JACOB'S RIVER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2369, 27 July 1899, Page 30

JACOB'S RIVER.

July 25.— A very enjoyable affair, which took the form of a, social, came off at Mr R. S. M'Williams's, Bloomfield, Jacob's River, on the 12th mat. The occasion was to pommemorate the Battle of the Boyne, the day also being the host's birthday. There was a large attendance of friends and well-wishers, the ladies being well represented. Mr G. Willis occupied the chair, and after a few explanatory remarks called on Mr M'Williams for a speech, who, on rising, was received with loud applause. The hodt, who ia an ardent supporter of the Orange Lodge, and a fluent speaker, then gave an interesting and lucid account of the workings and emblems of the order. Starting his subject from Mary, Queen of Scots, he gave an historical sketch to the time William of Orange sailed up the River Foyle, and bursting the boom, set the prisoners free. He handled the subject in a masterly manner, and riveted the attention of his hearers from beginning to end, being warmly applauded on lesuming hi 3 seat. He was the recipient of many beautiful birthday presents, thus testifying to the esteem in which he 13 held by residents at the River. The lecture was interspersed with songs, recitations, etc., which were greatly enjoyed. The following contributed: — Messrs Dickie, Bell, Willis, and M'Williams, the last-named gentleman reciting in excellent style " Lord Ullin's daughter." The repast, which would satisfy tho most fastidious, was, needless to aay, done ample jusctice to, the arrangements being left in the able hands of Mrs Win. Hopcroft, and that lady was indefatigable in her attention to the. wuxta of all. After the social

a dance took place, and yun&g and old tripped' the " light fantastic " till the " wee sum' oors." Mr Bell supplied the music. All present were unanimous in their opinion that the "gathering waa the most sociable and enjoyable ever hold at Jacobs' s River. — (Occasional Correspondent). A Mangaftao settler,. named Thomas Egan, met with a serious accident in a- peculiar manner the other day. He endeavoured to separate two fighting dogs by belabouring them with the butt of his loaded gun, and the jar of the blow caused the charge to go off. The contontp lodged in his right thigh.