ANNUAL BALL

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26123, 27 May 1950, Page 2

ANNUAL BALL

ST. MARGARET’S COLLEGE

OLD GIRLS

FIFTY-NINE DEBUTANTES

St. Margaret’s College Old Girls’ Association’s ball, held last evening in the Wentworth, broke many records in the long history of old girls’ dances in Christchurch. First, the number of debutantes—s9—was a record, the number of guests—more than 1000 — was another record, and, most remarkable of all, the presentation ceremony took less than 25 nfinutes, a fine achievement.

St. Margaret’s College colours are green and silver, and these figured prominently in the decorations. Myriads of green and silver streamers fluttered from the ceiling of the ballroom, the w’alls were festooned with green and silver, with big clusters of green and silver balloons arranged at intervals. The supper room was decorated with big bowls of greenery; the official table was lit with white candles set in silver candlesticks and adorned with bowls of uncommon pale green chrysanthemums and silver leaves. The other tables were decorated with trails of ivy and silver leaves, and tfie candles were alternately white and green. An oyster bar. set outside the supper room, was very popular. The guests were welcomed by Miss Natalie Vale (president of the Old Girls’ Association) and members of her committee. Miss Vale wore a frock of silver grey satin with large bow on the bodice held by a diamante brooch. She carried a posy, the gift of the association. Miss West-Watson, one of the principal guests, wore a frock of imperial blue moire taffeta trimmed with scintillating appliques, and her sister-in-law, Mrs West-Wat-son (England), wore a dress of black souple satin and white and black embroidered coatee.

The presentation ceremony was a beautiful sight. The debutantes, looking most attractive in their white frocks, entered the ballroom in pairs under the direction of Miss Sandra Dowland. who had trained them for the occasion. In turn they were presented to Archbishop West-Watson, who shook hands with each and wished her happiness in the future. The debutantes and their partners then took part in a waltz, amid the applause of the other guests.

The guests of honour were: Miss J. Crosher (principal of St. Margaret’s), Mrs C. L. Young (patron of the association). Archbishop West Watson, Miss West Watson, and Mrs West Watson. Mr E. P. Wills (representing the board of governors) and Mrs Wills, the Dean of Christchurch and Mrs ■Warren, Archdeacon Bean. Mrs O. Walesby (president of the Timaru branch of the Old Girls) and Mr Walesby. and the following representatives from kindred associations: —Mrs Elley (St. Hilda's College), Mrs W. J. Thacker (Rangi Ruru), Mrs Denis Stewart (Selwyn House'. Miss Kisseil (Christchurch Girls’ High School). Miss S. Leech (Avonside Girls’ High School). Miss T. J. Brettell (Christchurch West High School). Mrs Wicks (St. Mary’s Convent), Mrs J. E. Prendergast (Children of the Sacred Heart). Mrs T. Aspell (Sacred Heart Convent). Mrs K. Power (Villa Maria?. Mrs Daniels (Te Wai Pounamu Maori Girls’ College), Mrs E. L. Upjohn (Nelson Girls’ College), Mrs R. de G. Robilliard (Columba College), Mrs J. Garland (Nga Tawa), Miss E. Thompson (Austral Girten), Mrs M. Macfariane (Craighead), Miss I. Menzies (Woodford House). Mrs Austin (Timaru Girls’ High School). Miss Peggy Roll (Waitaki Girls’ High School). Mrs J. Allott (Southland Girls’ High School), Mrs W. Cotter (Otago Girls' High School), Mrs H. Fraer (Dominican College), Mr W. J. V. Hamilton (Christs College), Mr M. Newman (Cathedral Grammar School), Mr J. G. Leggat (Christchurch Boys’ High School), and Mr D. Wilson (St. Andrew's College).

Members of the organising committee who were excellent hostesses were: Mesdames W. B- Owen. N. Garland. E. Cleland, P. H. N. Freeth, J. N. Hamilton, N. Norton Smith. R. Steel, Misses Lila Gardner, Ray Brownlee, Robyn Jenkin. Betty Hatherley (secretary), Jean Hatherley (assistant-secretary). Sandra Dowland (treasurer). The Debutantes The debutantes were: Misses Margaret Penrose, Ann Wilson. Joan Ballantyne. Gavbrielle Moore. Noeline Read (Ashburton), June Loe (Darfield). Patsy Rudd. Janetta Chappell (Akaroa). Shirley Milnes. Helen Watson. Beverley North. Janet Wilson. Susan Heslop (Southbridge), Jean Gordon (Rotherham), Alison Bruce (Pendarves). Rosemary Packer, Helen Johnston. Mary Shields. Rosalind Roy Smith, Jean Adams. Robyn Jenkin, Alison Hughey (Rangiora), Mona Grubb (Methven). Zephrine Beagley, Ann Stackhouse (Waipara). Enid Gillanders (Darfield), Joy Watson. Beryl Rowan, Judith Dickson. Margaret Lawn, Rosemary White (Timaru), Christine McDonald (Invercargill). Roma Fernie, Rhonda Hoy, Helen Talbot, Louise Partridge. Judith Ellis. Honor Plimmer. Elizabeth Iversen. Jocelyn Vile, Lois Lunev, Janette Webley, Jennifer Jones, Robin Stevens. Gillian Tobin (Invercargill). Judith Todd. Audrey Elms • Timaru). Mary Newton (Akaroa). Pat Whittington. Isabel Buckeridge, Rozalie Stopforth (Hokitika). Pamela Smith. Charlotte Rivers (Culverden). Elizabeth Matson. Diana Jarman (Hororata), Elaine Thomson. Hilary Agar. Judith Farrell, Rema Miller.