VOLUNTEER RESERVE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29626, 23 September 1961, Page 2

VOLUNTEER RESERVE

Annual Ball At Pegasus

Officers of the Canterbury division of the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve held their annual ball last evening at their headquarters, H.M.N.Z.S. Pegasus. The 300 guests embarked up a gaily-lighted gangway beneath a red and white striped awning. The upper deck -was a galaxy of colour, where the dress uniforms of the officers and their guests, and the beautiful evening gowns of the women blended with the artistic decor.

The orchestra played beneath a circular striped awning in front of a 6in naval gun mounting. The centrepiece of the orchestral platform was a large blue and white “Pegasus,” the winger horse which forms the ship’s crest.

A nautical background was provided by rigging, guns and naval equipment. A feature of the floral decorations was a fountain fern garden. Spring flowers, blossom and naval signal flags completed the scene. A replica of a smugglers' tavern led off the dance floor.

Early in the evening music was provided by the band of the First Battalion of the Canterbury Regiment. The ball was organised by the wardroom officers of H.M.N.Z.S. Pegasus. Guests were received on the quarterdeck by the Commanding Officer (Commander R- M. J, O’Connor) and Mrs O Connor, and the executive officer (Liteutenant-Comman-der R. F. Sanderson) and Mrs Sanderson.

Specially invited guests included the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr G. Manning) and Mrs Manning. Brigadier A. H. Andrews and Mrs Andrews. Squadron Leader S. A. Williams (Royal New Zealand Air Force .Wigram) and Mrs Williams. Flight-Lieutenant J. G. Abbey (Canterbury Officers Club) and Mrs Abbey, Captain and Mrs A. R. Champion, Captain E, A. McDonald, and Commander F Kimberling (United States Navy).

Mrs O’Connor wore a short evening gown of amber-gold crystalette, with a petalshaped strapless bodice and full skirt. A wide, matching cummerbund of satin was looped with a sash at the back.

Mrs Sanderson chose a fulllength evening frock of deep sapphire blue satin, featuring draping over one shoulder The sheath front of the skirt contrasted with full pleating at the back, falling from below the waist.