THE HOSPITAL BALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 August 1921, Page 1

THE HOSPITAL BALL.

A PRONOUNCED success.

“Charity is a virtue of the heart, and not of the hands.” So said a modern writer whoso works are now almost classical. If this he so, the good folk of Hokitika and its immediate neigjv horhood are in most virtuous mood./The benefit hospital hall last night at the Drill Hall was the event of the year. The attendance from the early part of tiie evening was so large as to he quite uncomfortable for dancing, while the display of fancy costumes was quite the best made at any public, gathering here. The people rose to thp occasion in the desire to make the evening a. pronounced success, and that object appeared to he fully achieved—and this result despite an extremely wet and boisterous night, which precluded tho

attendance of many of our country cousins.

The organising Ball Committee had done its work thoroughly. The general arrangements indeed left little to he desired. The large hall was tastefully decorated with greenery and hunting, while numerous mirrors lent added brightness to the scene. The floor was always crowded to excess, and ilie moving spectacle was a. very bright mid animated one. Voluntary music \as supplied by well-known local people who contributed greatly to the enjoyment of the evening. Mr J. J. Breeze, the veteran Master of Ceremonies, was in charge of the floor and the proceedings, and kept the patrons fully occupied. It has been mentioned that the display of fancy costumes was quite a record for the town. There was an endless variety, but as the ■ most of the folks wore masks their identity was in many instances difficult to discover. There were many gay colors and quaint styles, and the whole scene was bright and engrossing all the time. The characters present included the following:— Cleopatra, Spider’s Web. Duchess of Gainsborough, Holly Season, Meekly Press, Carnival Night, House to Let, Po.ice, Powder Puff. Order of the Hath, The Belle of New York, Night Night set, School Boy, Magpie. Bathing, Electric Light, Spider and the Ely. Pierrot, Red Indians, Folly, I 1 athei Christmas. Student, Ragtime, Nurses, Japanese, Chinese. Granny Chamberlain, Sootchio, Grandmother, Le Belle' France, Tarred and Feathered, Departed Spirits. Mayor of Kanieri Forks, Bouquet, Knight, Housemaid, Gipsy Crinoline, “Old Bill,” (Junker. Grecian Maids. Nursing Sister. Carrots, .’ow Bov, Huntsman, Naval Officer, Paddy ami Bridget, Rainbow Set, Jack Point,’ Fairies, Squaws, Gentleman in Khaki, 1 Pictures, and many unknowns. The judging of the taucy costumes took place alter the Grand March played by the Royal Orchestra. The judges were .Mrs Buchanan (chairwoman of the Ball Committee), Matron Little and Dr Buchanan and Mr \V. lb Williams. After the parade the decisions wen’ announced as follows: —Ist lady, Miss F. Lewis, “Cleopatra” ; 2nd lady, Mrs Durham. “Spider's Web”; reserved •choice, .Mrs W. Wilson, “The Duchess of Gainsborough,” and Miss E. Wallace “Holly Season” : Ist gentleman, M.r J. Williams, “Tarred and leathered ; 2nd gentleman, Mr “Paddy” Ross, “Departed Spirits.” Reserved choice, Mr B. F. Perliam, “School Boy”; Air Voit.ch, “Bed Indian.” The -identity ol the winning gentlemen was a complete mystery till they unmasked after the judging. “Tarred and leathered was quite a unique costume, and carried out , in the fullest detail. “Departed, Spirits” was represented hv the gentle-i man in a Kin Klux Klan garb ol start-| ling ghostlike appearance, with two j empty whisky bottles conspicuously protiiuling from side pockets. Iho do- ( cisions of the judges appeared to give I great satisfaction to the amused onlookers, who applauded and cheered j very heartily. Before the supper interval Mr Breeze took occasion to thank one and all lor the assistance given in ’g die benefit so great a success. He. mentioned that the present was about the fiftieth annual hospital hall held in Hokitika, and he looked upon it as the most successful ever held. Iltwse who contributed the prizes for the fancy costumes wore thanked; the judges good work was appreciated; the Indies’ committee specially praised; the con-tributors-of the music thanked, and tho public generosity acknowledged in vciy grateful tortus.

Shipper was served in the adjoining Town Hall, whither the folk repaired in relays as the capacity ol the hall permitted. The Julies’ committee had the arrangements Li o#cllent running order and in due course the large family circle was provided,, forV Dancing was kept- going til! nearly J a.m.. man\ remaining to the end. when the crush lessened, and dancing became more of „ pleasure. But all through the night there was a merry throng oil the lie”" and everybody appeared to he enjoying themselves to the full. The event will rank as the most suo■essful and important ball of the seaand ;h[l concerned with the organisation, andhe carrying through of the benefit, havi\ every reason to he gratified with the pleasing results attending their Happy elfprts.