MASQUERADE BALL

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 17 July 1919, Page 2

MASQUERADE BALL

AN ENJOYABLE EVENT

With the return of peacevjj|terthe 'f'oi long nightmare of war, ongJßJ^uralljr; :ff| looks to a return of the social $ events which characterised The every- J\' day life of both large and small com- ' munities prior to the outbreak of war. True, during the war period innumerable social gatherings have been held,but practically all have been for the worthy object of procuring funds for the Red Cross, or for means that woulA 'I make the lot of " the boys" more^ comfortable. Expenses have been cut to a minimum, and almost everyone felt it a crime to spend money needlessly on amusement. Then, again, the big majority of the men who matter in social events were away, and anxiety as to their welfare made enjoyment lest real. Helensville was no exception to> the rule (or rules), and it is now some^ : four years since a function worthy of the name of ball has been held here. The spell was broken on Monday evening last, when the Lyric Theatre wai the scene of revels reminiscent of "in days of yore, before the war." The fancydress and masquerade ball which had been arranged by Sister Maysie, of Hinemoa House, Helensville, eventuated. The hall, which lends itself admirably to that sort of thing, was very tastefnlly decorated with nikau palms, ferns, and and plentiful bunting, and, with the many gnily costumed dancers moving blithsomely over the floor, the scene was an animated and picturesque one. About fifty couples took part in the Grand March which commenced at 9 o'clock and was of a gracefulness not previously seen here, being loudly applauded by the large number of spectators who were accommodated in the dress circle. The Chairraau of the Town Board (Mr Jas. Stewart) and the promoter of the entertainment (Sister Maysie) led off the march, and were followed by the fancy dress couples. Everyone was masked, which fact lent a certain amount of novelty to the occasion, although most dancers found masks rather a nuisance long before the time appointed for discarding them came along. The fancy dresses were both varigated and numerous, and it may be remarked that, though the attendance was not up to expectations, th« array of fancy costumes exceeded the number anticipated. The prizes for the best ladies' and gentlemen's dresses were awarded to Mrs Evens (Dutch Girl), and Mr J. Bradly (Cowboy), though not until the judges (Misses Beresford) had narrowed the choice down to five, the runners up being Misses -V. Hafford (Carnival), C. Ferrall (Egyptian Lady), and Mr H. Bradly (Sundowner). The prizes awarded were a silver-mounted butter-dish, and a safety razor. Following is a list of those who appeared in fancy costume :— Mrs J. Bradly, Gipsy Mrs W. Allen, Russian Mrs Sewell, Swiss Peasant Sister Maysie, Eastern Princess Mrs Rennie, Boy Scout '*** Mrs Evens, Dutch Girl Miss W. Ferrall, Colleen Bawn Miss a Ferrall, Egyptian Lady Miss Little, Folly Miss L. Carletou, N.Z Ensign Miss A. Hafford, Carnival Miss V. Hafford, Rumanian Fete Girl Miss E. Donavan, Spanish Dancer Miss D. Dowling, Weldon's Crochet - * Patterns Miss A. Dowling, English Pierrott *■ Miss K. Dowling, English Pierrott Miss F. McDonald, Gipsy Fortne Teller Miss Roberts, Dutch Girl Miss E. Stanaway, Becky Sharp Miss Cole, Early Victorian Miss T. Bradly, Weldon's Fashions Miss H. Hughes, Red Riding Hood G. Andrews, Lady A. McLeod, Dutchman J. Bell, Jester ' ' C. McLeod, Yellow and Black Pierrott R. Spinley, English Pierrott • * ' D. Simcock, Euglsh Pierrott D. Bradly, Footballer H. Bradly, Sundowner J. Bradly, Cowboy L. Johnstone, Back from the Front * R- Walker, Cricketer A. Hunter, Troubadqur -i V. White, Gipsy ' " ' —. Burke, Clown W. Carleton, English Courtier L. Little, Turk Dancing was kept up with vigour until an early hour, the splendid music pro- - vided by the Misses Beresford's orchestra (piano, violin, and cornet) being' an ~ inducement to one and all to keep moving. During the evening a splendid and well laid out supper of cold meats, trifles, and many other dainties was partaken of, the catering for^SJLh, in - the hands of the Hinemoa Holflprf, reflected much credit on that esTablißhment, ... The promoter of the event is to be < congratulated on her efforts, and the ' secretary (Miss E. Stanaway) is also to be congratulated on the energetic and - courteous manner in which she carried ouj the many duties pertaining to that oUice. ■ ..'• i t t . We understand that the proceeds of V function are to be devoted to the * Catholic Church funds