanked them from the bottom of his heart for their kindness that day, and hoped they would thoroughly enjoy themselves. (Applause.)

Mr. Creber then said he was desired by his brother tenants on the Port Eliot Estate to ask the acceptance by Lord and Lady St. Germans of a duplicate silver cup on the occasion of their having attained the year of their silver wedding. (Applause.) He was sure that one and all offered their sincere and hearty congratulations, trusting that the Earl and Countess of St. Germans and their sons might be blessed with good health and happiness for very many years to come, so as to enable them to take continued interest in agriculture and a warm and active interest in the welfare and happiness of the tenantry and others. (Applause.) It was in testimony of the good feeling that had always existed between his lordship and the tenants that the gift was made. (Applause.)
The beautiful cup, an exact copy of that presented to Lord Eliot, was then handed to the Earl of St. Germans, the huge crowd raising enthusiastic cheers. On it is the inscription:– "Presented to the Right Hon. the Earl and the Countess of St. Germans on the occasion of their silver wedding by the tenantry of the Port Eliot Estate, 18th October, 1906."

The Earl of St. Germans said it was most appropriate that the occasion of his son's coming of age and the silver wedding of the Countess of St. Germans and himself should be combined in one celebration. He was extremely glad to see so many present, and hoped they would have a thoroughly enjoyable time. It was a long time now, nearly 25 years ago, since Lady St. Germans came amongst them as a stranger, but during that time she had lived the greater part of her life amongst them, and been surrounded by many kind friends. She had done her best, and he believed had won their esteem and affection. (Applause.) During that time they had had to record the loss of many of the tenants, not a great number, but several who were on the estates at the time of his marriage. Many of those old tenants had been succeeded on the farms by their sons or other relatives. (Applause.) It was always a great pleasure to him when this was able to be brought about. (Applause.) Of course, they had some new tenants amongst them, but he hoped and felt satisfied that they would in time be succeeded by their sons, and their sons' sons, to keep up the custom which had existed on that estate for so long of keeping families on the farms, and in the hands of the same families as much as possible. (Applause.) He also sincerely hoped that the friendly relations which had existed so long between his family and the tenants would continue. (Applause.) He thanked them deeply for the very handsome present which the tenants had given to his wife and himself as a memento of their silver wedding, and all on the estate for their goodwill and wishes towards both. Lady St. Germans and himself hoped they would have a very pleasant and happy afternoon.

Mr. G. Brenton then presented a gold watch and chain to Lord Eliot on behalf of the household and estate staff. He said that Lord Eliot had just received the hearty and sincere congratulations of the estate tenantry. He had now the honour of being the mouthpiece of another section of the estate equipment, namely, the household and estate staff of workers. They came forward on that felicitous occasion and tendered to his lordship their warmest congratulations for the present and hearty good wishes for the future. (Applause.) It went without saying that some of them there were at St. Germans before his lordship put in an appearance (laughter) and a few of them were happy to remember that their grandfathers had the honour of serving under his lordship's great-grandfather. They well remembered the first visit of his lordship to his Port Eliot home. (Hear, hear.) It was only natural, therefore, that they should rejoice that day in seeing his lordship under such happy circumstances attain his majority. (Applause.) Twenty-one years ago, when the news came "It is a boy," they in that district passed on the news, "It's a boy, lads; it's a boy" —(laughter)— and they really felt that next to his lordship's beloved father and mother, in a sense he was "their boy." (Applause.) And then the good old homely remark came instinctively to every lip "Let's hope he will make as good a nobleman as his father." (Loud applause.) They wanted to wish him very many happy returns of the day, and to allow them to accompany their good wishes with a small present in the shape of a watch and chain. (Applause.) They felt confident that he would accept it with the same kindly feelings which had prompted them to make it. (Hear, hear.) He (Mr. Brenton) was not so sure that they had been very sagacious in the selection of the present, for in handing to his lordship a good "timekeeper" they might be making a rod for their own backs in case they might be late on duty in the mornings. (Laughter.) Somehow or other they could not help feeling that in the not too distant future they should like to meet him again on a still happier occasion. (Laughter.) But that they would only hint at. (Laughter.) They felt they could not allow the present occasion to pass without referring to the happy relations which had existed, and continued to exist, between employer and employed on that estate. (Applause.) They did not hesitate to say that there was not a man on the estate who would not respond at any hour of the day or night to do his noble master or mistress a service. (Applause.) They also felt that honest and faithful servants in their various capacities were duly appreciated; and they rejoiced, too, in the perfect freedom from anything pertaining to religious or political restraint. (Applause.) They voted how they liked, and they prayed how they liked, and they hoped that in the distant future, when his lordship inherited the fruit of these happy circumstances, he would be prompted to secure the continuity of the noble traditions of his family by developing into a generous-hearted, good, and noble man. (Applause.)

The presentation was made amidst hearty cheering. The watch and chain were enclosed in a Russia leather case. It is a gold semi-hunter, and contains Lord Eliot's coat of arms and the motto "Precedentibus insta." It also bore the inscription: "Presented to Lord Eliot by the household staff at Port Eliot, August 30th, 1906." The gold chain is one made after the pattern worn by Lord Eliot's grandfather.

Lord Eliot said he could assure the household and estate staff that he was deeply grateful for their magnificent present. He should always remember that day, and the kindness of the good people who presented it, when he looked at the watch. (Applause.) He was afraid that Mr. Brenton had been pulling his leg, because if he really wanted to watch those on the estate the most suitable present would have been a stop watch. (Loud laughter.) There was another matter which Mr. Brenton had alluded to, and whenever that did happen he hoped they would all come to Port Eliot again and enjoy themselves as they were that day. (Laughter.) Again he desired to sincerely thank them for their splendid gift. (Hear, hear.)

Mr. Sidney Dowling also, on behalf of the household and estate staff, asked the Earl and Countess of St. Germans to accept a replica in silver of the famous Warwick vase as a memento of their silver wedding, which was about to take place. On behalf of those he represented, he offered the Earl and Countess sincere and hearty congratulations on the approaching anniversary of their silver wedding. (Applause.) They trusted that both the Earl and Countess would be endowed for many years with continued health and happiness, and surrounded by those who were nearest and dearest to them; that they would also enjoy the esteem of all who served under them. The vase was a slight token of their heartfelt wishes to the Earl and Countess, and also to Lord Eliot, whose majority had been reached that day. A few of the friends of the household also desired to give the Hon. John Eliot a memento of that occasion, and would ask his acceptance of a gold pin, set with pearls and diamonds. (Applause.)

The presentation took place whilst a remarkable demonstration of enthusiasm was given by the large concourse of people. The beautiful vase was inscribed: "Presented to the Countess and the Earl of St. Germans on their silver wedding by the household and estate staff at Port Eliot. 1881 – 18th October – 1906."

Hon. John Eliot, who was the first to reply, received a warm reception. He said the presentation had taken him entirely by surprise. If Mr. Dowling had only told him of it before he might have been prepared with a speech. (Laughter.) He heartily thanked them for their gift. It was an extremely nice present, which he should always prize. (Applause.)

The Earl of St. Germans said Lady St. Germans and himself had been very much touched by the kindness of the household and the estate staff in giving them a memento of the anniversary of their 25th wedding day. They admired very much the beautiful present that had been selected. There were now but a few left in the household that were there in October, 1881, but those who were would probably remember the day when his wife came amongst them. These years had passed speedily and happily. He did not expect to have many more anniversaries, but he hoped they would continue to show the same mutual friendship and goodwill which had existed for so many years to his successors and those in their employ. It was really a handsome present, which was highly appreciated. (Applause.)

The Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, received with cheers, said he had been asked to act as the mouthpiece of those present and propose the health of Lord Eliot and the Earl and Countess of St. Germans. Their views had already been expressed in the speeches which had been made during the presentations. They desired to show to Lord Eliot how sincerely they congratulated him upon having reached that stage in life's journey which generally recognised a marked transition from youth to manhood, and also to wish him most heartily many happy returns on that auspicious day. (Applause.) Many of them knew Lord Eliot, perhaps, more intimately than he did, but he hoped he claimed to being one of Lord St. Germans' oldest friends. (Applause.) He had known Lord Eliot, and been deeply interested in his prospects since his earliest childhood. (Applause.) He thought he could also speak of him in a somewhat more official character, because the life of a young man with such promise as his was a matter of interest, not only to his immediate friends and family, not only to the tenants and neighbours, but to the county at large in which his lot was cast, and in which they hoped to see him take a leading part. (Applause.) Lord Eliot had shown his interest, not only in the cricket field and in the hunting field, but in other forms of sport in which they delighted to see him distinguish himself, and also in matters connected with the interests of the county of Cornwall and the welfare of its people. (Applause.) To do this he was qualified not only by his position, but by his undeniable abilities, of which they had had an opportunity of judging upon several platforms not very long ago. (Hear, hear.) They not only congratulated Lord Eliot upon attaining his majority so happily, but also wished him from the bottom of their hearts many happy returns of the day in that red-letter-day, a long life of health, happiness, and usefulness, and also, might he say, the enjoyment of that most precious heritage, the affection and regard of those amongst whom he was connected and which he already shared with his distinguished parents. (Applause.)

The band of the 1st Battalion D.C.L.I. played "For he's a jolly good fellow," which the company joined in singing, followed by cheers for Lord Eliot and the Earl and Countess of St. Germans. The band also rendered "Fine old English gentleman," and cheers were raised for Lord Mount Edgcumbe.

In the large marquee a tea was provided for everyone present, and later sports were carried out.

ENTERTAINMENTS.
The visitors were provided with an abundance of entertainment. On a large raised platform in the centre of the park Professor Johns, of Plymouth, superintended a number of artistes. Excellent talent had been engaged by Mr. Johns, and at times there were three or four entertainments in progress simultaneously. The Professor had huge crowds to watch his sleight-of-hand tricks and illusions. The production of live rabbits from all manner of places produced roars of laughter, and people were delighted and mystified with a new trick. In the course of the latter feat the Professor received the watches of several persons in the crowd, and after apparently smashing them beyond recognition, restored them without as much as a scratch on them to their owners. Assisting Professor Johns were the comedians, Runsen and Burner. They rendered several character comic songs to the great amusement of a huge gathering, and their patter and witticisms considerably delighted their patrons. In the Horse Shoe, Mr. Bickford conducted a Punch and Judy show, and his performances were followed with interest by a large body of the juvenile visitors. Two very clever youthful vocalists and dancers, Roy Hicks and Miss Leah Fabri, carried out a most entertaining programme; whilst Messrs. Vivian and Jasper, attired as pierrots, went about the grounds and gave entertainments as strolling players. Miss M. Tomkinson was the pianist who accompanied the singers.

GRAND FIREWORK DISPLAY.
The day's festivities concluded with a magnificent firework display, carried out under the superintendence of Mr. C.T. Brock, of the Crystal Palace. Excellent arrangements had been made, the fireworks being discharged in a most convenient spot, and affording the many thousands present a superb view. The demonstration commenced at 8.15, and lasted over an hour, giving abundant pleasure. In the first place a large aerial maroon was discharged announcing the display, and the grounds were splendidly illuminated with the coloured fires as used at the Crystal Palace and large exhibitions in various parts of the world. A large portrait of Lord Eliot, 30 feet square, was presented to the crowd amidst enthusiastic cheers, which were renewed with vigour when there appeared the wordpiece wishing his lordship "Many happy returns of the day." The representation of an acrobat performing feats on an horizontal bar caused roars of laughter, and there was a realistic cock fight, similar to the one which was represented before the German Emperor. A striking piece was that which formed a huge tree covering a space of 30 feet, and from the branches of which were discharged numberless coloured balls. A battery of Roman candles also sent forth thousands of coloured balls into the air, and this was followed by many coloured fires and revolving wheels. A dancing globe of brilliant hues was sent into space, and in quick succession came a display of 100 rockets which eventually formed into a large wheat sheaf. Coronation rockets were discharged in quick succession, and a most artistic device with the words "Hearty greetings" was loudly applauded. The discharge of Roman lights, 15 inch, 24 inch, and 30 inch shell rockets kept the audience fixed on the pyrotechnic display, and one of the novelties of the evening was to see the setting off of tourbillons which, in their ascent, formed into various coloured sunshades. At the conclusion of the firework entertainment a large piece was shown quite 20 feet square, which wished the people present "Good night."

The gold pin, set with pearls and diamonds, which was presented to Mousie (later 6th Earl St. Germans) as a memento of the great occasion, is still a treasured possession of Mousie's grandson, David Herbert, 19th Baron Herbert – and he kindly shared a photo of the tie pin as it looks in 2019.

Photos of the celebration were taken, as well as another extensive report written for the "Royal Cornwall Gazette." Click on the buttons below to view the photos or read the article.

— "Western Morning News" 03 Sep 1906, page 6:
The replica in silver of the Warwick Vase presented to the Earl and Countess of St. Germans on Thursday, on the occasion of their silver wedding, and the pearl and diamond pin presented to the Hon. John Eliot were supplied by Messrs. Page, Keen, and Page, of Plymouth.