THE BALL TO THE GOVERNOR.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 94, 24 April 1867, Page 2

THE BALL TO THE GOVERNOR.

The Ball given to his Excellency the Governor, at the Provincial Hall yesterday evening, was a decided success. Probably a more brilliant assemblage had never been seen in Nelson, than that which greeted the Governor on this occasion. About 150 persons were present, including all the members of his Excellency's suite, and the Captain and officers of H.M.S. Brisk, and the many naval and military uniforms, mingled with the varicolored toilettes of the ladies present, very many of which were of the most tasteful character, produced an ensemble on entering the Hall of the most striking and agreeable character. Dancing commenced at half-past 9, and shortly after 10, his Excellency arrived, attended by his suite, and was received at the entrance by the Stewards, the band playing the National Anthem. Dancing was then resumed, and was kept up with the most unflagging spirit until midnight, when the band announced that supper was served, by playing the well known air " Oh ! the Roast Beef of Old England." Tables, most plentifully and delicately supplied, were laid in the Land Office, and ample justice was done to the viands, as well as to the potables, which were also of excellent quality. The usual loyal toasts, including, of course, the guest of the evening, were then duly honored, and the party returned to the ball room, where dancing was kept up with untiring energy until close upon 5 a.m. His Excellency retired about half-past 11 o'clock, according, we believe, to his usual custom on such occasions, and before leaving, expressed himself as highly gratified by the entertainment which had been offered to him. We must not omit to mention that the music was excellent; that the two passages at either end of the Hall had been enclosed, and, lined with ferns and evergreens tastefully displayed, formed a very agreeable corridor for promenaders ; that the decorations and general arrangements were confided and very successfully carried out by Mr. Cother ; and that the supper and refreshments were furnished by Mr. Stock of the Custom House Hotel, in a style which quite redeemed the shortcomings of the late Ticeregal dinner.