Masquerade Ball.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXII, Issue 42790, 12 October 1905, Page 2

Masquerade Ball.

Last evening in the Public Hall was held the Masquei ade and Fancy Dres-s Ball, promoted by the Te Aroha Brass Band. The interior of the hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion with gaily«coloured chains hanging in festoons from several centres. The gallery, which at the commencement of the evening, was full of spectators, was decorated liberally with red ensigns, the platform receiving similar attention, accentuated by the smart uniforms of the band. X good number of couples assembled on the floor, a large proportion being in fancy dress, all however, wearing masks. The floor was in excellent condition, which was 'highly appreciated. Amongst those in fancy dress, some clever and original costumes were to be seen, and which indicated that much thought and preparation had been expended in their production. There were four prizes to be competed for, two ifor the best ladie’s costumes and two for the best gentlemen’s costumes. The first lady’s prize was won by Miss M. Devey, as ‘‘ A Maori Schoolgirl,” an excellent idea, well carried out in every detail. Miss Davidson, as“ Starlight” was awarded the second prize for a well-conceived costume cleverly put into effect, In the voting, Miss Devey and Miss Heathcote, as‘‘Two Little Girls in Blue,” tied with “ Starlight,” but generously gave way, considering that the costume well merited a prize. The gentlemen’s prizes were won by Mr Currie, first, as a “ Tory King,” in an effective eighteenth century costume. Mr F. Harris, in an effective impersonation of “ Uncle Tom,” was second. Other costumes commended wer>> “ Only a Leaf,” Mrs Macpherson ; “ Clowness,” Miss Andeiton, and “ Highlander,” Mr Flynn. It. was announced that the judges had some difficulty in deciding between Miss Davidson and Mrs Macpherson as belle of the ball, but finally awarded the distinction to Miss Davidson ,Scar~ light). The following are some of the drGsses noted : Mrs Macpherson, Only a Leaf.

Miss Devey, Maori. ~ Davidson, Starlight. ~ Devey and Miss Heathcote, Two Little Girls in Blue. „ L. Michael, Bed Biding Hood. ~ Andrews, Irish Peasant Girl. „ Anderton, Clowness. ~ B. Michael, Elaine. ~ Bainbridge, Japanese. „ Andrews, Christmas Tree. ~ Faes, La Mascotte. ~ Barraelough, Grandpa’s Darling. „ Shipton, Nancy Lee. ~ Biggs, white muslin, lace yoke, trimmed lace, blue belt. „ Maxted, white silk blouse, trimmed lace, black skirt. ~ Michael, black, trimmed lace, red roses. ~ Bay, white silk blouse, trimmed with lace, black skirt. Delaney, black, with lace cloth bodice. „ Mackie, blue blouse, dark skirt. Bossons, blue blouse, black skirt. Mr Currie, Tory King. '

Harris, Uncle Tom. McFlynn, Highlander. ” Pickering, Baker. „ Everitt, Footballer. M McGiven, Sailor. ” Scott, Courtier. J. Everitt, Tyrolian Boy. ~ Mason, Rhaki. Lowe, Tommy Atkins; J. Brennan, Night. M Lovegrove, Foot allor. Fugill, Peer of Henry VHI. „ Geo. Lee, Any RagsMr Brennan fulfilled the duties of M.C. in a very able and attentive manner. Effective musical accompaniment was piovided by the Te Aroha Brass Band, andjduring the intervals pianoforte extras were contributed by Miss Faes and Miss Bossons. Refreshments were handed round during the course of the evening. Mr Sherlock, on behalf of the Band Committee, thanked Mrs, Miss and Mr Faes for their kindness in giving tlieir assistance duiing the winter months, and also thanked 'Mr Brennan, who had so willingly given Hs services as M.C. at their weekly dances. Mr Sherlock said that the . Band Committee crpterrplated running a fortnightly dance during the summer for the benefit of both visitors and townspeople. The C >mmittee also, through Mr Sherlock, wished to thank all those who had so kindly assisted in any' way, and also those who had attended the dances, which, as most would be aware, were promoted to clear the liability incurred by the building of the Band Room. Dancing was carried on till an early hour of the morning. Unfortunately the bad weather prevented a number of country patrons from attending.