BALL ON BOARD THE OMEO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 294, 28 November 1862, Page 4

BALL ON BOARD THE OMEO.

On Wednesday evening a large party of invited quests were entertained by Captain M'Lachlan, on board the steamship Omeo, at Port Chalmers. The ball was given in celebration of the completion of the new machinery, and of the ship ngain taking her place on the line between Melbourne and Port Chalmers. It had originally been intended to have the ball oil Tuesday evening, but the extreme inclemency of the weather in the early part of the day, determined Captain M'Lachlan to ■ postpone it for a day, and notes were sent to all those invited, informing them of the change. The change was a most fortunate one, for the weather on Wednesday evening was all that could be desired. The arrangement made was, that the guests from Dunedin should be taken to the ship by the Pride of the Yarra; which was chartered by Captain M'Lachlan for the purpose ; and accordingly at 6 o'clock that little vessel was alongside the Dunedin Jetty, and within a few minutes she was filled with ladies and gentlemen on pleasure bent, to the number of about fifty, all of whom wore cordially welcomed by their hospitable entertainer, who was there to receive them. No time was lost in getting, under weigh, and soon the little steamer was putting and panting, as she male her way against the head xriud which happened to be blowing at the time. The wind being in the wrong direction, made the trip down rather longer and Jess agreeable than had been anticipated ; but everything must have au end, and in course of time the Omeo was reached, and all were put on board •without mishap. Once on board all thoughts of discomfort vanished. Every preparation had been made for the comfort and gratification of the guests, and by the time the ladies had put off their travelling gear and made their toilettes, and all were seated at the light repast which was ready spread awaiting their arrival, it would have been difficult to find a happier looking company. The tea "and coffee, &c, having been done justice to, the gentlemen went on deck, and the ladlas retired to their cabins while the tables were cleared away to make room for the dancing. In a few minutes this was accomplished, and the wide square<cabiu was converted into & capital ball room. The cabin, we should mention, was most tastefully decorated with ferns and flowers, and on deck a covered promenade gaily set off with Hags, and lighted with lamps conveniently placed about, afforded a cool retreat for such as desired to escape the heat of the ball-room. All being in readiness the dancing commenced, and was kept up with spirit until about 11 o'clock, when all adjourned to the promenade on deck while the supper tables were being laid. A first-rate spread ret ofi' by a hearty welcome served to recruit the energies of the dancers, and the nfter supper eloquence being wisely kept within the narrowest bounds, dancing was speedily resumed, and was sustained with unabated energy until nearly 5 o'clock in the morning, thus bringing to a conclusion an exceedingly pleasant evening. From first to last the interest never flagged: the guests had come determined to enjoy themselves, and the genial kindness of the host made all feel at their ease, and one and all were fain to confess that they had seldom passed so agreeable an evening. The sociability of the party was much promoted by the fact that many of the guests had sailed in the ship an passengers, and it was pleasant to note the cordial uaderstandin* that appeared to exist between them and the captain. Shortly after the dancing was over the Pride of the Yarra again came 'alongside, and at about hall-past six the company left the ship, and were conveyed fcack town.