GOVERNMENT HOUSE BALL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 93, 23 April 1891, Page 3

GOVERNMENT HOUSE BALL.

There have been three great and s'uc&siful dances during ihe nioritfj, feu£ tie Government House ball on the 9>B ifiifij may fairly lay claim to having eclipsed the glories of its predecessors. The ftortfiern Club's was successful, the" citizens in some ways even more so, bub for some reason or

other the brilliant function at Government House out - diatanced either. There were about 550 guests present, and at first it seemed as if dancing would be an utter impossibility. Thie, however, was far from being the case. The very firsb waltz showed that there WQB plenty of room for dancers who knew their bneihesß, and later the non-dancers dispersed into tho various drawing-rooms arid promenade*, and the room was jusb comfortably filled. The decorations were very tasteful, light, and protty, consisting of nikau fern and otiior graceful shrubs, together with bunting appropriately arranged. The floor was in splendid order, and the music (Impcy's Band) perfect. The waltzes chosen were all pretty ones, "In Old Madrid,' , " Gloire de Dijon," "The Blue Danube," and several other grand waltzes, having evidently be«n specially chosen. The royal standard hung at one end of the room, tho Austrian flag supporting it on ono side, and tho ensign of St. George on tho other. Below this was a dais witli chairs for tho Countess of Onslow and the vice-regal party. Aa is usual at these large balls, dancing was commenced with a set of lancers, the following , ladies ttnd gentlemen being partners in tho vice-regal set: — Tho Earl of Onslow and Lady Charles Scott, Admiral Lord Charles Scott and tho Countess of Onslow, Lieutenant Haus (H.I.A.M.s Saida) and Aliss Gardiner, Air J. H. Upton and Mrs McMillan, Alajor Goring and Mrs Upton, Captain BarJow and Aliss Whitaker, Captain Grcnfelland Airs I.awry, Mr Mitchelson and Mrs J. M.Shora. The supper was served after the eighth dance, and was, of course, above reproach, The barn dance has now become an established feature of every ball, and a great improvement was noticcablo last night in the time observed by the dancers. A considerably greater amount of grace was discernable, coo, in the dancing. There was no gaiichcrie last night amongst themen, and tho effect when the dance was at its height was extremely pretty. The " Huia Waltz" was played. It improves on acqnaintanco, and has a familiar ring that is agreeable. Tho dresses worn were handsome in the extreme. Everyone appeared to enjoy themselves immensely.