MASQUERADE BALL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4593, 3 August 1923, Page 2

MASQUERADE BALL.

A BRILLIANT SPECTACLE. The long-100 ked-fon Masquerade Ball, organised by the-Paeroa staff of the N.Z. Co-operative Dairy Company, was held in the Central Theatre last evening, and was an unprecedented success. It is many years since a masquerade ball was held in Paeroa, and some doubts were expressed as to the wisdom of reviving the old custom again, but the complete organisation of the and the generous support of the public, made last night’s ball one to be remembered in this district, and its success has never been equalled. The decorations were on a lavish scale and were cleverly carried put. The stage particularly was very effectively done with ferns, tutu grass, and other greenery, giving it the appearance cf a shady nook in a patch of native bush. The centre-piece in the ballroom was composed for the most pari of coloured streamers and Chinese lanterns, making a striking effect Coloured lights and pungas formed the main scheme in the decoration'’. The floor was in perfect condition for dancing, and the music, supplied bs the well-known Morrinsville Jazi Band,, proved irresistible. One hundred and fifty masked couples took part in the Grand March. The fancy dresses were a feature ' f the evening, and many original and quaint costumes were worn, among which were noticed harem girls, pierrots, Indians, Japanese, Chinese, Dutch, Irish, coster and female impersonators. Of the original costumes a representation of a Big Ben clock, whose alarm bell rang frequently in a most agitated manner, and an animated piece of New Zealand bush, were very cleverly carried out. The party representing the “Whole’ Dam Family,” including the dog, created much amusement. The judges had a difficult task to select the prize-winners. Their decision fell to Mrs W. Marsh, of Karangahake (harem girl), and Mr H. (Bricky) Budd (Big Ben clock). Mr A. JGarry announced the decision Of the judges, and the two prize-winners were heartily applauded. The catering was entrusted to Mr T. H. Hale, and despite the large crowd to contend with the supper was delicious and ample. The secretary of the ball committee (Miss B. Jones) and the manager (M” C. Nielsen), together with the Dairy Company’s staff, are to be heartily congratulated on the initiative shown by them in launching the project so successfully. I