ODDFELLOWS' BALL.

Southland Times, Issue 1155, 27 October 1869, Page 4

ODDFELLOWS' BALL.

The ninth anniversary of the Shamrock, Rose and Thistle Lodge of the Independent Order of Oddfellows was celebrated on Friday , 22nd inst., at the Theatre Royal. The fete took the shape of a ball and supper, experience having proved this tho most generally-acceptable form of festivity. The Theatre was selected as the scene of the social gathering on the present occasion, and we must say that no pains were spared to add to the invariably neat, and even elegant, appearance of its interior. The finest foliage that could be colled from the forest, artistically festooned and interlaced, adorned but did not conceal the out* line of the slender pillara supporting ■ the upper portion of the building, where flags of the gayest hues looked brighter in a flood of light from the handsome chandelier. At the upper end of the hall were mottoes of the Order, skilfully worked in leaves and flowers, encircling the Dispensation and the roll of past officers of the Lodge. The decorations were entrusted to Mr Ross, photographer, assisted by efficient volunteers, and certainly reflected credit on all concerned. The arrangements for the comfort of the guests — who numbered nearly 100 — were most complete. The sapper — provided by Mr D. Kingsland— was unexceptionable, and a great improvement on the old-fashioned plan of a set repast. Of the ball itself we can only say that it was a great success, and that Lloyd's Quadrille Band never contributed to the enjoyment of a more thoroughly harmonious party. Each appeared resolved on making the most of the occasion, and appreciating to the fullest extent all the pleasure derivable from exercise "on the light fantastic." The scene when the dancers assembled was brilliant in the extreme ; the rich insignia of the Order adding, in a marked degree, to the effective display.