Caledonian Ball Was Grand Fun

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 84, 20 August 1948, Page 5

Caledonian Ball Was Grand Fun

CLANS WERE OOT i' KILT AN' SPORRAN Under a canopy of coloured streamers gathered to a central bell of gaily-tinted balloons, the annual ball of the Whakatane Caledonian Society, which took place in the Winter Show hall on Wednesday evening can be honestly described as one of the district's most outstanding social successes. The whole scene was colourful as representative of the local clans and visitors from Opotiki and elsewhere gathered in full splendour of kilt and tartan.

From the moment of the pipingin of Chief and Mrs Anderson (Whakatane) and Chief and Mrs Croll (Opotiki) which opened the proceedings, until the final dance, the evening went with a swing for which the M.C., Drum-major Harry Mole, was substantially responsible. The grand march, to pipe music, showed the gathering to its best, and was executed and marshalled in a manner which was as dignified as it was colourful. Flash of bright tartan intermingled with the attractive dresses of the women made the whole parade outstanding, and as the couples swung into the first waltz it was apparent that the evening was to be something well above the ordinary. Music by Harrison's orchestra was excellent, an<i contributed in a large measure to the success of the event. Scottish airs blended with modern dance measures made up the musical fare for the entire programme, and their success was instantaneous. A featui e of the proceedings was the execution of a number of dances which, though little known in these parts, are strong old-time favourites and were a pleasure to see. These included 'The Dashing White Sergeant', 'Strip the Willow' and 'The County Waltz'. These novelties were warmly appreciated in the wellbalanced programme. Supper was a credit to Caterer M. Bell and his efficient staff and left nothing to be desired. The fare was par-excellence and the service perfect. Once again the Caledonians lived well up to their traditional reputation as hosts in this respect. Another feature, the claret cup bar, was a popular initiation which found ready patrons. f The releasing of the balloons from the ceiling in the later dances caused a stir and the general scramble added to the gaiety. One noted one of our leading citizens making off with an armful, only to be mobbed and robbed in a matter of, seconds. The last, waltz,, followed by "Auld Lang Syne", very heartily, sung in the wee sriia' hours, saw the visitors disperse with the general consensus of opihion that the ball was again well up to standard arid' firmly upholding its- reputation-as- one of the outstanding social events of the season. ■ . - The Society is to be congratulated •on its continued success as r _ a social institution which has done and is doing such splendid work in the community. Its efforts through-* out the. years have never failed -to bring credit and prestige to its members. Whakatane is undoubtedly the richer for; this organisation, one trusts, will long continue to enjoy the series of social, and sporting events it has promoted with such unfailing efficiency and goodwill.