ODDFELLOWS BALL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4829, 13 May 1925, Page 2

ODDFELLOWS BALL.

MONDAY EVENING’S EVENT.

THEATRE FULLY PATRONISED.

Tne Gaiety Theatre, Paeroa, was packed to its full capacity on Monday evening, the occasion being the annual ball promoted by the members of the Loyal Jubilee Lodge., M.U., 1.0.0. F.. Paeroa.

It is doubtful if the ball-room has ever -looked prettier, decorated as-it was with a wealth of nikau palms, coloured streamers, balloons, and sparkling electric lights. From the centre of the ceiling was suspended a huge punga, the silver and green fronds showing great beauty beneath the gay lights twinkling among the branches. The stage was decorated so as to represent a fern bower, and lobked very pretty. Prominently displayed in the decorative scheme were the letters M.U., 1.0.0. F. and a number of emblems the property of Past Grands o£ the local lodge. Visitors and Oddfellows were present from Thames to Matamata, and there were also a number of brethren from Hamilton and Auckland. . The competition in the fancy dress costumes was rather disappointing, there being only fourteen, entries. But what was lacking in numbers was compensated for by those who did take the trouble to make and wear fancy dresses displaying no mean skill and ingenuity, and the judges had a difficult task to reach unanimous decisions. The awards were made as follows Ladies: Best fancy dress, Miss Eva White (Egyptian maid) ; most humorous dress, Mrs Mitchell (crossword puzzle) ; most original fancy dress. Miss I. Taylor (flames). Men : Best fancy drests, Mr Landridge (Satan) ;most humorous, Mr Mobbs (Chamberlain’s cough remedy); most original, Mr N. Neil (old John Chinaman). In a. happy speech His Worship the Mayor (Mr W. Marshall) presented the prizes, and each winner wa: loudly' applauded as the award was made.

The Mayor congratulated the promoters on the success of their function, and referred briefly co the spirit of fraternity that permeated the undertakings of Friendly oScieties. He (suggested that those who were, not members of any friendly society would be well advised to join up at the first opportunity.

Irresistible dance music was supplied by the well-knoWn Morriirsville Jazz Band, and extras were contributed by Misses C. Taylor. I. Smith, and Mrs Mitchell.

Just before supper a Tongan dance was performed by Mrs R. W. Archer and Miss Aurora Young in true native costume, and to the accompaniment of a ukelele;. The rhythmic swaying of their bodies and the quick gliding steps of the dance were veiy graceful, and the dancers were heartily applauded. The onerous duties of M’s.C were ably carried out by Messrs Laurie Smith. G. Brown, V. Carrick, and G. Doan. The congested state of the ball-room made their work rather difficult, but it was carried out with commendable satisfaction. The catering arrangements were satisfactory, and a delicious and substantial supper wais provided./ Dancing was continued until the small hours' of next morning, and the younger people were even then loathe to go home. The evening’s pleasure, and the excellence oi the arrangements generally, will be long rememboied and next year's event keenly looked forward to.