THE NATIVE BALL AT THE THAMES.

Clutha Leader, Volume IV, Issue 197, 19 April 1878, Page 3

THE NATIVE BALL AT THE THAMES.

The ball given to his Excellency the Governor and his suite at the Thames was not only successful in itself, but it was entirely unique. The Maori residents were the givers of the ball. It was entirely their own affair, and although they were most liberal in the distribution of invitations, they firmly but politely insisted on preserving their positions as generous hosts and hostesses. There was little characteristic about the ball except the excellent taste in which the Maori ladies and gentlemen were dressed. They were good dancers, thoroughly up in ball-room etiquette, and were exceedingly proud of the position which they occupied. All the visitors, including- his Excellency and suite, the Ministers, and the officers ot the Nymph, heartily enjoyed themselves up to a late hour in the morning. We are informed that the Thames natives have been looking forward to the display for a long time, and they have been most industrious in preparing themselves for the dancing and other etiquette of the ball-room. One Maori lady who occupied a prominent part in the affair, deserves credit for the trouble she took in the tuition of her friends. For five months, some time was devoted every, day to practising the figures of the quadrille, and in consequence on Ihursday evening (21st March), all the Maori ladies were thoroughly au fait. For the most part, however, their partners were puzzled in their endeavours to pour " soft nothing's" into the ears of their dusky companions, but all seemed to enjoy themselves nevertheless. It is the first ball held under Maori auspices in New Zealand, and none more .enjoyable has ever taken place. — N. Z. Herald.