HAWERA.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 October 1917, Page 3

HAWERA.

RAILWAYMEK'S BALL. Ilaworn, Oct. l'J. (From dm- Own Corri-poiKlcnt). The Ilawera, raihva.ymen arc to bo complimented for presenting to the Hawera public one of the finest and most artistic; displays ever shown in this town. A novel, and certainly the most attractive, feature was the display by the children of Hawera and district. ' The children—Bo in number—were all drewed ill crinkle paper, each child representing a different appropriate spring flower, and when grouped presenting a most gorgeous and 'harmonious display of color. The names of all the children would occupy too much space to enumerate, but special mention must he made of Aliss Phylis Bennett who, dressed as "Spring," led the serpentine march which opened the ball, l'liere was also great admiration for little Eileen Tong, aged 3 years (Pink Ross), and her sister, Pearly Tong, aged 4 years (Blue Anemone) who were very conspicuous as the last couple. The children's dresses were designed by Mrs. J. Riley, of Hawera, and were assembled bv a whole host of willing lady helpers .who, under her supervision, worked (lay and night to make the affair a success from a spectacular viewpoint, Xo dress cost more than one shilling for material, I am informed that the training of the children—ages ranging from 13 years to 3 years—took fully" six weeks. 'Only those acquainted with the preparations for such functions know anything of the energy, time, labor, and patience required by the tutors. Here again the railwaymen are enthusiastic in their praise, especially for Mrs J. Riley, Mrs Tong'and Mrs. Larson, The big' hall in the Winter Show buildings was charming decorated with festoons and flags (kindly loaned by Mr. .Sage). The floor, which was in excellent order was divided and sub-divided by numerous pillars and arches wiiich lent much to the attractiveness of the scene, special praise for this work being due to the ladies and gents committees. The railwaymen desire to tender their very best thanks to all those who so kindly helped to make the ball such a huge success and especially to Mr. F. O'Connor (chairman gents' committee), Mrs. J. Tong (chairwoman ladies' eommitee), Mr. and Mrs. Loader and Mr. Robertson, Mr. and Mrs. Henwood, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, Mesdames Shaw, Toy and Larsen. The children retired for ample refreshments at- 10 p.m., this department being left in the very capable and kindly hands of Mrs. J. Tong and willing helpers. Tile adults then took the lloor and all went merry as a marriage bell till an early hour in the morning. Kirk's orchestra supplied excellent' music, extras being played by Miss Dunn, Mrs. Tong, Miss Gardiner, Miss Foohey, Mrs. Quitman and Messrs Gorraley, Young (Stratford), and Hearne. Messrs F. O'Connor, S. Bennett, L. Henwood and G. Loader acted as M'sC., and Mr. Loader and Robertson as secretaries. The railwaymen's effort will supply £2O to £3O worth of trench comforts for our boys and will be wired at once direct to the Y.M.C.A. for that purpose. It is sincerely hoped that the ball will be an annual one, though we all hope the object will not have to be "trench comforts" next time.