HIKUTAIA NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4618, 26 October 1923, Page 4

HIKUTAIA NEWS.

CROQUET CLUB’S BALL. Close on two hundred ladies and gentlemen attended the ball organised by ' the members of the Hikutaia Croquet Club held in the hall on Tuesday night, and not one of those present left about 2 a.m. without expressing in eulogistic terms hi® or her high appreciation of the arrangements and organisation made to secure the enjoyment of the participants. The Jiall, an unusually sombre structure both internally and externally, was so transformed that it was almost unrecognisable, the decorations being as simple as they were effective, this chaste result being attained by the avoidance of ths usual bunting with its garish colouring and bundles of ferns and greenery en masse. Suspended from the flat ceiling hung scores of looped streamers together with numerous beautiful Chinese lanterns, and prettily variegated balloons in the Club colours (navy blue' and silver grey) harmoniously blended with the greenery that adorned the walls and formed a gentle contrast with the pretty curtains that bedecked the windows and the numerous mirrors that reflected the animated scene, the whole culminating in a miniature croquet lawn —with its hoops, and posts, and even players—which held the place of honour in the middle of the hall. The decorations reflected the artistic taste of the designer, Mr I. M. Robinson, who with Mrs Robinson and Mr A. R. Robinson had devoted mucn care, time, and thought to a decorative scheme that evoked much eloquent enthusiasm. To their skill the ball owed much of its charm, since a fitting environment is undoubtedly the first mean® of evoking pleasurable sensations. The next factor to success was the high-class nature and brilliancy of the music by Mr A. Williams’ “Jazzaramba” band, all the members of which entered so whole-heartedly into the spirit of the carnival that the quality and time of the artists fairly, lifted those present from their seats and made them dance whether thej r would or not.- Dance after dance was encored, and again encored, the votaries of Terpsichore being so uplifted with the harmonfaajevoked from, the various instruments insistent demands they failed" member that the artists were human 1 * beings, and not automatic music-pro-ducers. Notwithstanding the strain the orchestra responded. and throughout the hours of the long night there was np sign of weariness or of fatigue, each instrumentalist being as lively and as full of vim at 2 a.m. as he was at 8 p.m., when the opening bars of the grand march, led off by Mr and Mr® W. H. Alley, commenced. The vigour of the conductor and those under his baton, and especially of Mr McGregor, the versatile musician who played a number of instruments of weird kinds and various sizes, from the bass and kettle-drums to the triangles and the whistle, appeared to enter into the “flying feet 1 ’ of the dancers to such an extent that they never felt inclined to call a halt. Even the supper interval, usually looked forward to, was regarded as an interpolation that could well have been ignored; but the M’sC., Messrs W. Gi. Hannam and A. R. Robinson, who were experts in that particular sphere, and most assiduous in their efforts to promote the general enjoyment, were inexorable. An interval was called, a«d the culinary effusions of the ladies of the committee, in the shape of trifles, fruit salads, jellies, cakes, sandwiches, etc., werq dulv sampled and pronounced upon in term® of complete satisfaction, which was increased by the ices and the tea that were in great demand. How the ladies in charge of the commissariat managed ,to cater for so large a number in so short a time —with the scant accommodation and equipment at their disposal—formed a conundrum the answer to which they alone can furnish. The number of contestants for the prizes offered for the best dresses was very small. A vote, however, was taken, the audience deciding to award the lady’tf prize to Miss Beamish, who appeared as a powder puff, and the gentleman’s to Mr R. Cochrane, whog personated a big teddy bear. Mrs L. Alexander, as an Eastern lady, had a large following, as also had Mr T. Brewer, who was well got up as a spinning top 4 The “twilight” and other fancy dances appeared to appeal. From start to finish there was not the slightest hitch, while the spirit of gaiety, concord, and harmony that prevailed was fully maintained—a result of hard work on the part of the president (Mr G. Avery), the secretary (Mr W. H. Alley), the vice-presi-dents (Mesdames Avery and A. It Robinson), with the committee (Mesdames Alf. Alley, E. Elliot, Kenwood; I. M. Murdock, and P. Shine) and their numerous assistants, all of whom not only deserved, but commanded success. The services of Messrs W. H. Alley, P. J. Kelly, and P. Shine were also much appreciated by all concerned. It is to be hoped that to the undoubted social success will be added a satisfactory credit balance. ACCIDENTS Owing to a fall from her horse Mrs H. Cameron is suffering from a dislocated shoulder. Mr R. Do, wry’s son Bob is receiving medical attention off account of the severe injuries to a hand that was crushed in the separator. PERSONAL. Mrs G. Avery, who has been in the Thames Hospital for some time, has returned home, where she will stay for a few days prior to her departure for further medical attention. Miss Murphy is at present on a short visit to her parents, Mr and Mrs H. Littlejohn. Owing to illness Miss Hassett was unable to resume her duties at the local school on Wednesday. On Wednesday morning .Mr H Elliot left Omaha on a short visit to Auckland. Mrs Parkerson, of Hamilton, is at present paying a (short visit to Hikutaia, and is the guest of her brothers,

Messrs A. R. and I. M. Robinson. CROQUET CLUB AFTERNOON. On Saturday last the ladies of the Croquet Club held an afternoon in the hall. The function proved most enjoyable, music and cards being utilised to promote the desired end.