RETURNED SOLDIERS' BALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 September 1919, Page 5

RETURNED SOLDIERS' BALL.

AN UNQUALIFIED SUCCESS. It is safe to say that no more spectacular ball has ever been held in New Plymouth that that of the Returned Soldicra' Association, which took place in the Coronation Hall last night. Expressions of pleasurable surprise were heard from almost everybody as the guests entered the hall, the decorative effects being so atriking. There was a superabundance of flags and buntfng hung acTosa and around the building, and with tall palm and fern branches and greenery intermingling, and the colored electric lights with which the place was extensively festooned, presented a picture that was most attractive, a large design of a crown forming the culmination of the lighting scheme. What was more striking still, however, was the arrangement and decoration of the supper room in the first annexe to the hall. The committee of ladies responsible spared no efforts to excel all previous attempts in this respect and the result was enthusiastically commented upon by all. The supper was a "sitdown" one, 12 large tables being most tastefully spread and decorated in attractive fashion. Guests were admitted in just sufficient numbers to fill the tables, and as they left by a door at the farther end of the room others were allowed in until the whole of the company had been provided for. When it is stated that over 1000 guests were present the task of catering for them may be imagined. The fact that the whole work was carried through without hitch o r delay is sufficient proof of the skill and forethought with which that part of the arrangements was planned. The executive committee consisted of ■Mesdamea E. A. Walker, C. H. Weston, H. S. Brookman, and A. Alexander. The work of decorating the tables was carried out by Mrs. A. H. Collins and Misses Curtis and Collis. A gratifying feature in connection with the supper was the splendid generosity of the friends of the soldiers.

The general committee that undertook the arrangement of the ball consisted of Messrs W. P. Okev (chairman), Captain Hartnell, E. B. Ellerm, S. Higga, H. Jenklneon, A. Roberts, R. Rennoch, W Hardgreaves, W. Roch, A. W. Jenkins, G. Davis, A. Hooker, and V. O. West (secretary). They have every reason to be satisfied with the results of their efforts, and deserve the best thanks of those who patronised the hall. The decorations were carried out under the direction of Mr. Bcnnoch, Mr. Roberts was responsible for the preparation of the floor, and the lighting was carried out by Mr. Higgs. The music for the dancing was provided by an orchestra of 14 players under the direction of Mrs. R.' George. The M.C.s were Messrs A. Roberts, A. L. Humphries, C. Webster, W. Hardgreaves, and W. Way.

Amongst the dancers were a number of fancy costumes, prizes being offered for the hest in several classes. The judging was done by Me? lames E. A. Walker and C. H. Weston, Messrs A. M. Bradbury and R. Macßae, and the awards were as follow; Fancy costumes.—Doreen Watkins (Butterfly) 1, Miss George (Eastern Princess) 2, MiSs Oxenham (Black Pierrot) 3, and Miss K. Wallach (Full Moon) 4. Original Costumes.—.Madge Hobson (Sailor and Bride—a striking costume, half man and half woman) 1, Miss Holt ("Going Up") 2, Mrs. Van dc Water (Dreadnought) 3, Miss Corkill (Futurist) 4

Poster Costumes.—Ladies: Mrs. Withers (Creamota) 1. Gentlemen: Mr. Withers (N.Z. Farmer). National Costumes.—Ladies: Miss Martin (America) 1, Miss Hobson ('Belgium) 2, Miss Callaghan (Hindoo Bride) 3. Gentlemen: Mr, Rov Inder (Egyptian).

Special prizes.—Miss Mitchell (Tramp and Sundowner), Miss Adams (Sundowner's Wife), Miss Elsie Bollard (Folly), Miss Cholmondolv (Dutch), Miss Bennoch (Joan of Arc), Miss B. Allen (Irish Colleen), Miss Sorenson (Checked Pierrot), Miss A. Murray (Ranch Girl), Miss M. Thompson (Puritan), Miss George (Canadian Winter), and Miss Doris Bradbury (Turkish Woman).