VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XIII, Issue 4139, 16 June 1892, Page 3

VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE.

Seventh Annual; Ball.

The annual Ball ot the Masferton Voluhtear Fire Brigade, which is generally looked upon as the social ovent of the scason,wus held in the Drill Hall last (Wednesday) evening, under anything butfuvorable circuui* stances as regards tho weather.. Prom early morn a cold sou-wester raged, continuing with unabated vigor throughout the day, having the effect of blighting the hopes of many a couple who would otherwise only have been too glad oi helping on a good cause. The Volunteer Fire Brigade is an institution deserving the greatest encouragement, and the number of townspeople who braved the elements last evening did their duty manfully. It could not be expected that country people would leave their bright fire' Bides on such a night; indeed, it w»s a wonder to us that such a brilliant oroffd could assemblo together when the cold rain descended with unceasing energy for such a considerable time, Yet, notwithstanding this great drawback, the floor of tho large Hall was well filled with votaries of Terpsichore, and the stage thronged with interested spectators. Once started in the mazy whirl, all thoughts of the outside torrents were banished, everybody going in for solid enjoyment, which they obtained to their hearts' content. The decorations of the Hall were far and away above Hie average, and tho room has never presented such a scene of enchantment as it did last evening, A great deal of time and trouble must baya beet expended in this direction, and the menbors of the Brigade are to be heartily congratulated upon the result, Photographic shields and photos adorned the walls, interspersed with green stuff and beuii« tiful flowers. Leafy bowers, draped corners, mirrors and flags were judiciously arranged everywhere, and scores of Chinese lanterns, with the magic lettering " W.D.0," gave the brilliant scene a very imposing appearance, The floor,- which' is generally the most abused portion of a ball room, was simply perfeotion, and made the affair all the more enjoyable, Clifford's Quadrille Band made a reputation for itself by its excellent music, its playing being pronounced faultless. With such musio, such a floor, and such surroundings, one could not help tripping the light fantastic with a light heart till break of day. A splendid programme of some twenty-four dances wore finished by 2.45 a.m,, under the able guardianship of.Oaptain Hounslow and Messrs Mandel, Payne, and Broom, who acted as M.O.'s. 'The supper room was open from the commencement of the ball, and so did away with the unnecessary crushing which usually characterises such gatherings. The good things, kindly supplied by the ladies of Mastrrton, were lavish and plenty, and with obliging waiters, and everything at hand, nothing better could be wished for, The merahers of the Brigade as a body are to be oongiatulated upon the success of their annual ball, notwithstanding theinclemenoy of tho weather, and the Secretaries (Messrs Payup andHawke),and Jtes Hounslow and Ward, in conjunction with others, for their individual efforlsintliis direction, these gentlemen spending a great deal of time and pains to make the ball irreproachable in every way, ■