RUGBY UNION BALL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 168, 28 June 1909, Page 5

RUGBY UNION BALL.

♦ A Brilliant Function

The Fancy Dress and Mask Ball. held under the auspices of the Maniapoto Rugby Union on Thursday evening last, can take rank as one of the most successful functionss of the season. The occasion had been looked forward to for some weeks with pleasurable anticipation by those who take delight in tripping "the light fantastic toe." and when the first bar of the

music, heralding the "Grand March," was struck the floor was welt filled with dancers. Costumes of every colour and dscription were in evidence, and as the dancers floated round in the opening waltz the hall presented a brilliant spectacle. Concerning the masks it may be said that in some cases the disguise was really effective, while in others, as a spectator humorously put it. "a gumboil would have b*-en a better disguise." However. such minor details in nowise marred the pleasure of the evening, and enjoy merit reigned supreme throughout the hall. The first six dances were confined to the masqueraders. after which those in evening dress joined the throng of dancers. Messrs Cresham and ("otter made very efficient At's.C. and attended to the comfort of those present. During the first portion of th»* evening the task of judging the merits of the various costumes ani characters was fulfilled, and to the casual eye the duty of making » choice must have been an extremely difficult one to perform. What with handsome costumes galore, together with numerous amusing and well sustained characters, there was Httle to choose between at lea<4t a score in both sexes. Contrary to custom the task of deciding upon who was **betle of the ball" was of the easiest nature. Mr Fenton claimed the honour immediately he ventured on the floor, and nobody disputing the claim, he must be voted pride oE place. The first pri*e among the ladies was awarded to Mrs Thompson, who made a charming Spanish dancer, while Miss Buckworth, as a bewitching Highland lassie, was accorded second honours. Among the gentlemen Mr L. Morgan, who acted the character of a swagger on the track to the life, was voted first prixe, and Mr Connell as a coloured gentleman, took second place.

The following are some of the characters among these which were noticeable during the evening:— Miss-Melting, Japanese lady; Miss

Boddie, fairy: Miss Ellison, Persian lady; Mrs Williamson, Queen of Hearts; Miss Grattan, nurse; Miss B. Grattan, night; Mrs Corban. flower girl; Miaa Knelt, Maori Maiden; Miss Herd. Greek girt; Mws McPowell, Earty English: Miss McKenzi«», school girl: Miss McCoHom. starlight; Miaa Bock worth. Highland Lassie -.iMisa r«rn«r, Tsehoot girt; Mrs Thompson, Spanish dancer; Miss Kerr and Miaa Bissett, the Heavenly Twins; Mrs MeNaught, Fairy Queen; Miss

Moyland and Miss Harrision, Two little girls in blue; Miss £. Brooks. Auckland, The Daughter of a Regiment; Miss Banbury, Romp. Among the gentlemen were: —Messrs L. Morgan, swagger; MeConnell, coloured gentleman; Btntcher, Red Indian; V. Kirk, G. and C. Poster; Williams, Highlander; H. Vaose, Black and White; Thorburn, Monsieur Beaacaire; F. Gemming, Beef Eater; S. J. Forteseoe, Cteric; C. Cfeflcott, fairy; Howarth. Court dress; J. B. Sharpies. Knight of the Bath; W. McColl, Chinese Mandarin; Thompson. Naval officer; Kneebone, jockey; Ellison, Claude Duval; R. Fenton, Belle of the Ball; Toheka, Maori Chief: Williamson, "Looking Backward." At the conclusion of the first part of the programme the handsome banner provided by the ladies of the district was presented to the Union. Mr N. C. Matthew spoke on behalf of the ladies, and the banner was handed to Mr Young, President of the U0i"», by Mrs McColl. Mr Young, in returning thanks to the ladies, eulogised the work of Mr« McColl. Mrs White and others, both in Te Kuiti and the ootdiatict for their handsome gift. Mr Matthew said he understood there was a balance of about .£1 left over from the banner fund, and this amount was to be devoted to the Fir© Brigade. Cheers were heartily given for the ladies. Danciagiwa* kept up till 3 a.m., when all dispersed in a nappy mood.