“CHILDREN’S NIGHT.”

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2363, 2 December 1908, Page 4

“CHILDREN’S NIGHT.”

AN ANIAIATED FUNCTION.

Some great writer “the joy of a nation lies in_its children,” a lid it is quite possible that, even as he wrote, he himself failed to realise how near to the truth he had struck. But he had undoubtedly reached ”110 core, *.and his words are as readily aceeptecl now as a truism as when first penned many years ago. And they could not have received more adequate exemplification than was in evidence last night at the Garrison Hall on the occasion of the children’s ball in connection with the annual Hospital Social. The spacious hall was well filled with bright-eyed, rosycheeked children, of all sizes ,and ages. There were tiny tots of tender years, ■ gazing with wide-opened eyes upon what appeared to them a wondrous fairy scene, together witli the .ingenuous schoolgirl, with her bright, frank smile, and the “whining schoolboy,” as Shakespeare put at, though on this occasion the great poet’s designation appeared to 'be anything but applicable. And then there was the bashful lad, just leaving boyhood behind him and glowing with the pleasant'anticipation of soon becoming a man ; .and there was “sweet sixteen,” already quite a young lady, and with all the grace and charm of femininity- All these occupied the carefully-prepa red floor, and tiny feet twinkled merrily over the polished boards to the melodious strains of the music. Those little ones unversed in the terpsichorean art amused themselves and, .incidentally, the onlookers, with other feats which can only bo performed on a slippery floor, and the half rang again and aigain with merry* laugh and unrestrained shouts of joy. Around the sides were seated pleased fathers and happy mothers, viewing with justifiable pride the graceful movements of their children, and ever and anon “dad” or “mother” would rise and guide the tiny feet through the measure of a dreamy waltz or,initiate them in the mysteries of a two-step. For two bourn, as dance rapidly succeeded dunce, there was a period of unalloyed merriment until at ten o’clock, when adults were allowed to fake the floor, many of the children hade the scene of gaiety a sad tand reluctant farewell.

The hall was one of the successes of tho year, and as, later in the evening, the prettily-attired children mingled in the dances with well-clad adults, there was presented to tho spectator ,a charming and enlivening scene. It is estimated that the total attendance during the evening was in the region of 1500, about £47 being taken in cash at the doors, exclusive of som© hundreds of tickets. Excellent music was supplied by tho City Band, under Conductor . Lawrence, and tile extras were finely played bv Wootton’s Orchestra. Heavy demands were made on tho supper room.' but 'the large number of assistants there were able to satisfy all with an adequate supply of delicacies. The lion secretaries' (Messrs T. Cf. Lawless. and Somervell), assisted by Mr. E. G. Matthews (secretarv to the Hospital Trustees), were most assiduous in their kindly attentions, whilst the duties.of M-C.’e were capablv undortujvon by Messrs Lawless and W .Webb Much credit is due to these, gentlemen and to the members of the Hospital Social Committee for the undoubted success of last- night’s function,