Tennis Club Ball.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 104, 6 May 1904, Page 2

Tennis Club Ball.

The first ball of tho season wan held in tho Theatre Royal lost evening, when the New Plymouth Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club held their annual function. The " Tennis Bull" has quite a reputation, having been for years recognised as one of tire "nicest" held here. Tills year's was no exception ; in fact, tho result of the energetic endeavours of tile cojnmittoo to ostablish a fresh record wore amply rewarded. It was u perfect night for dancing, cold, yet line, and the result was a largo and brilliant gathering. A complete triumph was scored by tho decoration committee, und possibly tho theatre was nevor so prettily adorned. The pillars were entwinedwith lycopodium, and the dresscircle was completely transformed, Festoons of flowers and ferns, with a pleasing background of Hags neatly arranged were surmounted by the nets, upon which were hung the tennis balls, and racquets held in place by large knots of dark and pu lo blue, the chili's colours. Here again the suspension rods were cleverly masked by twining lycopodium and ferns. Tho effect was charming, and no less pleasing was the stage, lilted luxuriously as n drawingroom, and decorated with equul good taste. All other arrangements were in accord, and showed unmistakably the vast amount ol time and trouble spent bv the committee. The iiupper arrangements were In the hands or the ladies, and that would be «uilicient warranty of their excellence. The refreshment room was capitally laid out, with numbers of small tables, decorated with flowers. The repast was such as is not often met with in a ball-room supper, all delicacies imaginable being provided and, of course, dulv appreciated. In fact, the tefreshment department left but little to bo desired. The prettily decorated hall and the well furnished supper room went a long way towards making the ball an enjoyable success, and to support them were excellent music by Mr McKinnon Bain's orchestra, and a good lloor. During tho evening Dr. Leathum (president of the Club) t'lttinked the commiUeo and more especially the ladies for the admirablo manner in which tho affair had been organised, with the praisworthy object of raising funds for improvements to the courts. lie then presented the prizes which had been won during the season. Miss Stephenson secured the trophy presented by Mr Taylor, of Messrs Ilaymnn mid Co., for the ladies' handicap singles. In tho men's handicap singles tho prizo went to Mr ,1. C. Nicholson, and Mr and Mrs Mannering won the combined handicap prize. For the progressive tournament (prize presented by the members of the "Last Lap") Mrs Mannering was presented with the ladles' prize, and Mr Tuko the gentlemen's. Each recipient was greeted with hearty applause, as the prizes were presented. Altogether there were about one hundred couples present, and all thoroughly enjoyed themselves.