POST OFFICE DINNER PARTY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 54, 5 March 1900, Page 3

POST OFFICE DINNER PARTY.

By way of participating in the general rejoicing on the relief of Ladysrnith, the officers of the chief post office, Auckland, dined at the Governor Browne Hotel on Saturday evening. Mr William Jessup, who bad arranged the celebration, occupied the chair. An excellent menu was provided by Host Kieley. Mr A. M. Dignan occupied the vice-chair. Messrs Shorland (pianist), Brodie, Bollard, Cottin n, Coney, Connell, and Hunter 7 -Jed an excellent musical progra Jie. Mr Jessup p\ .posed the toast ot the evening, "The Queen," and made feeling reference to the emotions of the sovereign lady on the great occasion which had recently succeeded a period of inevitable reverse, with consequent spilling of the blood of her soldiers in South Africa. This toast was followed by the National Anthem, sung by the entire assemblage. Mr Scully proposed "The Army and Navy." He pictured the gallant achievements of the army in South Africa, which, leading up to the occasion they were celebrating, made the present time pregnant with hope for the speedy and successful termination of the campaign, and said that even in its quiescent state the formidability of the navy was sufficient to prevent any European coalition for the purpose of invading England's shores, even if America's sympathy with us did not point to the existence of a. power likely to furnish a quite sufficient aid from across the sea did- necessity arise. He also made complimentary reference to the sons of two gentlemen present that evening, one Mr Dignan, who had volunteered for service, and the other, Mr Jessup, now on the scene of action, and referred to Sergeant Bond, of the Auckland Post Office, and Mr Smith, brother of Mr Herman Smith, there present, both of whom had seen hard fighting. "Rule Britannia" was sung with enthusiasm, and Mr Coney responded. Mr Jessup proposed the N.Z. Government, coupled with Mr Seddon's name, and lauded the timely and efficient aid which that gentleman sent to the British Army.

Mr Bedford proposed the Post-master-General, coupled with the name of Mr Ward, and noticed the complimentary tone of the press on that gentleman's re-assumption of his old portfolio. He thought that his audience concurred in this. Mr McRae responded, and remarked on the great growth of the Department, ° Mr Herman Smith proposed "The N.Z. Contingent," and his > laudatory remarks were received with enthusiasm. In responding Mr Wi Hare referred to the practical loyalty of the Maoris, and regretted their nonacceptance by the Home Government. "The Press," 'The Ladies," and "The Chairman" were duly honoured. Responding to the last toast Mr Jessup sketched the career of his son now with the Natal Light Horse, which corps had taken a conspicuous part in the war. Latest letters had pointed to a probability of his early promotion. The company concluded a very pleasant evening by singing "God Save the Queen."