Conservative Gathering at Hatfield House
Brilliant sunshine welcomed the members of the Conservative Association to the beautiful home of a family long famous in the annals of the Party, and Hatfield House and grounds, kindly thrown open to Major Kindersley's supporters, were greatly appreciated by about 800 guests, who gathered there on Wednesday afternoon by the kind invitation of the Marquise and Marchioness of Salisbury.
The proceedings were mainly of an informal character, and that largely contributed to the pleasure of all. The invitation was from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and omnibuses, charabancs, and all kinds and sizes of cars brought both men and women electors to enjoy roaming about the grounds and garden, and also to have the opportunity of seeing over some of the house and admiring the old pictures and other objects of interest.
Tea was served in a large marquee under shady trees, after which Major Kindersley (who, with Mrs Kindersley, had been moving about and conversing with many friends), gave a short address referring to the recent and present strikes, the Russian gold question, and this week's Labour outburst in Parliament.
Gracefully expressed words of thanks were spoken by Colonel Heaton-Ellis and by Mrs Hargreaves; and the kindly expression of welcome by Viscount Cranborne was enhanced by his hope that this happy occasion would only be the first of many similar gatherings.
Buntingford and district was well represented, and the meeting together of so many from various parts of the constituency testified not only to the strength and wellbeing of the Conservative cause, but to the happy and friendly spirit among its adherents.