R.S.A. BALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 August 1922, Page 4

R.S.A. BALL.

A BRILLIANT SCENE. HUNDREDS OF DANCERS. Gaily festooned, with flags, colored lights, and greenery, the Coronation Hall formed a brilliant setting for the annual ball of the New Plymouth branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association last night. The floor was in splendid order and the dancing couples, the ladies in their many colored frocks which fashion decrees for the present, made a very pretty picture of youth and beauty. There m »st have been hundreds of couples on the floor during each dance, but,the spaciousness of the hall obviated crowding. The scheme of decoration was an ambitious one. From centrally suspended greenery streams of flags and colored lights radiated to the Avails around, which were covered with palms gently shading more electric lights, while underneath the balcony, which was turned into a. cloak-room, a string of Chinese lanterns softened the otherwise harsh tones. The annexe was used as the supper-room, and here palms were the principal means of decoration, a latticework screening off the tables from the serving room. Sufficient will be said of the supper if it is mentioned that it avas in keeping with the decorations. The hall was really a picture. Some very pretty effects were obtained by those who gave their ideas of fancy dress 'full play. Five prizes, and a special prize were awarded to the ladies, the first going to Miss O. Paterson, who was dressed as an Indian Chief. Miss C. Carter was awarded second prize as a dainty Persian dancer, her costume being particularly fascinating, while the third, fourth and fifth prizes were given to Miss G. Roper (Seasons), Mfes M. Roper (Courtier) and Miss A. Wilkie (Poster) respectively. The special ladies’ prize was awarded to Miss B. McLean, as Ragtime, and the gentleman’s prize to Mr. C. Rawlinson, dressed as Night and Day.

As already mentioned, the floor was in perfect order and to the strains of Mrs. George’s jazz orchestra the hours fled quickly by. The committee responsible for the arrangements had worked hard and those present certainly ‘appreciated their efforts by the measure of their enjoyment. To-night will be devoted to the children, for whom a fancy dress ball has been arranged and some pretty little costumes and dahcers should be seen.