A GRAND NIGHT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 11, 28 March 1947, Page 5

A GRAND NIGHT

FIRST DRUIDS BALL LARGE CROWD ATTENDS When such an event as a Druids Ball is announced, the immediate reaction of the uninitated is that the scene will embrace a multitude of whiskers and white robes floating across the dance floor to the rude twanging of a dozen harpsters clad in bearskins. Such however is very far removed from realities, and the Ball staged by the local Druids Lodge in the Winter Show Hall last Wednesday can only be described as one of the most outstanding social successes held in the town for many years.

Some 350 persons attended and one and all have voted it an outstanding success. Greenery covered the walls in profusion, whilst the decorating parties had likewise spared no efforts to cloak the bareness of the ceiling with streamers and strings of flags drawn across from Vail to wall. The whole atmosphere was one of dignity and style from the outset, and from the Grand March onwards the conduct of the crowded programme left no room for complaint. The Hamilton Orchestra ‘Keenan’s Musical Knights’, made their debut to Whakatane dance lovers, and scored a distinct ‘hit’. Their music was of a high order and the band appeared to be as much at home with the old-timers as with the more modern steps. Encores were the rule and the band appeared to be always ready to oblige.

With Messrs. W. Smith and J. Slipper acting as joint M.Cs., the programme swept along in fine style, the numerous novelties creating happy diversions from time to time. These were won as under: Monte Carlo, Mr Spragg and partner; lucky supper ticket, Mrs Ken worthy; Snowball Waltz, Mrs Gray. The claret cup stall was also a popular corner, but it was in the supper that the committee had excelled itsalf. Every effort had been made to supply a repast which would be second to none and in this respect, we have no hesitation in saying, the ladies responsible achieved their purpose. Poultry and ham graced the tables with dainties of all descriptions. For their services the ladies are to be congratulated on their work, those in charge being Mesdames J. D. Rivett and H. Neil.

Extras during the supper interval were supplied by Miss Dorothy Sykes. Arrangements for auxiliary lighting during the power shutdown proved eminently successful, and now that this means has been tested will probably be carried out by other organisations using the hall. The last dance found the crowd still eager for more, and Auld Lang Syne was sung in the wee sma’ hours. The Lodge has now established a very high standard of entertainment, and in congratulating its members, it can be safely said that if made an annual event, its popularity in future is assured.