R.S.A. BALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 August 1922, Page 4

R.S.A. BALL.

‘ THE CHILDREN’S NIGHT. FAIRYLAND OF DELIGHT. As one entered the Coronation Hall, New Plymouth, last night a veritable fairyland came into view. Hundreds of children, ranging in age and size from tiny tots tq girls and boys, occupied the floor and were dancing merrily. The streamers of ' flags and colored lights and the greenery around the walls made a picturesque setting, and gay laughter filled the hall. Nearly every child was in fancy costume, and some charming effects were obtained. There were fairies and cupids, national costumes and posters, while a good deal of originality was shown by the compete tors in the most original section.

The ball opened with a grand march, in which many a youthful debutante made her debut, and then on till near eleven o’clock the floor was given to the children, their elders finding enjoyment in the spectacle presented. A committee comprising Mrs. A. M. McDiarmid, Mrs. R. S. Jenkin, Mrs. G. Tremlett, Mrs. P. J. Flannagan, and Mr. R. McRae undertook the task of judging, but, their task was a difficult one. Owing to the great number of costumes, and as a tribute to their general excellence, the ball committee increased the prize list, and a total of 57 awards were made.

The first prize in the fancy fiection was awarded to Noima Ennis (April Showers); in the national section, to Noel Howell (Maori) ; jn the original, to Doreen Jordan (Wedding Cake); and in the poster, to Annie Warner (Rowntree). These costumes were particularly effective and the decision of the judges met with the approval of all. The following were the other prize winners:—■ A. Zemba (ballet dancer), E. Way (Xmas tree), T. Brett (black cat), C. Ansley (butterfly), P. Tremlett (Irish colleen). K. Wilkie (Scotch girl), J. Bennett (Dutch), K. Trim (Belgian), 6. Courtenay (chocolate box), D. Dichards (newspaper), J.' Waters (three castles cigarettes), D. George (Chinaman), J. Dowell (pugilist), R. Doughty (carrot), D. Roebuck (put and take top), C„ Smith (jester). M. Moir (gollywog), W. Waters (jockey), D. Magnusson (returned soldier) (also awarded a special prize), W. Courtenay (kiltie), K. Harvey (cowboy), A. Shepherd (brigand), A. Everiss (footballer), R. Williamson (flower girl), P. Bennett (Oberon), P. Durdle (cupid), M. Courtenay (Xmas tree), S. Jenkin (Xmas tree), E. Catterick (toyland), C. Johnston (crochet work), N. Elder (Reckitt’s blue), D. Roebuck (spinning top), L. Harvey (Dorothy bag), E. Gallaher (night), O. Ainsworth (sun-rise), R. McKay (teddy bear), M. Boyle (Indian), T. Tremlett (pierrott), H. Ford (Xmas cracker), M. Field (mterry-go-ound), P. Henderson (sewing-bag), G. Buckman (forbidden fruit), Myra Roberts (forbidden fruit), C. Roberts (tram tickets), M. Zemba (better half), K. Roberts (bath boy), M. Allen (sea nymph), U. Morris (Indian squaw), D. Owlett (cupid), C. Thomson (snowball), W. Sullivan (Belgian), G. Jenkins (Mephistophetes), W. Jenkins (bathing costume), and E. Frethey (Scotch). As the winning competitor* *ame forward to receive their prizes they were given a round, of applause, an especial clap being given to the “returned soldier” and the “footballer,” both being very tiny tots hardly able to walk. The latter part of the evening was given up to the adults, who kept the dancing up to the early hours of the morning to the strains of Mrs. George' - jazz orchestra.