BRITISH CONSERVATISM AND THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE ... - ideals

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The efforts of members of the executive and Wardens appeared to
be primarily devoted, respectively, to the planning of social functions
and the distribution of leaflets and tickets regarding proposed events.
A general audience, not formally associated with the Primrose League,
was encouraged to attend by establishing nominally higher fees for the
attending public. 49
While prominence was given to entertainment, politics did not
escape notice.
Sixteen members of the Habitation were recommended for
General Election badges following the 1895 contest. 50 Issues
surrounding the Boer war appeared to receive some measure of attention.
The Earl of Denbigh addressed members in October of 1899, supporting
the government's management of the war effort. 51
In response to the
Countess of Derby's request for aid to the Soldiers' and Sailors'
Family Association, a special evening of entertainment was arranged.
The proceeds were designated for the charitable organization. 52
49
Ibid., 23 October 1894; 12 February 1895; 7 March 1895; 17
August 1896; 5 December 1896; 1 February 1897; 13 February 1897; 2
September 1897; 20 October 1898. Ibid., 16 February 1899; 8 September
1900. The prices set by the Habitation on the seventeenth of March,
1895 for an upcoming event were characteristic. Members were admitted
free to the tea and entertainments, sixpence was charged for reserved
seating and an additional one-half shilling for the dance. Nonmembers
were charged ninepence for tea, a half shilling for entertainment, and
an additional sixpence if reserve seating was desired. Tickets for the
dance were priced at one shilling. The cost of an entire evening of
entertainment for a nonmember could be purchased as part of a packaged
fee for a flat two shillings, exclusive of reserved seating.
1901.
50
51
52
Jtoid., 28 September 1895.
The Preston Herald, 28 October 1899.
Garstang Habitation Minutes, 28 August 1901; 26 September