1902. The British Associatio7i hi Belfast. 291 



The garden parly in the Botanic Gardens Park given by 

 the lyocal Executive Committee on Monday, 15th, was 

 marred by heavy rain. The guests were received by the 

 Earl of Shaftesbur}^ Chairman of the Committee, with whom 

 was the Right Hon. George W5mdham, Chief Secretary for 

 Ireland. Three spacious marquees, the conserv^atories, and 

 fernery sheltered the assembly from the driving rain, and in 

 spite of adverse conditions an enjoyable afternoon was spent. 



Our reference to other social functions must be brief. I^ord 

 Shaftesbury's garden party, for which six hundred invitations 

 were issued, allowed the visitors to appreciate the beauties of 

 the Cave Hill, and of the magnificent view of sea and land 

 that stretches in front of Belfast Castle. The combination by 

 Mr. John Brown (one of the Local Secretaries) on Thursday, 

 nth, instant, of garden party and visit to works was a happy 

 thought. The party drove from Queen's College to St. Ellen's 

 Works, where they saw the various processes of damask and 

 linen w^eaving under the guidance of Mr. Herbert Brown. 

 Thence they walked through the interesting old garden at 

 Edenderry, crossed the River Lagan in boats, and walked to 

 Longhurst, where Mrs. John Brown received them. On 

 Saturday evening, 13th instant, Major and Miss Ritchie gave 

 an enjoyable " At home" to about one hundred and fifty guests 

 at "The Grove." On Tuesday, i6th instant, Lord and Lady 

 O'Neill gave a garden party at Shane's Castle, which was 

 largely attended and much enjoyed. The Ulster Medical 

 Society gave on Monday evening, 15th instant, a smoking 

 concert, under the chairmanship of Sir William Whitla, M.D., 

 which was largely attended and hugely enjoyed by the male 

 members of the Association and local friends to the number 

 of about two hundred and fifty. On the same evening Prof. 

 W. W. Watts entertained the delegates of Corresponding 

 Societies in the Grand Central Hotel, where the air was thick 

 with scientific discussion. On Saturday evening, 13th instant, 

 the President of the Ulster Reform Club (Mr. James Moore) 

 entertained the journalists who had come to Belfast for the 

 Association meeting and their local brethren to a smoking 

 concert. About one hundred guests 'were present. Many 

 smaller private entertainments were given during the week. 



