PROPOSED HOSPITAL BALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 66, 21 March 1901, Page 2

PROPOSED HOSPITAL BALL.

A meeting was held last night in connection with the annual Hospital Ball. Thore were present: Messrs Harding (in tho chair), T. A. Coleman, A. Sawyer, Johnston, C. Adair, Lewis, Miller, Ambridgo, Little, Cumming, Williams, Joyce, Williams, R. N. Jones, Attwood, Webb, and P. Maher.

The Chairman said ho thought they would be able to get Messrs Williams aud Kettle’s wool-shed, which, it was stated, would not only hold more dancers than any other hall, but would got over tho difficulty in regard to supper room. On the motion of Air Jones, seconded by Mr Johnston, the committeo of last year were re-elected, with the addition of others who had attended that meeting. The names aro : —His Worship the Mayor, Messrs Macfarlane, J. W. Nolan, J. A. Harding, A. Dewing, A. F. Kennedy, R. Johnston, E. P. Joyce, Hepburn, 11. N. Jones, C. F. Lewis, A. Tuohy, W. O. Skoet, John Warren, A. W. Rees, Acland Hood, W. Miller, J. 11. Colebourne, H. T. Jones, T. A. C oleman, R. H. Mason, C. Adair, W. Webb, W. J. Hennossy, F. J. Shelton, W. J. P. Gaudin, J. R. Little, F. S. Dcs Barres, C. H. Ambridgo, A. Sawyer, E. Williams, P. Maher, F. Harris, W. N. Attwood, Shugar, D. J. Barry, J. M. Cumming, Jamieson, Harley Evans, 11. J. Lougher, Alatthewson, Kenneth McKenzie, McKee, J. Rosie, J. Georgeson, W. F. Stephenson, J. Cooper. On the motion of Mr Jones, seconded by Mr Webb, it was resolved that Mesdames Townley, Nolan, and Maynard be requested to organise a lady’s committee. Mr Lewis proposed* and Mr Little seconded, that Mr Jones, who had acted as secretary last year, be again elected. Air Jones proposed, and Mr Webb seconded, that Air T. A. Coleman be appointed, Air Jones saying that he had not sufficient time himself, but would give all the assistance ho could. Air Coleman was then unanimously elected. Air Lewis suggested that tho ball bo a plain aud masquerade ball, which he thought would take much better than a plain ball. Air Webb thought it should be a ball as before ; he did not think they would get the ladies to go to a masquerade ball. Air Ambridgo did not approve of a masquerade ball, but he thought they might make it plain and fancy, as the military forces were now getting so strong that lie thought they might be able to get their attendancei?Mr Jones said that military uniforms were now, where allowed, considered as dress. ■ Air Lewis said that military representatives were now debarred from attending in uniform. Air Jones said they should keep to the lino they had adopted before. The Natives’ Association had a fancy ball, and they should not clash with that fixture. Air Alaher said the last hospital ball was such a great success in every way, it could not be bettered. Air Lewis said that he had merely mentioned a suggestion made to him. Air Miller said they were getting on dangerous ground. He thought they should try and get the support of everyone, and that anyone would be admitted if he was properly dressed, without regard to evening or fancy dress. The matter was then left as it stood. It was resolved that the Chairman and Secretary interview Mr A. F. Kennedy, to ascertain if arrangements could be made for the use of Alessrs Williams and Kettle’s woolshed for the Ball.

Mr Jones moved that the price of tickets be the same as before. Mr Attwood seconded. Mr Ambridge suggested that the matter be left over; if they got a larger hall, other arrangements might be made as to refreshments. Mr Jones said the thing being for the Hospital, they should not reduce the price. Mr Webb thought the price should be increased. He proposed that the price be 12s 6d for double tickets and 2s 6d. Mr Cumming seconded, /Mr Webb considering that no one would object to give the extra sum for the Hospital. Mr Lewis moved that the prices be 7s ed and 2s 6d. He said ‘ that many people would be debarred from going, through the extra price, and the poor man’s mite was as good as the rich one’s. Mr Little seconded the amendment, Mr Webb’s amendment having firs! been disposed of; only three voted for it. Mr Lewis claimed that if the price were reduced it would be more than made up by increased numbers. Mr P. Maher favored the amendment-, saying that there had been many calls upon people lately, and they should fix the price at a sum that would enable people of moderate means to attend. The Chairman said that one thing they must remember, that in reducing the price they could not expect the supper to be on the same scale, though that part had always been well carried out by .those who gave assistance. Mr Maher urged that the price should be more moderate, so that none would be debarred from attending. On being put to the meeting the amendment was lost by 7 to 6, and it was then agreed to adhere to the price charged last year— l2s 6d and Bs.