Druids’ Annual Ball and Procession.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 43372, 12 September 1908, Page 2

Druids’ Annual Ball and Procession.

Thanks to the prudent advertising of their energetic Secretary, crowds lined the streets to see the procession of the local Druids, with their fair lady member, “ Boadicea,” on Wednesday evening last, Through a misunderstanding the newly-formed band and the school cadets who were advertised to take part, did not appear ; bu; nothing daunted the grey beards, who decided to march alone rather than disappoint the spectators. Starting from the lodge-room the procession wended its way round by the railway station, up Bridge Street, and then down Whitaker Street as far as the Domain and back again to the Hall, where they dispersed. Unfortunately a full-moon destroyed the effect of the torch-lights, but the music supplied made up for it. Some forty members of the order took part, and were assisted by about twenty members of the Fire Brigade, under Capt. Pilkington, who lent a onehose reel for the fair lady to ride on, and dragged another in the procession.

Soon after 8.30 p.m , to the strains of the dreamy waltz the ball programme was commenced. On entering the hall one was struck with the artistic decorations therein, which had evidently been carefully planned out. The arrangement of cabbage trees, lillies, etc., was most pleasing, and the kindness of Dr. Kenny in lending the lanterns and flags, so tastefully arranged, was much appreciated. The floor reflected great credit on the floor committee, being in tip top order, and the music supplied by the Te Aroha Trio, assisted by Mr H. Whitehead fpiccalo), was up to their usual standard. There were some fifty couples present. Among the visiting brethren we noticed Bro. Burrowes of the Taihape Court, and P.G. Bro. Fugill, representing the local Oddfellows’ Lodge. Extras were played by Misses 0. Teague and Fisher. Under the capable guidance of Bros. Deverell and Keesing, M’s.C., dancers were well looked after and all appeared happy and contented. The programmes, neatly printed by the News, were much appreciated by all, saving terpsichoreans endless worry and debate as to who was entitled to the next dance.

The supper, which was in keeping with the r«_et of the arrangements, was expeditiously handed round by a host of members, who saw that none were overlooked. The committee, Bros. H. Whitehead A.D. ; F. Mackie, P-A. ; E. ltowe, P.A- ; E. Baswick, V.A.D. ; J. White, O.G. ; and E. Bygrave, A-D.B ; deserve great credit for their efforts, and the Secretary, Mr E. Willis, was the right man in the right place Among the dresses we noticed : The Mayoress (Mrs K. L. Somers), handsome black silk dress. Mrs Thompson, creme voile dress. „ F. Mackie, pretty pink dress with ruby velvet trimmings. „ J. Hcathcotc, black silk skirt with creme blouse. n F. Devey, handsome black silk dress. ~ E. Devey, black satin skirt, silk blouse.

~ Gallagher, pretty blue sequin dress. Misses Teague, effective black evening dress, with gold spangles and crimson roses. ~ E. Teague, blue silk dress. ~ C. Teague, white muslin dress with tartan sash. ~ Ryan, creme silk dress ~ E Ryan, stylish pink silk dress. ~ I. Ryan, creme silk dress. ~ Michael, pretty white dress. . ~ L. Michael, pretty creme voile dress.

~ Davison, pale blue voile dress. ~ Fisher, steel gray voile dress. ~ Brownlee, white mull dress. ~ McSweeney, creme voile dress. ~ Peterson, creme voile dress. ~ Wallace, gray skirt, white embroidered blouse. ~ Gavin, white embroidered dress, ~ FJ .lery, white bishop’s lawn dress, ~ Devey, white muslin dress, ~ Hiekton, French gray dross with black trimmings, ~ Epherson, white silk dress. ~ Atkins, creme winsy skirt with silk blouse. ~ Smith, white dress. ~ Bygrave, black skirt, with creme silk blouse. „ White, effective creme dress with navy blue trimmings. ~ Watson, navy blue silk dress. with white lace trimmings. „ Multrus, white lawn dress.