half past six o’clock
Each was received by Warner or some other member of the managing committee , who assigned to them their appointed position , which they took up without confusion , nor was the general order for a moment disturbed . Sometimes a large party arrived without music or banners , but singing psalms and headed by their minister ; sometimes the children walked together , the women following , then the men each with a ribbon of the same colour in his hat : all hurried , yet spontaneous and certain , indications how mankind under the influence of high and earnest feelings recur instantly to ceremony and form ; how when the imagination is excited it appeals to the imagination , and requires for its expression something beyond the routine of daily life . It was arranged that the moment the train arrived and the presence of Gerard was ascertained , the Trade in position nearest to the station should commence the hymn of Labour , which was instantly to be taken up by its neighbour , and so on in succession , so that by an almost electrical agency the whole population should almost simultaneously be assured of his arrival . At half past six o'clock the bell announced that the train was in sight ; a few minutes afterwards Dandy Mick hurried up to the leader of the nearest Trade , spoke a few words , and instantly the signal was given and the hymn commenced . It was taken up as the steeples of a great city in the silence of the night take up the new hour that has just arrived ; one by one the mighty voices rose till they all blended in one vast waving sea of sound . Warner and some others welcomed Gerard and Morley , and ushered them , totally unprepared for such a reception , to an open carriage drawn by four white horses that was awaiting them . Orders were given that there was to be no cheering or any irregular clamour .