THE HOSPITAL BULL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 166, 17 July 1903, Page 2

THE HOSPITAL BULL.

As was anticipated tho Hospital Ball, which was held at the Theatre Royal on Thur.-diy evening, in aid of the fund for b "autffying the hospital grounds, was a complete succes i. Never has the, buildiig boon seen to better advantage, than 0:1 this occasion. It was piofusely • de orated with fligs kindly lent by Hisj !\\'oship the Mayor, Dr. Whitton,' 1 Hood, and Mr O'BrieD, and by ' p;tlms and pot plants lent by Mr Gree 7, uf the Morshe&d Nursery 00. The stage . hai bean nude specially attractive in the forefront, which was separated from the supper-room by a very Dioely p.iinted and appropriate piece of scenery, the work of Mr Stephens, the cWer oareiaker of the Hill. The scene on shs floir of tho building was one of gay animation and constantly changing oolour, the picture sque uniforms of tha nurses lending an added charm to the coup d' ceil. There were between 400 and 500 people present, and the way in which the dancers entered into their part of the entertainment betokened an enjoyment that was refreshing to witness. The gallery also was well patronised by onlookers, thus completing such a toute ensemble tha*. is rarely seen in New Plymouth. The ladie3 committee, headed by the Mayoress (Mrs R. Oock), must have laboured long, and with well directed energy, to ensure the perfection of detail which characterised the function. Nothing was wanting, and all that experience and skill could accomplish had evidently been done so as to ensure success. It must therefore be very gratifying to them that the public responded so largely to the invitation to be present, thereby cot only ministering to their own pleasure bot benefitting a most excellent cause. Tha committee are to be heartily congratulated on the succßssful result of their praiseworthy exertions. As fjr the supper, it was all that the most cxicting could wish for, and there was that abundance which showed the liberal spirit of those who contributed thereto. During the afternoon Mr Hipper, the secretary to the Hospital Board, personally collected some 150 plates of refreshments promised for the ball, and for this purpose Mr Veale kindly placed his grocery express at Mr L9pper's disposal. The arrangements tor supper were a new departure, only a few sm ill tables being provided and one long one laden with delicacies, while an excellent serving room bad been extemporised and greatly facilitated matters. The chaperons partook '. of supper at about 9.30 and thereafter ' there was a constant succession of ' guests all of whom were served with promptitude and greatly to their satis- : faction.

During the evening the popular Chairman of the Board, Mr. G. Tisch, warmly thanked all those who had helped in the carrying out of the ball. In thanking the public for their attendance he pointed out that in helping to beautify the Hospital grounds they were enhancing their own property. Fbey need not fear that the money would not be well spent for the work had been entrusted to experienced hands, and the result would that the Ne* Plymouth Hospital grounds would, in a year or so, be made worthy of the town, besides being a source of pleasure to convalescents and visitors, and possibly some of those present, when enjoying a seat in the grounds with a favoured companion of the other sex, might feel glad they had helped towards the work of improving the grounds. As seats would be provided, there was every prospect of the grounds proving attractive, and he urged that the public, should do all in their power to protect the shrubs, flowers, and trees from injury, especially as it was their own property. Dr, Leatham contributed items on the pianolo, the piano for which was kindly lont by the Dresden Company. Mrs Messenger and Mr Henderson also played. The orchestra for the dance music was supplied by Mr McKneigh*, and consisted of a lady pianist, a lady violinist, Mr McKoeight ('cello), and Mr Sturmey (bass). Judging by the comments of the dancers they thoroughly enjoyed the mudo. The piano for the orchestra was kindly lent by the Colonial Piano Company, With the amount resulting from the ball, and the Government subsidy thereoD, together with other donation?, the Board will start on the work with a light heart, and before long the Eospital Grounds should be as much eulogised by visitors as our widely praised Recreation Grounds. It is therefore most gratifying to be able to record such a splendid success, and the public owe a deep debt of gratitude to all those who have contributed to the desired end, and particularly to Mr Tisch and Mr S. Teed (the secretary to the Bill Committee) who have been untiring in their efforts to make the ball a source of pleasure and piofit.