MASONIC BALL.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Issue 14, 27 August 1898, Page 5

MASONIC BALL.

The above function eventuated on Thursday evening, and was, beyond a shadow of doubt, the most magnificent ball held in Waimate for many years. The inside of the Oddfellows' Hall presented a beautiful sight, the walls almost hidden by the drapery and ferns. Near the entrance were bowers of ferns and flowers, while all around the walls fairy lamps glittered among the evergreens. Transparencies, some with words of welcome and others showing symbols of the Order, were hung above the stage, and in various other positions and each contributed its quota to the general beauty. There was a large gathering, the Masons responding nobly to the call, so that the regalia of the Masons and the beautiful dresses of the ladies completed a scene both gay and picturesque. About halfpast 8 the Grand March, to the music of Messrs Capstick(piano), Langdown (violin) and Harwood (cornet), was led oft by Worshipful Master Bro. Syrnon and Miss Jeannie Symon, Bro. S. J. Adams, P.M., and Mrs Adams, and Bro. J. Sinclair (sec), and Mrs Sinclair being next in oider. Dancing was then commenced and kept up with great spirit till eleven, when supper was announced. The catering was in the hands of Bro. Symon and right well did he acquit himself. We called it a supper, but a banquest would be a more appropriate term. No trouble and expense could have been spared to make everything more than a success. The tables although large had to be re-laid three times to accommodate the large gathering. And here, let us say that while the Oddfellows were enlarging their hall they might with advantage have much extended the anteroom for use as a supper room. The population of Waimate is increasing and things are done in a more lavish scale than formerly, We give this hint to the Oddfellows free, gratis and for nothing. Dancing was then resumed and kept up till 2.30, every one of the large number present being pleased at having been present at such a splendid affair. Outside the hall at the entrance a large marquee was erected as a gentlemen's dressing room, and very nice it was as seen by the Chinese lanterns hung round. The floor was in perfect order and the music all that could be desired. Bro. W. J. Wills made a capital M.O. Appended is a description of some of the dresses worn by the ladies. Our reporter, being of the male persuasion, had to invoke the aid of lady friends, and hopes that they have dealt justly. with him in such an important matter.

Miss Jeannie Symon, green silk poplin blouse. ■v Mrs Binney, cream cashmere, silk flaked. Mrs W. Scott, cream liberty silk. Miss Ogilvie, buttercup pongee silk and chifton. - Mrs Sinclair, black silk, cardinal sleeves. Mrs Arthur Jones, Niger green pongee silk, cream silk chifton trimmings. Miss Bourne, black silk and lace buttercup trimmings. Mrs A. Philip, dark green velvet, floral trimmings. Miss Sinclair, pale green silk brocade, pearl trimmings. Mrs Dean, black and cardinal. Miss Black, sky blue nun's veiling, white chifton trimmings. Miss Duftield, buttercup crepom, black velvet trimmings. Miss Clara Duffield, green velvet. ** Mrs Coltman, black silk dress trimmed with chifton. *- Miss Franklin, pongee silk dress, cream and pink. Miss M. Ferguson, pale pink. -- Misses Eattray (Hook), pale blue nun's veiling, Miss Kilgour, cream crepon. Miss Ure, cream liberty silk chifton trimmings. - ' Mrs W. Miller, black silk, lace trimmings. Mrs Capstick, black and pale green mervelau. Miss Strachan, (Timaru), cream' cardinal satin with floral trimmings. Mrs Wingfield, black silk and lace. Mrs Corbett (Dunedin), black silk and lace, trimmed with cardinal poppies. Miss Lane, cream nun's veiling, pink roses. Mrs J. Adams, black silk. Mrs Menzies, black silk, cream and chifton. Mrs E. E. Jones, black and old gold. Mrs W. J. "Wills, heliotrope lustre and white. Miss L. Smith, black and green. Miss Dodd (Hunter), cardinal and black patin. Mrs A. Donald, black with lace trimmings. Miss Cooper, black grenadine. Miss Richardson, white dress, tartan sash, floral trimmings. Miss Bird, black and pink silk trimmings. Miss "Watson (Makikihi), pale green nun's veiling. Miss A. Gaitt, cream nun's veiling. Miss Evans, pale blue velvet. - Mrs Trezise, black lace and cream silk. • ' •Miss Freeman, salmon pink silk blouse, black skirt.

Mr H. Franklin (Waimate) and Messrs Thomas and Wells (Makikihi) are agents ior this paper. Bkidi: "Here's a telegram from papa." Bridegroom (eagerly) 1 : " What does he say ?," Bride (reading) : " |)o not come back, and all ..will be forgiven."

Pbesentation. On Wednesday afternoon .- about twenty friends of, Mr P. Sotham, who haS been transferred to Mataura, (leaving by ' Wednesday's express) met in the Empire ' Hotel to say good-bye. Mr Mathias was voted to the chair, and Mr E. 0. Collett, the vice-chair. The chairman, in a few words, - expressed the regret felt at Mr Sotham's departure. He 4hen presented Mr Sotham with a gold sovereign case, as a token of ■ esteem from Waimate friends. Mr Sotham * suitably replied. Mr H. Bouse, well and favourably known in -the district, fills the - vacancy.

Waimaxe EiFtse. — A church parade was held on Sunday last at St. Augustine's, :the band playing to and from the chnrch. There was a very large muster and the church -was crowded. The Rev. McKenzie Gibson < conducted the service, which was throughout *of a strong martial tone. The company paiaded in the Oddfellows' Hall on Wednesday evening under the command of Capt. tColtman. There was * large muster. The •company was marched down High Street ;and a lot of useful drill was put in. Before -dismissing it was intimated that £12 10&, as •>well as other prizes, had been voted for t shooting during the ensuing season. The -■commanding officer signified his intention to jgiv& aggregate medals, one «ach for first and class. The following are the scores jfor the second period class firing, fired on "Thmsday afternoon : — Sergt. Jackson 59, Trvt. F. Bennington 51, Prvt. Thomas 49, .liarice-Corporal-Goldstone 38, Prvt. Sinclair S&.Prvt. Williams 55.