DUNSTAN.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 381, 12 August 1874, Page 3

DUNSTAN.

(From our own Correspondent.

From the first intimation that a ball was to be held in aid of the Clyde Brass Band it was generally assumed it would be a great success. These gentlemen having contributed so largely to the enjoyments of the inhabitants both in Clyde and in the neighborhood during the last two years, it was readily imagined that a call of this description would be well responded to, especially as it was likely to add one more enjoyable meeting —one more hop to those who love to trip what is called " the light fantastic toe "" — to the many already enjoyed through the always welcome and ever willing performances of the Clyde Brass Band; and I may safely say the most enthusiastic would not be disappointed for a more respectable assembly, who seemed to have but one aim to thoroughly enjoy themselves seldom meets. There was almost every one in the town who under any circumstances appear at such gatherings, and from Alexandra and Cromwell several put in an appearance. The whole of the proceedings went off without a hitch and terminated late 'among the small hours. The Hall was gaily decorated Mr. Webb being the operator, whose taste in these* matters defies competition. I would attempt to describe it if I thought I could do it justice, but in doing so should only bring ridicule on myself, being hardly up in the business, but this I will say to the credit of Tom, just let him into a place with some flags, emblems, wreathes and roses, or perhaps 1 should say rosettes and evergreens if they are to be had, and in a short time you would scarcely know it again ; everybody would have found a place, and what is strange it would be the proper place too. The caterer business was in the hand of Mr. Jeffery, and with the variety of the tempting delicacies displayed, the taste must have been the most fastidious that could not be accommodated. The ladies private room was under the superintendence of Mrs. Irvine, and without being in ihe ladies seciets, their little wants were 1 may safely vouch carefully ahtpnrlaJ -to. While speaking of the ladies and I may be allowed io be plain, this I must say, if there was anything that could have been wished to have been better done than it really was, though the same complaint is to be made on moat similar occasions it was more attention to punctuality in the hour of starting. The custom always is for the band to strike up a few tunes in front of the Town Hall at the hour appointed for commencing, that being the bignal to roll up ; the band then retire inside perhaps accompanied by the M.C., and instead of having the company before thorn they have to disband again and hunt up a few couples so as to make a start. Now this want of punctuality I lay to the charge of the ladies. I do not mean to say they do ifc wilfully, but I put it this way, as they have never calculated the time ifc takes to rig out. In saying they should, be more punctual, I am not to be understood to say they should not devote the necessary time to their preparations, for the peculiar charm of a ballroom to me lies in criticisiug the taste displayed by the ladies in the adornment of their person, but just let them note how long they were behind this time that they may commence their toilet much earlier on future occasions. Mr. Robertson, of the Geelong Hotel, Alexandra was M.C, and to use an old phrase I may say he was the right man in the right place. There was a full attendance of the band, and the music wa3 excellent. The proficiency they have attained is mainly due to the perseverance that one and all of them have shown during the time they have existed as a band. One or two nights a week's regular practice and some of them coming from a distance makes their honors one would think dearly earned. The late assemblage will prove to them that^the public wish to reward their perseverance, which along with the pleasure they derive themselves and contribute to others will in a measure reward their labour. The following day another Act in the water mania drama was played in the Warden's Court, but I must leave particulars for t c present, as well as some other matters of local interest.