THE HOSPITAL BALL

Hokitika Guardian, 4 September 1930, Page 3

THE HOSPITAL BALL

The annual ball in aid-of the funds of the Westland Hospital set down for last night,’and.held in the Soldiers’ Hall, proved as popular with the public as of yore,'There was a capacity attendance, over 400 being present. In addition to many, tickets sold, upwards of £6O were taken at the door, so that the financial result should be assured. As usual, there was a willing band of workers, associated with the function, and everything was conducted in excellent order. Miss M. Halliday and Airs Paterson were again associated as joint lion, secretaries, and all details were attended to. Air J. J. Breeze, Chairman of the Hospital Board, assisted by Messrs G. Davidson, AV. Jeffries, T. W. Duff, members, and Air T. W. Bruce, secretary, gave every attention to visitors, and saw to the comfort of their guests. A ladies’ committee, of which Airs Parkhill was chairwoman, was responsible for the internal economy of the benefit evening. In this self-imposed task they had imioli to do, and all was cheerfully attended to, and the whole proceedings'were hitchless. , The ballroo-m was decorated very gaily. Flags aikL-festoons predominated, and the brightness of the colour scheme was heightened by tbe brilliance of numerous Chinese lantern 1 lit electrically. The whole presented a, very :gay. scene. The niusic for the;, ball programme was provided, by ,Air; 0. Ross’- orchestra of melody players, and dispensed a liberal- -programme th ro ugh out: the even jpg. T’he; in a n agc T i ment- 'was'- fortunate in having . the. Parryplione available for the extra r during the extended supper interval. This was manipulated by Air H. T. Parry and in tbe circumstances seemed indispensable, as it operated continuously and kept the floor crowded ■lurine the enforced interval.

With so large an attendance the hall was taxed to its utmost, but appeared equal to the demands. It was indeed a merry throng of folk, all hold pi a night’s enjoyment. Messrs Coulson and Groufsky had their task in directing the evening’s programme as ‘oint Al’s.C. There were not as many fancy costumes as usual, probably not more than fifty, and less than that number took part in the judging march. ATcsdames Pony (ATayoress) •nd Hopkins and Dr Hopkins were the lodges of the fancy costumes, and made: the following awards: Ladies. “Dolly Varden” (Afiss Hazel Perry) • gents, “Ye Ancient Order of Froth Blowers” (Air T. Kelly, of Evan Creek). Airs Hopkins presented the orizes, the winners being applauded. The supper service began immediately after, the ladies’ committee being helped by many of the young ladies in costume, and tbe supper room wnisoon invaded and well patronised, a.s it took several relays to dispose of the large number present. The visitors included many from a distance. Greymouth was well represented, including Mr F.' Turley, of the Grey Hospital Board) All the country districts sent a quota, so that the attendance wnc well representative of the town and surrounding places. Dancing went on far into the night, and. the event proved one of the most successful of the many held in aid of the local Hospital fiuids.