ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1075, 27 July 1912, Page 4

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO.

The “One Hundred Years Ago Ball, which took place in London recently, must have been one of the most brilliant scones of its kind that the metropolis has ever witnessed. Fifty peeresses were to assist at it, including five duchesses and seven marchionesses, and among those who arranged the special and regimental quadrilles, all in the costumes of 1812, were many of the most famous people in London society. The “Waterloo” quadrille, mentioned in a cable message, was arranged by Lady Arthur Paget, and the .Nelson quadrille by the Duchess of Somerset. Other quadrilles were to represent Lties Cries of London,” “The Government, “India,” and a number of the histone regiments, all in the garb of 1812. The men in the Waterloo set were, wo are told, to include the leading generals of the groat battle, and, perhaps, some of the Prussian and Dutch commanders, with their ladies. Nelson’s captains wore to bo in the Nelson quadrille, and-each dancer was to consult family portraits and othei authorities for complete correctness in dress, and, so far as possible, for some likeness to the original represented. J-hc festivity would draw all London, and though no one was to bo admitted unless attired in some century-old fashion, one can believe that the Albert Hall was filled. Probably, apart from the space required for the dancers and the lounges, and so forth, there would bo accommodation for several thousand spectators, tor the hall can seat over nine thousand comfortably. The first thousand tickets were to be sold at 30s each, after which the price was to be raised, and the three tiers of boxes were also to bo sold at a premium. The Soldiers’ and Sailois Help Society, for which the ball was held, should have profited greatly by the general desire to take part in one of the events of “the season,” which is now at its very height.