OTAHUHU FUNCTIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 219, 16 September 1935, Page 11

OTAHUHU FUNCTIONS.

PLUNKET SOCIETY. ANNUAL FANCY DRESS PARTY. An animated scene of gaiety and colour was presented in the Otahuhu Public Hall on Saturday, when the Otahuhu branch of the Plunket Society held its annual children's fancy dress entertainment, which this year took the form of an afternoon party. The function was largely attended by both parents and children, and the success of the afternoon reflected great credit on the untiring work and careful organisation of the committee.

Over 250 children tooic part in the grand inarch, and as they marched round the hall many t>eatmful and most original frocks and costumes were revealed. The arduous task of judging was assigned to Mesdames J. Allen, W. W. Maseey and A. E. M. Rhind. A programme of dances suitable for the children was played by Mrs. J. E. Gillies and Miss Madge Arlington. The masters of ceremonies were Messrs. J. E. Gillies, J. Mclvor, W. Dawson and Reid. Assisting the masters of ceremonies was a floor committee comprising the following ladies: Mesdames J. Ayers, J. 11. McAnulty, C. Arkinstall, A. Pirie, J. Kemp, J. Trenwith, Norman Walters and Pirie. The- entertainment committee, Mesdames T. W. Nield, -J. E. Gillies, J. Ayers and J. McAnulty, had arranged a pleasant interlude on the dance programme, which was the presentation of items by the following young artists: Betty Jeffries, Irish jig; Joy Archibald, Highland fling; Josie Johnston, sailor's hornpipe; Valerie Dawson, fairy dance; Shirley Graham, waltz clog; Leone Levett, song and dance; Peggy McAnulty, Pat Lind, Audrey Hipkins, and Thyra Ferguson, Irish reel; Kathleen Mears, Rona MeConachie, Ngaire and Shirley Ma thews, gavotte; Mavis Game, scan triuhbais, Mesdames J. FletcherMathews, J. McCrery and Gillies acted as accompanists, and Piper Manning piped for the Highland dances. Mrs. J. C. Allen president of the Auckland executive committee of the Plunket Society, presented the prizes to the following:—Best costume under three years: Girl, Verna Hampton, Early Victorian; boy, A. Philp, Cupid. Best couple: Joan Parry and Betty Squire, Two Little Girls in Blue. Original: Heath Harris, gardener. Best costume, over four and under eight: Giri, Martha Devcich, Austrian; boy, Murray Cox, nigger minstrel. Original: David Smith, prolfer. Best couple: Dawn and Alvan Lane. Adam and Eve. Over 8 and under 12—Best costume: Girls, Leone Lovett. Spanish girl. Original: Enid Nield, black crow. Boys, best costume, Charlie Lyon, admiral, Ivan Kemp, Indian rajah. Best couple: Leo Robinson and Robert Hamilton, Xiiikey arid Schofield. Poster costumes: Girls, Kathleen- Mears, * r Star" Twinkles; boy, Peter Graham. A special prize was awarded to Inness Lovett (the artist).

At the conclusion of the presentation of the prizes Mrs. J. Mclvor, president of the Otahuhu Plunket Society, presented bouquets to the Mayoress, Mrs. C. R. Petrie and Mesdames J. Allen, W. W. Massey, Gillies, Khind, Nurse Madill, Miss Colegrove, secretary of the Auckland executive, and Miss Madge Arlington. Mrs. Allen also presented Mrs. Mclvor with a floral tribute.

Caledonian Society. There was a very large attendance at the first open night of the Otahuhu Caledonian Society, held in the public hall on Saturday. Promptly at eight o'clock Pipers R. Archibald and J. MeKenzie piped the chief, Mr. J. M. Deas, and officers to their seat?. The chief, in welcoming the many visitors, warmly thanked the audience for the truly wonderful support accorded the committee on its efforts to create a greater interest in Scottish customs and dances. One of the principal items of a very comprehensive programme was tlie appearance of "Granny" (Mrs. Nancy Donne), of IZM fame, who gave some Scottish characters and recitations. Other contributors were Mrs. A. Rattray and Mr. W. Gcmmcl, whose vocal numbers were heartily encored; Mr. Allan McSkimming, Scottish elocution; Mr. W. Currie, violin solos; and a comedy sketch by Mr. MeSkimming and party. Miss Loma Kay and a trouple of juveniles gave a series of Highland dances. Mi?e Merlyn Morris acted as accompanist. The catering for the attendance, which was well over 450, was in the hands of the ladies' committee. Dances featuring several old Scottish numbers occupied the remainder of the evening, the music being provided by Mrs. McPherson, Mrs. J. McDowell, Mrs. Matthews and Mr. W. Beck. During an interval Misa Loma Kay gave an exhibition of the Spanish tango. Tho Mayor and patron of the society, Mr. C. R. Petrie, at the conclusion of the evening, thanked (lie visitors from kindred organisations. St. Andrew's Society, Auckland, also New Lynn St. Andrew's Ladies' Auxiliary, Auckland, OncTiunga and Wainiarino Caledonian Societies and the Franklin Burns Club, were represented.