ARIA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 587, 23 July 1913, Page 5

ARIA.

Own Correspondent. A most enjoyable fancy dress dance, organised by the local Maoris, was held in the Aria Hall on Friday night. There was a good attendance of both Maoris and pakehas, and dancing was kept up merrily until 3 a.m. Mr John Cooper, late of Christchurcb, supplied excellent music on the piano, and there were ample light refreshments. Mr Taka proved a very efficient M.C. Miss Copestick appeared as an Indian Maid: Miss Sangster, Aunt Sally; Miss M Sangster, Powder and Patches; Miss O Sangster, Lilies; Mra Box, Mimosa; Missß.ua, Tehoa; Mrs Holloway, Fortune Teller; Miss G. Anderson., Bush Maiden; Mrs Nelson, Highland Chieftainess; Mrs Matatu, Native Coßtume; Mr C. B. Holloway, Spanish Cavalier; C. E. West, Bluejacket; W. Lawrence, Clown; E. Sangster, Johnnie Walker; N. Leady, Monk; F. Collet, Jack Johnson; G. F. Nelson, Divinity Student; A. Smith, Robinson Crusoe; N. West, Cricketer; Waihen Rangi, Rangatira. A ballot was taken and Miss Copestick was voted the lady withthe best costume and Mr Waiheri Rangi the gentleman. To each a valuable prize was awarded. The waltzing competition was won by Mrs Matatu and Mr Slines. The hall was handsomely decorated with nikaus, ferns and evergreens. During the evening songs were rendered by Messrs G. F. Nelson and W. Anderson. THE SEASON'S PROSPECTS. The winter now is well advanced, and bulba and violets are announcing that spring is gradually coming upon us. The whole of this year wejnight say is a great contrast as regards the weather compared with the corresponding period Ist year. In the place of almost incessant wet weather we have experienced not at all an unfavourable winter in spite of a fair number of really hard frosts. The grass at intervals has grown, and the just now shows a strong tinge of green. The barometer took a backward turn on Saturday morning and for 36 hours fell rapidly t0*29.2 Very heavy rain has been experienced and as a result all streams and rivers are swollen. This can only be called seasonable and must be productive of good for the subsoil needs a good soaking for the call made during summer. Improvements are steadily going on all round. New houses indicate the result of past thrift on the coming of a new settler. Bush continues to come own to provide more grazing country and the plough is increasingly in evidence in preparation for the sowing of oats and turnips.