SCHOOL BATHS SOCIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2130, 12 July 1907, Page 2

SCHOOL BATHS SOCIAL.

\-VN UNQUALIFIED SUCCESS.

Ablaze with light and resonant with tho sound of “revelry by night, till) huge wool stores of the New Zoaland Slapping Co. roared their immense proportions out ol“ the inky darkness at sVailuinao last evening. Ladios layre and their gallant swains, the veteran and the youth, tho blushing debutante and the blase society dame, all gathered in their hundreds to add lo tho brilliance of the spectacle within the walls of the gigantic structure. And truly it was a rare treat to witness such an animated and pretty -scene. One could scarcely have imagined that n utilitarian building could ao transformed into such a lairy bower. The array of colour would delight the eye of an artist. Ihe sombre walls wore hidden and bore their new finery right well. And the flags! Surely the heraldry ol all nations and tho oodo book signals irom A to Z must liavo been pressed into sorvico to provide such resplendent furbishings. Norfolk palms, macroearpa. and other evergreens, with a sprinkling of bright blooms adorned each vantage point, whilst tho brilliant illuminations overhead cast soft radiations on the scene, disclosing a galaxy of bright eyes, pretty faces and dainty frocks that would gladden the heart'of even the most hardened cynic. And not to overlook ‘‘mere man” it must be admitted that tlio representative gathering of Gisborne manhood was a credit to tho town in every respect, ~ To sum up in one word, Success, the result was a gratifying tribute to weeks of hard and unremitting labor on tho part of many enthusiasts, it is a fortunate circumstance that the school baths project lias so many ardent advocates, ladies and gentlemen

alike, and the public support accorded proves that their efforts arc well directed. Last year’s social, and subsequent subscriptions, placed about £IBO in tho treasurer s hands towards the cost of the scheme (estimated at £4OO or £500), and when the proceeds ol the present two days function come to be reviewed, there should be very little balance still to provide. Last night’s receipts tallied about £7O from all sources, and to-night’s will add ipaterially to the amount. To return to the pulsating throng. The pride of Gisborne were probably half a thousand strong. Ensconced in a "aily-bedizened centre pavilion, the City' Band, under Bandmaster Don. reeled off sprightly music of excellent calibre, and some 200 or more partners “tripped lightly” in the inazv waltz and the spirited sets. Ihe polished surface of the floor shone like a mirror, whilst despite the big assemblage the leviathan structure afforded an amplitude of space for full enjoyment of the pastime. Is it ti be wondered at that under such agreeable conditions the dancing went with a pleasing vim from the opening waltz to the filial whirl m the wee sma’ hours? Several extras were played by Miss Moore, on a fine piano lent for the occasion by M. . Chrisp. Such an important item, as supxier was done ample justice to, both by those who supplied the appetising edibles and those who congregated in the large apartment to partake of them. It is no light task to cope with the catering on an occasion like this, and it must he said the ladies deserve the highest commendation for tho spread. Here again dainty feminine art was discernible in tlie decorations, the tables being a picture in their floral array. All concerned must he congratulated on the excellence of the arrangements generally for the comfort and convenience of patrons. Nothing was overlooked or left to chance. The ladies, quite indispensable at functions of this kind, may well he pleased at the success achieved by their exertions. The Mayoress (Mrs. Townley) was at the head of their committee, which, comprised Mesdames Rowley, Little. Church, Colley. Thomas, West. Stuckey, J. W. Bright, and Crawford, and Misses Magnussen, Colebrook, Bright, and German. Miss Bright was the autliir of the table ornamentations. Of the gentlemen concerned, the secretaries, Messrs. O. Olsen and J. R. Little, are deserving of great commendation. Mr. Rowley was a hard worker all through, likewise Mr. J. S. Waucliop in the earlier stages of organisation. Mr. Hallamore, manager of tile N.Z. Shipping Co., rendered valuable aid, and the names of those who also lent assistance are legion. “You would need to take the Waiapu electoral roll to get the names of all those to whom wo are indebted for services rendered,”- the reporter was informed. The foreman in charge for the Shipping Co., Mr. H. Withers, superintended the hunting embellishments, and the Mayor kindly provided the evergreens. Flags were lent by the master of the “Constanco Craig,” the Union and N.Z. Shipping Companies. Messrs. > Dal"•etv and Co. on behalf of the Shaw, "avill Co., and the Harbor Board, as well as by private individuals. Mr. G Oman superintended the improvised refreshment bar —an appreciated item.

The following were M.C.’s for the evening’s dancing:—Messrs. V’. Welib, T. G. Lawless, H. Miller, A. Sawyer, J. S. Wauchop, O. Hansen, ami H. Gush. Juveniles will disport themselves in strong force to-night. Parents arc assured that the little folks will havp a very pltasaM. evening. The “Grand March and Polka” will take place at 8, and midnight will conclude the revels.