Cambridge Chronicle 3 Sep 1859: Bennett Ram Letting and sale

The Trinity College Farm Ram-Letting and Sale

On Friday, the 26th ult., Mr Bennett’s annual sheep show came off. It had been postponed on account of the harvest; but from the repeated hindrances from rain, the harvest in many places was not completed, so that the company was not so large as might have been expected. It comprised, however, some first-class business men, among whom we observed Major Pemberton, of Newton House; the Messrs. Moseley, of Somersham; Ollard, of Walsoken ; Wilkerson, of Stoney farm, Chatteris; Maris and Cawcutt, of Trumpington; Cawcutt, of Boxworth; Dennis, late of Stilton; Smith, Herts; Armstrong, Hawnes, Beds.; Walker, of Downham; Desborough and Atkinson, Beds.; Wiles, Denny Abbey; Gunnel, of Hemingford and Milton; Banyard, Grantchester; Peck, Fuller, and Waldock, from Sussex; Blundell, Woodside House, Beds.; John Smith, Burwell, &c.

The sheep were arranged in three divisions, the first range being to let for the season, the other two for sale: they were shown in nice condition, and attracted great attention.

A little before two o’clock, the gentlemen repaired to a large marquee, to take luncheon, prepared by Mr. Peeling. Major Pemberton presided in his usually happy style; supported by the Mayor of Cambridge (Charles Balls, Esq.) on his right, and Mr. Bennett on the left. “The Queen” was given from the chair, and drank upstanding, with the usual honours; followed by “Prince Albert,” given with the most appropriate remarks, setting forth the inestimable character of His Royal Highness in all that makes a man great and good.

“The Lord Lieutenant” was next given, as the chief representative of her Majesty in the county.

“The Mayor of Cambridge, and success to the Town” followed, which was received most warmly The chief magistrate returned thanks, observing that they all knew he was not much of an agriculturist, but he was delighted to meet his agricultural friends, and was much pleased with the invitation of his friend, Mr. Bennett, and also with the cordial welcome they had given him at that board. It afforded him the highest pleasure, not merely to serve the interests of his brother townsmen, but as far as possible of the community at large; and no part of that community more so, than the agriculturists, who, as a class, had always maintained their loyalty to the throne, and aided the authorities in maintaining order through the length and breadth of the land (cheers). He thanked them again most cordially for the kind welcome they had given him (renewed cheers).

Mr. Bennett rose to give the next toast, and said they would all anticipate him, and he was sure would receive the toast with the most hearty good will: it was health, long life, and happiness to the gallant Major, who had that day done him the honour of taking the chair, and presided with so much ability and urbanity (cheers). They all knew how ready Major Pemberton was to come to the assistance of the agriculturists in many matters that were likely to serve them. Take the new cattle market to wit (loud cheers). The chairman thought with him (Mr. B.) and he supposed with every other sensible person of the entire neighbourhood, that the present market is a most inefficient one, more especially for a town like Cambridge, and in so important a farming district. The Major had come out very zealously in their cause; and he might add that he believed the worthy Mayor was also most anxious to serve them, as well as the trade of the town. He (Mr. Bennett) hoped to succeed, if not in getting all that was desirable, at any rate in getting a far preferable site to the present one; and he would not despair, of the ultimate establishment of a very excellent cattle market in Cambridge (cheers). He apologised for having detained them as long from the pleasure of drinking, as he was sure they would, most cordially, the health of their worthy Chairman (loud and reiterated cheers).

The Chairman in acknowledging the compliment said he felt unable in suitable terms to return thanks for the too flattering manner in which Mr. Bennett had proposed his health (cries of “no, no,”) and for the very kind manner in which they had received it. He was glad Mr. Bennett had undertaken to improve the breed of long-wool sheep in this county. Mr. Jonas Webb had long stood pre-eminent as a breeder of south-downs, and he saw no reason why their host should not become as eminent in long-wool sheep; particularly now that wool had become so important an article. He would give health and prosperity to Mr. Bennett, and success to the sale (cheers,)

Mr. Bennett rose to return thanks, and said that he felt greatly honoured by their kindness. He would not now inflict upon them another speech: he felt great obligation to those friends who did support him. He would only add that, although it was not in man always to command success, he would endeavour to do his best to deserve it (loud cheers.) The Vice-President, Mr. Medland, was the last toast; he thanked them for the honour done him, and requested the gentlemen to follow him to the sheep pens, Business commenced with the sheep to be let. No.1 was let at £10 10s., No.2 Mr. Lyon hired for his relative, Sir. Emson, at £8 5s. Business seemed to proceed satisfactorily, till the whole company were pretty well supplied at prices varying from 20 guineas down to six; but, as we said, the company was not numerous enough for the number of sheep exhibited, otherwise they appear to be much admired, and all passed off satisfactorily.