OFFICERS’ CLUB BALL

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26509, 25 August 1951, Page 2

OFFICERS’ CLUB BALL

560 GUESTS ATTEND

The Officers' Club ball, held annually, has long enjoyed the reputation of being one of the best organised and most successful social gatherings of the year. It certainly is the most spectacular, as most of the men guests wear uniform, thus lending colour, variety, and dignity to the scene. This year's ball, held last night, gained in importance and prestige by the presence of the Lord Mayor of London and the Lady Mayoress (Sir Denys and Lady Lowson) and members of their party. The ballroom was decorated with flags and the alcoves with bowls of mixed flowers. The band of the Ist Canterbury Regiment in their scarlet uniforms played the music. Five hundred and sixty guests were entertained.

The official guests were welcomed by the president (Squadron Leader A. C. Parson) and Mrs Parson, and Lieutenant A. R. Barnsdale and Mrs Barnsda.e. They were Sir Denys Lowson and Lady Lowson, Aiderman Sherift Lieutenant-Colonel G. J. Cullum Welch, Sheriff Mr Percy T. Lovely, First Esquire and Sword-bearer Mr William T. Boston, and two footmen, brigadier G. B. Parkinson (Commander Southern Military District) and Mrs Parkinson, Wing Commander A B. Greenaway (commanding officer. R.N.Z.A.F. Station. Wigram) and Mrs Greenaway. Lieutenant-Commander F. K. Gibson (commanding officer. h.M.N.Z.S. Tasman) and Mrs Gibson. Mr J. S. Bowie (assistant Town Clerk) and Mrs Lowie. and Mr and Mrs F. Farrell. Lady Lowson Wore a beautiful frock of midnight blue lace, mounted on many layers of tulle and embroidered lightly with sparkling sequins. Pink and blue hydrangeas finished the waistine. and she wore a double string of pearls and long ear-rings On arrival in the ballroom she was presented bv Mrs J. A. S. Marris (wife of the chairman of the bail committee) with a bouquet of pink and red flowers. Mrs Parson wore a frock of ivory silk crepe patterned in yellow, blue, green, and rose in floral design. Mrs Barnsdale wore a frock or pink-lilac waffled faille with flowers of a deep shade on the bodice Members of the ball committee were Captain J. A. S. Marris (chairman). Lieutenant I. D Bennetts (secretary) Lieutenant P. B. Austin. Captain J. K. Collins. Squadron Leader G. E. Gudsell. Major H. Keenan Captain A. D. McGill. Major A. Molineaux Flight Lieutenant R. W. Nurse, Major G. C 'Aestcn. and Major F. W. Wilson. Mrs A. Holland and Mrs Marris were coopted to the committee, and did valuable work to ensure the smooth running of the arrangements for the ball