25 YEARS AGO

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 June 1939, Page 8

25 YEARS AGO

MILITARY BALL IN MASTERTON. BRILLIANT & POPULAR FUNCTION. In view of the approaching Military Ball for 1939, it is of considerable interest to recall the fact that 25 years ago the Drill Hall was the scene of a similar brilliant and popular function. According to newspaper reports of that time the ball was the most successful dance of its kind which Masterton had seen and two halls were used —dancing was held in the Drill Hall and supper was served in the Opera House, then the Town Hall. The latter was also furnished as a lounge “arranged with cosy nooks, tables and every necessary convenience for those who preferred not to dance. According to the “Age" of that time, supper was served on tables on the stage and was "dainty and appetising.” “A true military atmosphere was given by the arranging of rifles, swords and other warlike appliances round the walls. Red, white and blue drapings, with artistically arranged ferns and native greenery created a very artistic effect.” The actual date of that function was July 23, 1914, but a few days before the commencement of the Great War. International tension is just a great today but it is hardly likely that the Military Ball of 1939 will presage such a tragic event. THIS YEAR’S BALL. The Masterton Territorials with the co-operation of the R.S.A. have, this year, put forward an effort to eclipse all previous successes. The decorative scheme, in the hands of Sergeant J. K. Welch (who was responsible for the decorations of the 1937 Ball held on Coronation night), will be colourful and novel. Music will be supplied by two orchestras, Pool’s Blue River Dance'Band and Jack Mackay’s Novelty Syncopators. The Ball will be held on Wednesday of this week.