THE KHAKI QUEEN.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 97, 29 August 1918, Page 2

THE KHAKI QUEEN.

Fancy Dpess Ball and Carnival. " Superb in every detail" is a term which is not too high to be used in connection with the Peria fancy dress ball and carnival, held in public hall, on Friday last. Judicious advertising and a completeness of arrangement had led the public to expect something out of the ordinary, and in this it was not disappointed. When the doors were opened the hall presented a lovely scene. The decorations were profuse, whilst various articles of furniture from the homes of members of the committee added to the comfort of dancers. From the walls hung festoons of ivy and other greenery, completed in the centre with Chinese lanterns. The corners of the hall wer6 blinded with settees, the use of which incidentally were in big demand during the evening, and the stage was beautifully furnished and decorated. About 80 couples took part in the grand march and lancers, of which 35 couples were in fancy c6stTraTe~afld--maske(!.--Th-e..dresses were of a brilliancy never before seen in Matamata, and a number of the parts adopted were faithfully carried out right through the evening. Special attention had been paid to the floor of the hall, which, by the way, is not easy to prepare, and in this feature those responsible are to be congratulated for the excellence of the job they made. The music, played by Mr and Mrs Darby and Mr J. Cumming, with the occasional assistance of Mr Bates, was such as to fully warrant the enthusiastic vote of thanks passed to them at the conclusion of the evening. A complimentary remark must also be made regarding the supper which bore the hall mark of delicacy and plenteousness, besides being tastefully served. An extra dance was nicely played by Miss Blennerhassett. The two novelty dances, the first in which the lady partners 1 were chosen by their feet from behind a screen hung across the hall, and the second by their hands, provided much amusement and speculation as to whom one would choose. The twilight dance also was a popular innovation. The director, Mr H. Rollett, and master of ceremonies, Mr C. D. Rollett, carried through the programme in a manner which drew forth high encomiums from all present. The ladies were also congratulated on the success of their efforts. During the evening votes were cast on the best and most novel fancy costumes, the results being as follows: Best lady's costume, Mrs Bartlett (Hinuera) as Indian maid; most original lady's costume, Miss Malloy (Peria) as " Matamata Record "; best gentleman's costume, Mr Les. Gonnel as " clown," and most original, Mr'W. Gale, as " His Mamma." During the evening two guessing competitions were held, for a cake and for a bouquet. Four ladies and a gentleman tied for the former — Mesdames Blennerhassett, Darby senr, McNair, and Radford and Mr E. G. Clarke. It was given back for auction, and with other cakes, brought in the substantial sum approaching £lO. Mr B. C. Taylor was the auctioneer. The bouquet was won by Mr C. Duckering, and was handed back, realising in all nearly £5. Although the accounts are not complete it is expected that the sum of £SO will be the result of the function. The ball was most enjoyable and the memory of it and the dresses and costumes worn will live a long time with those who were fortunate enough to be present. Among those noticed in fancy dress were: —Miss B. McLaren, fishergirl; Miss J. Browne, powder and patches; Mrs B. C. Taylor, Red Cross nurse ; Miss N. Ross, French Peasant; Miss Herrick, powder and patches; Miss N. Garland, Egyptian Princess; Miss Maxwell, carnival ; Miss "E. Neemes, starlight; Miss M. Neemes, The Allies ; Miss M. Butcher, sunflower; Miss A. Morrow, Colleen Bawn ; Miss Hutt, Italy; Miss Hill, Matamata Pictures; Miss L. Kusabs, Fatima ; Miss Lake, tambourine girl; Miss J. Wallace Scotch regiments ; Miss D. Wallace, Dutch girl; Mrs Berry, Cinderella; Miss A. Robinson, green jockey ; Miss K. Quinlan, Romance ; Mrs Ryan, America; Miss M. Robinson,good luck; Miss M. Fitzgerald, Colleen Bawn; Miss Stewart, crimson rambler; Miss Strong, night; Miss M. Cumming, 5 o'clock tea ; Miss Neal, Grace Darling ; Miss E. Banks, witch ; Miss M. Green, France; Miss E. Buckley; pierette; Miss Fairweather, Red Cross nurse; Mrs Molloy, Maid of Athens; Miss Whatford, Russian dancer; Miss Bates, Quaker girl; Miss Flett, the winds ; Miss K. Day, folly; Miss J. Crabb, Japanese ; Miss Molloy, Matamata Record; Miss L. Duxfield, Gipsy fortune-teller; Miss A. Rollett, Italian peasant; Miss •

A. Duxfield, Quaker girl; Miss Mary Edwards, Gretchen; Miss A. Harding, Japanese ; Miss R. James, Miss Mischief; Miss Marjorie Edwards, Gipsy; Miss E. Duxfield, Grandma; Miss Duxfield, Red Cross nurse ; Miss J. Edwards, poppy; Miss V. Blennerhassett, Greece; Miss Freda Reynolds, France; Miss Green, Swiss peasant; Mrs Bartlett, Indian maide. Gentleman—Messrs L. Connell, clown ; C. Strong, Nigger Minstrel; H.Sutherland, footballer; H. Carlson, Dick Turpin; H. Pannett, Admiral; B. Blennerhassett, Naval Officer; M. McDermott, Pierrot; A. Day, Red India n<; N. Blennerhassett, Father Xmas; Martin, Troubadour; R. Rollett, 17th Century gentleman ; T. McDonnell, boundary rider; E. Blennerhassett, Jack Tar ; A. Dowie, Pierrot; A. G. Yardley, Baby Bliss, and W. Gale, His Mamma; E. James, Ambassador; J. Quinlan, R.A.M.C; D. Harding, French Zouave. /