WAITARA.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1917, Page 3

WAITARA.

(From Our Own Correspondent), "Some ball this." was the most general remark passed at the freezing works function on Thursday night, and some ball it surely was. Never in the. annals of Taranaki, and possibly not in the Dominion, was so large a crowd at such a gathering. As far south as Hawera, from the Toko line, to the north from beyond Mokau and from New Plymouth, in particularly large force came the visitors. "Never was a greater number of cars seen in the town as on that night. The street was well lined with them and the cattle yards also turned into a motor paddock. That the men at the works deserved all the patronage accorded to them is generally agreed upom. It was more than a surprise to all that a body of ladies and men could have transformed a portion of a freezing works into a fairy bower, for such it certainly was. No thought or suggestion was left unattended, and the detail of carrying out such a huge scheme must have taken a great deal of hard thinking out and laborious work to accomplish, and no praise is too •high for those responsible It would take columns to say what should really be said to give it the publicity it deserves, but the main features must be recorded. Where to begin is a trouble, but if a start i 3 made with the fine display of electric light at the entrance in Queen street, where the Boygl Arms were shown and a beautiful arc light making the night hrir.lint, may be the proper place to make a move from, following a passage well lighted and made into an avenue with greenery, up a stairs similarly decorated and carpeted led into the ball room, which in its utilitarian time holds many thousands of sheep for cooling off purposes. Here the floor had been planed down so true that there was not a ridge anywhere to interfere with the lovers of the terpischorian art. The walls were handsomely decorated with fen::, nikaus and other beautiful bush trees, in many cases quite whole. Flags, flowers, and mirrors ' lent an extra charm to the whole effect and when the 3000 c.p. electric lamp was turned on, well, mos t people were amazed _ Although the floo; was capable of aking over SO sets, there was no room to spare, and in the round dances it was even more crowded, there being at times quite 600 dancers taking part whilst there were quite another "00 to' 2ao onlookers, so it can be quite realised that it was some ball. An orchestra of nine instruments provided music of such a quality that unfortunately is seldom heard, and their playing was something to think of The dresses of those who donned something in the fancy line ran from evening' dresl to "Mrs. MacGerkinshaw," with all the nineties between. Some of the patriotic dresses were very fine and in a smaller crowd would have attracted a great deal more attention. The Maoris were particularly fine, and won the prize for the pest set. A liovelty in the way of announcing the dances was shown. This was by means of old English lettering on a black paper, the letters being cut out and a gauze covering them, and behind this was a strong electric light, visible from all parts of the floor. Just off the dance room W as that in which supper had been aid out. On opening the door it looked ike fairy land, the decorations of both ables and walls being probably the most handsome and well chosen that any present had ever witnessed. One long table down the centre of the room capable of seating over 100, was a sight for the gods. Laden with everv delicacy sne could wish it was indeed something to think and talk about. Astonishment is a mild word to use in describing it. Howit was all done is a marvel. Just to give an idea of the amount that was required it is worthy of note that one man spent from six o'clock in the morning until late at night doing nothing else but slicing up the hams and fowls, and he was an expert at it. The number or willing and capable ladies that attended to the tables kept no one waiting; in fact, one's wishes were almost anticipated, and a request for somethinft was complied with so quickly that it tumost seemed as if they carried the whole of the nice things about with them, so quick were they in responding. Other convenient rooms wera the smoke, card and ladies, all conveniently fitted up. Altogether the whole thin" reflects the highest credit on the freez" ing works baby committee, and much nourishment will result from the turnout; in fact so satisfied are they that there is some talk of feeding it on glaxo. The next important event in connection with the general scheme of raising patriotic funds is the visit of the Male Choir from New Plymouth this week. This desirable concert is being eagerly looked for right through the whole district, and even the space available at the Theatre Royal will be taxed to its utmost capacity should the weather prove favorable. Particulars will be published in the advertising columns m a day or : so. Meantime readers are advised to* call on (Mr. Gribbon and book their seats. : A box plan for reserves will be found ' there.

There is some talk of a fancy dress football match between representatives from the business and the freezing work* next Thursday. Seeing that there is to be a gala day at Lepperton on that date, and the male choir from New Plymouth in the evening, it is to be hoped that this fixture will be put off until the following Thursday, when there ii no attraction at night, so as not to interfere with the arrangements already in hand. It would be a graceful act to the west country baby committee, and as the whole is for the boys at the front tho suggestion might well be acted upon. The various baby committees always assume a serious air when the position |of its baby at the poll is suggested. Each will tell you that he thinks the other fellow will win, but nary a suggestion that he has a lot up'his sleeve and is covertly laughing at you. There is an old saying that "it isn't the hen that cackles the most that lays the biggesit egg," and this can be said of those running the baby. All have a lot "up their sleeve" that will only be produced on the last day, October 22, and probably there will be more surprises on that day than one wots of. (We shall see what we shall see.

With Lepperton's effort on Saturday, football, boxing, calico ball, skating, cattle sale in the north district and other efforts that are being put fp/th for the nuture of the baby it will be surprising if he is not the heaviest weight child in Taranaki when the whole of the food supply reaches headquarters. With everything for the ba;by just now the very excellent programmes' 9f pictures that have been screened during the past few weeks have naturally suffered. It is unfortunate that such fine displays should happen to come during such a time, as undoubtedly they deserve full •wtronage. A continuance of the same

class must spell success after the contest is over. The past week of sunshine is having a good effect all round the district. Although we have had so much rain a further 24 hours would be highly appreciated. The heavy winds have had the effect of hardening the surface and in some degree preventing the grass from coming away as it should, and a moistener would greatly assist to freshen the growth.