COMPLIMENTARY BALL

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 28 August 1919, Page 2

COMPLIMENTARY BALL

TO RETURNED SOLDIERS.

The Helensville Citizens' and Settlers*^- . Ball, held in the Lyric Theatre Pjjte Thursday evening of last week, mJHJP;:- 5.. tendered as a compliment to all returneji soldiers residing in the districts of Helensville, Parakai, Parkhurst, and Te Pua. It must be extremely gratifying, both to the men who were honoured and to the committees who worked so hard, to know that the ball was a huge success, which will go down in the history of this town as one of the biggest «^ events of its kind. <

When the ball wai first mooted, strong committees were formed to plan detailf,. and it is gratifying to note that All who ; were called upon to asßist did bo in an ungrudging manner. The general committee were: Mesdames N. W. Rimmer," J. Stewart, J. A. Wilson, Coutts, West, v Eames, Becroft, Strange, J. F. Lambert, .^^ Jas. McLeod, Barnes, Messrs N. W. Rimmer (chairman), Jas. Stewart, A. J. Hill (treasurer), H. Aitkenhead, J.A. Wilson, J. Constable, W. Coutte, F. Wj Strange, T. D. Johnson, H. Bradly, J, Bradly, J. McLeod, W. F. F. Raisher. 7 Messrs A. J. Garry and J. C. Rimmer were joint secretaries. The supper com-tni-tte were: Mesdames Stewart, Ja». Stewart, Coutts, Wilson, N. W. Rimmer, Becroft, Jas. McLeod, Strange, Eames, Lambert, C. Sandin, Messrs A. J. Hill, J. Stewart, Strange, Jas. McLeod. Besides the appointed committees, a number of residents gave much assistance, and materially contributed to the success of the function.

The vicinity of both the Lyric and Star Theatres bore a gala appearance on Thursday evening, the reason for this being (outwardly) the archway of greenery which had been constructed along the footpath between the two theatres leading from the ballroom to the cupper room. On entering the former abode of gaiety, one was struck by the brilliant lighting and tasteful decorations, the latter being chiefly Jycopodiura and nikau palms. The stage was similarly treated, and accommodated a good number of spectators, while the upper "gallery was specially reserved for onlookera, of which there were a fair number. The announcing of the Grand Maich was the signal for the dancers, and by the time the march was in full swing, something like 150 couples were taking part. Major Coates and Mrs James Stewart led off the procession, and with the many beautiful dresses of the ladies, and the evening dress of the gentlement, in evidence, the scene was pronounced a brilliant one. The music of Meredith's Orchestra of five players was splendid, and simply a treat to dance to, while the floor was almost in perfect condition. A tribute to the music and floor was evidenced by the fact that nearly as many couples were on the floor when the last dance came as at the commencement. Supper was laid in the Star Theatre and at midnight 300 persons sat down to a sumptuous spread, consisting of cold meats and poultry, salads, jellies trifles, and other dainties, set out in a manner which proved that no pains had been spared to make the supper a special feature. The catering was io the hands of Mrs Easton, who carriedout arrangements in a splendid manner, she and her assistants working hard .to make the supper a success. The decorating of the tables, and other preliminary . matters were left in the care of th« ladies' committee. It is worthy of. mention that all the " fish, flesh, and good red herring" were the gifts of settlers and townspeople.