A BALL AT OREPUKI.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 16, 21 July 1894, Page 9

A BALL AT OREPUKI.

(From our own Correspondent.)

The fancy and plain dress ball in aid of the library funds, held cm Friday, 13th inst., proved the most enjoyable affair of the kjnd ever held here. The ball was patronised by a number of visitors from Invercargill and Riverton, who were quite taken aback at the elaborate and sumptuous arrangements made for the occasion. About 60 couples enjoyed the dancing, while fully 50 people occupied the stage of the large hall as onlookers. The hall was tastefully decorated with ferns and evergreens, and formed a fitting frame for the gaily-dressed dancers. Most of the ladies and a good many of the gentlemen were in fancy costumes. Among the more prominent were Powder and Patches, Nancy Lee, Dolly Varden, Circassian Lady, Night, Gipsie«, French Peasants, Hospital Nurses, Red Riding Hoods, Folly, Magpie, Artist, Spanish Lady, Queen of Clubs, Flower Girls, Waitresses, Cinderella, and many others. The dresses were quite a revelation, and the only wonder is where they came from in a small place like Orepuki. Among the other sex we had an elegantlygot up Magpie, several sailors, stockriders, Californian diggers, cricketers, footballers, jockeys, volunteers, an Indian hawker, Private Mulvaney, and last but not least “ Leaves,’’ whose unique costume consisted of leaves sewn on his clothing, completely hiding it. Dancing was kept up till midnight, when supper in adjoining marquees was temptingly laid out and done ample justice to, after which dancing was resumed and kept up till 6 a.m. Mr J. Whelan acted as M.C. and did all that man could do to promote enjoyment. The music, as usual, was excellent, and was supplied by Messrs McLean and Young. The .catering was done by the married people of the district, and was first-class. Mrs O. Sorenson had the tables in hand, assisted by lady volunteers, who also took kindly care of the

youngsters-looking:: on. Mp (). Sorenson very kindly gave the hall free,' providing lights, &c. There being a large supply o£ edibles left over; another dance was held on Saturday night, wnich proved just as successful. About £2O were taken, which, after expenses are paid, will leave about £ll for the library. The ladies and gentlemen who formed the committee are to be congratulated on the very successful issue of their arduous labours, and they deserve the hearty thanks of all who have the good of the Orepuki Library at heart. July 18.