Farmers' Harvest Home

Bruce Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 2962, 24 May 1898, Page 2

Farmers' Harvest Home

On Friday evening last the annual Farmers' Harvest Home social was held in the Skating Kink, Milton. The weather was favorable though it was rather dark and threatening when the time came to disperse. Over 300 people were present from all parts of the Tokomairiro Plain, and about 150 couple tripped the ' light fantastic ' J The attendance was much larger than it was last year, and the rink was taxed to its fullest capacity. The seating accommodation was barely enough for the ladies, much less the gentlemen, most of whom had to stand, congregating in a sombre-look-ing mass at the lower end of the hall. It may be as well to suggest here that on similar occasions in the future the gentlemen, if compelled through lack of seats to remain aloof from the ladies between the dances, might leave a clear passage for mgress and egress, from the ballroom, for much incon** venience was caused on Friday evening to a great many who had to crush through the dense crowd of gentlemen, dancers and non-dancers alike more particularly the latter, standing at the entrance to the main hall. The rink was prettily decorated with cabbage trees and other greenery, toi-tois, etc., and the bare* ness of the walls and joists was completely hidden from view. Those who had charge of the decorations are to be complimented on the highly tasteful manner ia which they carried out their onerous duties, for it is no small undertaking to suitably and properly decorate a hall of the dimensions of the Skating Bink. The ball, for it may, perhapß, be so called, commenced shortly after 8.30 p.m. with the Grand March, and dancing was kept up till an early hour next morning. The march was very impressive, and made think one one was in fairyland. Such a galaxy of beauty is not often seen, and the effect was considerably enhanced by the profuse decorations and the bright lamps " shining oe'r fair women and brave men." During the evening songs, which were all well rendered, were con* tributed by Miss Lynch, and Messrs J, Wyber, A. Beasley, and "W". Anderson, Miss A. Grant playing the accompaniments in a skilled manner. A neatly executed hornpipe was also given by Mr J. Moore. Excellent dance music was supplied by Messrs E. Robertson (piano), J. "Walsh (violin), and C. Mills (piccolo) ; while Messrs Patterson and Forsyth carried out their duties as M.C.'s in a capable and efficient manner. The catering was in the hands of Mr T. Bewley who provided an abundance of light and choice refreshments. The social was an eminent s access, and Friday evening last must be characterised as one of the most pleasant and enjoyable yet spent by the people of Milton and surrounding districts. The committee, of which Mr D. C. Falconer was the energetic secretary, are to be congratulated on the successful issue of the Harvest Home Social of 1898.