SOCIETY

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 228, 24 January 1885, Page 14

SOCIETY

We glad-It/ receive communications- under this head. Senders' name,': are not divv.lqed '.

A very enjoyable evening- party took place at Henderson on Friday, the .Kith inst., when about L l'l couples gathered to shake off the dulness of the week on the fantastic, toe. The dance was kept up with spirit until the small hours of the morning. The ladies' dresses all looked very becoming for the occasion. Mr ~\V. Laurie and others provided ample refreshments. The ball given by Mr Sarah in theHakaru Hall proved a, remarkable success, and great credit is due to Mr and Mrs Sarah for tho tasteful way they decorated the hall for the occasion. Dancing- was begun at S.:>() p.m., and was kept up with good spirit until morning. Mr D. Stewart efficiently i>orformed the duties of M.C. The music was ably rendered by Miss Kutjen (piano), Misses Sarah, and McMillan (tiute and accordion), and gave every satisfaction. During the evening several songs were suug by Messrs Allan. Moir, Sarah, liogan, and Eowmim. To choose the belle was the hardest task of all, but the honours were divided between Miss Cameron and Miss M. Stewart. M. K. Stewart's dancing" was veiy much admired, and D. Bowman deserves the honour of beau among the young gentlemen. A very enjoyable ball was given ihe other evening at the South Heads, Awhitu. by Mr 11. J. J'altridgc, and there was a large attendance of. settlers and friends from all the surrounding districts, upwards of 120 accepting the invitations, including the residents at the Heads. The ball was held in the large wliare adjoining the school-room, the place being very tastefully ornamented by Mr Charles Moeller. whose skill was the theme of general admiration. Appropriate designs, festoons, and mottoes composed of blossoms of native trees and garden flowers heightened the effect of the evergreens. Before the dancing a very substantial repast was provided by Mr J'altridge, who was indefatigable in his attentions to the guests. He was ably assisted by Miss M. Paltridge and Mesdames Lcith and White. Dancing was begun at 9 o'clock and indulged in with zest, the music being supplied by Messrs F. L'aHridgc, JO. Lodge, and F. I5rook; and son.i'-s being- sung at intervals. Mr John Clark received a hearty encore for Ins song and a recitation from Shakespere. while a comic song by Mr A. Clark created much amusement. The dancers adjourned to an excellent supper at one o'clock, after which daiicing was resumed and kept up with spirit I Tintil h o'clock a.m., when the company dispersed after one of the jolliest and most successful social assemblages ever held in the district. The dresses worn by the ladies displayed good taste, but the ladies in pink and white and blue bore off the palm. Mr John Irwin discharged the duties ol' M.C. with efficiency and courtesy. The "VTnipa Highland Society's longexpected ball came off in the Library lioom on the night of the 14th inst. Mr K. A. McL-eod kindly officiated as M.C, and Mr D. Munro presided at tho piano. Tho Society's piper was also in attendance, and displayed great ability though but little calf. The ball Avas ojjenod by Mr Allan McDonald (late M.H.E. for East Coast), dressed in full Highland costume, and Miss Jane Campbell in. silk attire. Tho following are the principal dresses: — Miss Margaret McKay, of Glendonald Farm (belle), "pink and white checked gingham, trimmed with torchou laco ; Mrs" Simson, black repped silk, drapery long and full ; Mrs D. Herd, mushroom-brown crape-wool, vest of plain wool, and rovers facings of velvet ; Miss Fenton, palo blue silk, trimmed with cardinal velvet ; Miss M. Sutherland, black brocaded silk and laco; Miss A. Sutherland, Monjich blouse ; Miss J. Sutherland, black grenadine and Valenciennes laco ; Miss Mary McMillan, pompadour satin and mumps'; Miss L. McDonal^i^prown snot si^> Cll^ and collar of vefs e^| tMiss Gislio, dove gray silk and Maltesfelace^Miss Z. Schumakor, French gray cm^^o} 'turkey red bndico ; little Miss McKfayf ''' Virginia, blue. At twelve the company adjourned to Breadrdbane House, Argyle-street, and, having done

arujrie justice to the refreshments provided returned to the hall, and chased the fleeting hours with flying feet "till daylight did appear.''