MIRANUI FLAX MILL BALL.

Shannon News, 1 August 1922, Page 3

MIRANUI FLAX MILL BALL.

A BRILLIANT FUNCTION

It is doubtful if a mdre brilliant function than the ball tendered by Mi- Alfred Seifert and the flax-workex-s at Miranui mill, which took place in the Druids’ Hall on Friday evening, has ever been witnessed in Shannon. At eight o’clock the hall was packed, and the actual attendance was no fewer than 470, several

journeying from Palmerston North. A great feature of the gathering was the decorations ,of which loud praise, was heard on all sides. They were tastefully carried out by the use of green and dressed flax around the wulls, while in the centre of the room a huge bell was suspended, from which streamers, blending with the different shades of the flax, were carried across the room. The same idea of decoration, was reproduced in the supper room, and, together with the well set but tables, and a very pleasing effect. The work of decorating was carried out under the supervision of Mr H. Greedy, who was ably assisted by his committee, and they are to be complimented on their efforts; the result going to show one more way in which flax can be successfully utilised. The stage was set aside for the orchestra and a buffet, where clai-et cup was dispensed duxing the evening, the attendants being kept busy. The proceedings opened, with the Grand. March, under the direction of Mr 'M. Christensen, who capably filled the postion of M.C., assisted;by Messrs. F. Eagle, Lund, Hanifln and

Richardson. The catering, which was carried out by the committee and the ladies’ committee ,was excellent, The music, supplied by Larkin’s Orchestra, of Palmerston North, together with the splendid floor, left nothing to be desired from the dancers’ point of view. Dancing was kept up until the early *houi-s of the morning, and everyone present was unanimous that it was one of the most enjoyable evenings they had spent.

Just before supper* adjournment, Mr Alfred Seifert, in a happy speech, said all credit was due to the committee for the able manner in which they had carried oiit, the arfafigements ,and he felt very proud of the decorations, and he also wished to thank the ladies’ committee for their valuable assistance. He said lie was not. aware unrfd that night Shannon had such a large population. Referring to the flax industry, Mr Seifert stated it was. now fifteen years since they started at, Miranui, and during that period they had turned out. a lot! of hem, which was due to the co-operation -of their employees, and he was glad to be among them on the lighter side of life’. He made mention of. the yellow leaf disease among the flax, which had hdlf the crop, but he felt sure that difficulty could be, overcome in, the future if the best; attention is given tp culling os.it. the diseased plants and planting only those varieties that showed the. greatest, resistance. Mr Seifert said he felt- sure , that when certain work had been done it would then be possible) to be able to select varieties to grow* in the Shannon district ,and that a. person with a 50 to 100-acre holding who went in for flax growing w'oufd make more than hy •dairying. iThanking afl lor their attendance, Mr Seifert resumed his seat amidst loud cheers.

During an interval, Mr J- M ur * ray thanked Mr Seifert and the committee on behalf of the people ot Shannon, for the most enjoyable time they had spent, and complimented them on the excellent arrangements. He said that/ during the many ye/trs he had been a resident of Shannon,, he bad not at-ended a more enjoy able function.

During an interval, two flashlight photos of ! the assembly were taken by Mr Haycock, of Miranui.

Among those present a lady observer 'noticed the following:— Mrs Seifert, nigger brown satin; Mrs B. Seifert, brown glace silk edged with gold braid; Mrs Richardson, black glace silk with pretty fuchsia cloak; Mrs Greedy, black dress with panels of biack and gold lace; Mrs* Charles, emerald satin lirimmed lace; Mrs Randall, black satin and ninon; Mrs Ha.llam, dress of poetry plaid and bLue eh arm ease; Mrs Murphy, Jade pailette with over-panels of brocaded velvel; Mrs Djnnie, apricot satin draped panels silver) lace; Mrs Moynihan, lemon crepe de chine prettily triium;ed w'iilh black sequin trimming; Mrs Colje, black dress beautifully trimmed with green and gold sequins; Mrs Morgan, falack crepe de chine with overdress <of black georgette edged with gold beads; Mrs Mfason, black frock acco rdeon pleated with pretty silver and", black sequin scarf; Mrs Bovis, emermld green, draped with panels of gjold lace; Mrs Terry, black crepe de chine, prettily beaded; Mrs Judd, bl ack velvet with gold braiding; Mrs Firanks, wine coloured satin; Mrs Be-fird, white crepe de chine trimmed vvith silver bugle beads; Mrs Balfour, powder-blue satin; Mrs Davies, black silk draped L with . lace; Mr* Wlfibley, «rpaaa silk

with overdress of cream lace; Mrs R. Johnson, black satin and' georgette; Miss Seifert, cinnamon brown satin and scolloped frills; Miss Seifert, white, satin with scalloped hem, edged 'in. cerise ribbon; Miss McKegg, green, silver tissue with overdress of black > accdrdeon pleated georgette; Miss 11. Cameron, floral and black georgette; Miss F. Cemeron, powderblue cirepe de chine with overdress ol' floral ; tissue; Miss Curran, emerald georgette with overdress and touches of gold; Miss. Upton, cream satin trimmed silver sequins and beads; Miss Morgan, black velvet relieved with cream; Miss Q. Jones, green crepe he chine with floral wreath at waist; Miss G. Jones, pale lemon crepe de chine with emerald sash; Miss Gooch, vieux rose satin relieved with black sash; Miss Greedy, orange satin and georgette; Miss Ryan, apricot satin with pannier relieved with flame satin; Miss A. Brown, flame crepe de chine trimmed black beads; Miss Neal, pale blue satin; Miss Roach, cream satin; Miss Aim, pink georgette and bead trimming; Miss Gunning, pale rose crepe de chine; Miss Neale, pale pink satin with overdress of ninon and spangles, and many others too numerous to mention.