HELENSVILLE A. & P. BALL

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 25 August 1921, Page 3

HELENSVILLE A. & P. BALL

CONVINCING SUCCESS

Having regard for the exceeding bad weather experienced on the occasion of the initial ball held by the Helensville A. and P. Association in 1919, and the possibly worse weather conditions which ruled on the night of the second ball last August, 1920, the committee and general public were more than satisfied with last Thursday evening, when brilliant moonlight and < perfect weather favoured the Association's third ball. Under the circumstances the large assemblage of local residents and settlers, and visitors from all parts, was only to be expected, as the fame of the commonly called Farmers' Ball has spread afar. From the grand march to the last dance the evening- was thoroughly enjoyable, and all present surely enjoyed themselves to the utmost. The large Agricultural Hall was literally transformed with greenery and bunting, and presented a cosy appearance. The floor was in perfect order, and the 120 or more couples occasionally fully taxed the floor space.

The very lengthy grand march was led off by the president of the Association (Mr J. Grey) and Mrs Grey, and about 80 couples took part, The many beautiful individual dresses of the ladies showed to great; advantage, and drew forth many favourable expressions of opinion, one onlooker remarking that iy>r style and taste there were no places he knew of which could get ahead of the Helensville ladies in the matter of dress. The most important item of the evening (from the dancers' point of view) was the music, which was excellently played by Messrs P. J. Meredith's orchestra —piano, voilin, flute and cornet. The music was catchy, .modern and tuneful, and the musicians very obliging in the matter of encores.

Supper, served uelow stairs, was a regular treat. The ladies who were responsible for the supper arrangements have become adepts at this class of catering, and spared no pains to have everything in order for the feast. The tables were laden with tasty trifles, fruit salads, jellies, etc., and full justice was done the fare provided. There was plenty for all, and everyone was satisfied. After supper dancing was kept up until 3 a.m., when tired but contented people wended their homeward way.

Much credit is due the committees who carried out the arduous work in connection with the ball. All the hard (work which a function of this kind involves was more than repaid on this occasion, and the workers have the satisfaction of knowing that, added to a brilliant success is the fact that the Association's funds will substantially benefit. >

While everything went off successfully, a matter for some adverse comment was the programme of dances arranged. The programme was almost identical with last year's, and while satisfying twelve month's ago, was not up to modern requirements. The craze for "one-stepping" has now a hold locally, and a fair proportion of patrons at the above ball claimed that they had not been catered- for in this respect. While not wanting or being entitled to all the dances on the programme, the new school of dancers insists on being recognised, and future dance promoters must cater for them to a reasonable extent.