THE HOSPITAL BALL.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 397, 7 November 1868, Page 6

THE HOSPITAL BALL.

The late hour at which the ball in aid of the funds of the Westport Hospital, commenced, precluded any lengthened notice being given in Tuesday's issue, and in the bare mention of the event, a certain success was anticipated, which failed to be realised. Up to a rather late hour everything promised well, but the attendance fell far short of what was expected, that is as regards gentlemen. The gentler sex was very well represented, aud the ball only wanted another dozen or two of the male species to have been perfect. As before meufione 1, the ball was held in a largo new building, erected as a Masonic Hall, in close contiguity to the Empire Hotel, by Messrs Tonks and Hughes, and the place seemed admirably adapted for the purpose. The ball room was very tastefully decorated with palms, ferns, and some beautiful specimens of the nico tree, as as also an abundance of flags, and a large white banner with the following device embroidered in red letters : ' Grod ioveth a Cheerful Giver." The decorations were accomplished by Mr Somner, member of the Hospital Committee, who laboured hard in his selfimposed task, and certainly merited the success attained. The lighting arrangements were good, and the baud was excellent, and as to the supper, it may be sufficient to say that mine of the Empire himself, would have been puzzled to furnish a better than the oue provided by general contributions, and laid out in bis dining room Ample abuudauce of evei'ytbing was there, both eatable aud drinkable, and mention must not be omitted of a number of delicious pine-apples, which were received very opportunely from some unknown friend. The commissariat department had been wisely entrusted to Mr O'Conor, another member of the committee, and it is only matter for regret that more persons were not present to partake of the fruits of his remarkable success in the catering line. After supper dancing was resumed and maintained with vigorous until daylight, all person appearing to enjoy themselves thoi'ougb'y. Considering the charitable purpose for which the ball was instituted, pud the perfect manner of all the arranglnonts, it is a pity it was not better patronised. The. number of.tickets sold we understand was - about forty, (Indies appeared by invitation), and of that number only thirty representatives were present. This comparatively very scanty attendance, was due, so it is reported, to the evil influence exerted by one or t.vo members of the Hospital Committee, who from some cause or another disapproved of the affair. We can scarcely credit. this but it was openly discussed in the ball room, and has since then been matter for much comment in the town.