SOLDIERS' HOSTEL BALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 August 1919, Page 8

SOLDIERS' HOSTEL BALL.

m A SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION.

There was a large gathering at the Coronation Hall last night on the occasion of the children's ball arranged in the interests of the New Plymouth Soldiers' Hostel. The hall was nicely decorated, the scene was a gay one, and enjoyment seemed general. The large number of fancy dresses made an attractive display. The fancy dances were a feature of the evening, and much of the credit for them was due to the painstaking and thorough way in which Mr. J. Hoskin had trained the children. These included sailors' hornpipes for seniors and juniors and Irish jigs, the effects in some of them being heightened by the special limelight arrangements. The grand march was, of course, a spectacular item, a large number of children taking part, and great interest was taken in the march for judging the costumes. Mrs. J. Sutherland, Mayoress of Inglewood, was the judge, and the awards were as follow: National costumes: Girls, Jessie Jenkins (Britannia); boys, Kora Tozer (John Bull). Original costumes: Boys, Vivian Howarth (rabbit). Comic: Girls, Joyce Edwards ( Danio Durden). Specials i Gerald Hoskin (boy tramp), Nancy Johnston (fairy). During the evening Mrs. C. H. Burgess presented to Mr. J. Hoskin, on behalf of the children whom he had trained, a set of ebony hair brushes and a hat brush, all suitably inscribed. The youngest of Mr. Hoskin3' pupils (Vina Pellew) handed the gift to him, which he suitably acknowledged. The supper was one of the most sumptuous that has been served at any local dance recently, and consisted of jellies, fruit salad, and a large dish of trifle made and donated by the Grand Central Coffee Palace. AH the supper dishes were donated, and the committee expresses appreciation of the generous way in which these gifts came forward. One matter deserving of special mention was a large supply of fancy cakes made by Miss Rita Sole, who generously offered to make up whatever materials the com-mittee-supplied. The supper room was nicely decorated, and the tables, which were loaded with good things, were very tastefully and attractively laid by Mrs. Wallaeh and Mrs. Lurdrum. The general supper arrangements were carried out by a strong ladies' committee under the direction of Mrs. Oliver. The committee in charge of the whole arrangements for the function is to be congratulated on the success achieved, and the result should be a substantial contribution to the funds of the Soldiers' Hostel. The dancing was controlled by members of the general committee, the music being supplied by the Citizens' Band and Mrs. George's orchestra, Miss Rita Sole playing for the fancy dances. At 10 o'clock the children'*) evening was presumed to' be at an end, and general dancing wa9 indulged in by adults.