A PLEASANT REVIVAL

Hokitika Guardian, 13 November 1930, Page 3

A PLEASANT REVIVAL

OLD TIME DANCING. The Old Times Ball at the Soldiers’ Hall last night was responsible lor a very pleasant revival in a branch of dancing which lias much claim lor its jollier strain of enjoyment. It was unfortunate that the weather was again adverse lor the R.S.A. function, hut votaries attended in force, over Li .0 folk being present and all participated in the jolly programme. Air Baty, of. Greyinoutli, was a very efficient Master of Ceremonies, and kept the business of the evening much, in evidence. The music supplied by A'lr Lawn’s orchestra was voted a feature of the evening, and kept everyone’s feet busy. As a means for a pleasant social evening, old time dancing lias special claims and they were well manifested last evening. The floor was crowded for every number, and to many several of the round dances were all too short, so earnest was the spirit of enjoyment. Extras were supplied bv t'lie parryphone lor several numbers, Air H. T. Barry manipulating this fine instrument, which was a revelation to many who hoard it for the first time. A novel, but none the less pleasing break in the extras, was Mr W. Ritchie with an accordian, to the strains of which a mazurka was enjoyed greatly, the time being excellent. Mr Ritchie was warmly applauded lor his effort.

The general arrangements were well thought out. There was a very generous supper, Air and All's C. Hart being specially instrumental in adding to the larder, by collecting innumerable “plates” from kindly disposed donors. The ladies’ committee headed by Mesdames Parkhill and Stuart, were all at their posts and everythin? was most tastefully arranged. Members of the R.S.A. acted as stewinds last night, and so gave valuable assistance to the ladies. The supper was an extended event, due to the large number present and the male help was most aceieiptablto. Air Roy Paterson as hon. secretary, was in charge of the door and general arrangements, and received useful assistance from several members of the committee, all of whom worked with a' will.

A feature of the evening we« the waltzing competition, for which there were numerous entries, and four groups participated. Messrs Batv (Greymouth), McGregor (Hokitika) and ' Barrowmnu (Rimtanu) were tin judges, and Air A.. Lawn supplied the music specially. The conditions woie laid down by the judges, reversing being barred, while the couples had to keep a complete circle throughout. From each of the four groups, two couples were selected, and after <> brief rest, the final was waltzed by eight 'couples. Some excellent waltzing resulted, and it took the judges some time to make their choice. As a. result, the contestants had to perform something of an endurance test, till the final decision was reached. The awards were announced by Air Baty. and Mr Evans (President) presented the prizes as follows, congratulating all concerned on the success of the event; Prize (presented by the AVest Coast Atotors, free trip for two to the southern glaciers) Mr and Airs Collett, of Hokitika. Prize (presented l>v R \. branch) Alias Sumner and Air D. Breeze, Hokitika. The decision and awards were marked by hearty applause. I>an c in<r was continued till well after 2 a.m., the function proving most enjoyable, and one of the outstanding dances of the season. It practically marked the close of the season for public dances, and was a very merry and bright winding-up to the nvuiy jolly functions thin year at the Soldiers’ Hall.