Gold Debutantes’ Theme

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31662, 24 April 1968, Page 3

Gold Debutantes’ Theme

A gold wrought-iron screen, white pillars and large filigreed gold leaves decorated the entrance for the presentation of 26 debutantes to the Ro* man Catholic Bishop of Christchurch (the Most Rev. B. P. Ashby) at the Villa Maria College Old Girls’ Association’s annual debutante ball in the Winter Garden last evening.

The debutantes were presented by the president of the association, Mrs U. P. Leonard, who wore an aqua Swiss stardust crepe gown, cut on classic lines with a waterfall panel, featuring iridescent trimming, from the back neckline.

The vice-president, Mrs D. M. Bridgman, wore a slimfitting gown of deep peacock

crepe chiffon, featuring a cutaway back falling in deep folds to the hemline.

The secretary, Mrs P. J. S. Elvy, chose a sleeveless, slimfitting gown of apple green shantung, featuring a boat neckline finished with iridescent pearls. The debutantes, who were trained by Mrs M. Wilson, each carried a spray as a gift from the Old Girls’ Association. They are Misses P. Brown, L. Burrows, J. Crowley, C. Daley, J. Draper (Culverden), T. Earl (Waikari), A. French, C. Griffith, S. Heaphy (Nelson), R. Johnston (Sheffield), K. Keehan (Kaikoura), E. Lagan, H. McDonnell, P. McDowall. M. Neal, J. Newman, M. Phillips, C. Pilkington, V. Richardson, F. Rowley, A. Shone, J. Standring, D. Stribling, C. Stribling, C. Townsend, L. Watson. Before the ball the debutantes visited Villa Maria College. Guests included the following members of the clergy:

Monsignor T. Liddy: the VenRev. J. Cunneen, administrator; the Rev. M. O’Malley, secretary to the Bishop; the Rev. R. O’Gorman, parish priests. Sockbum; the Rev. K. Bums, college chaplain; the Rev. G McGinty, S.J., rector of the Holy Name Seminary: the Rev. M. S. Burning, S.M., rector of St Bede’s College: Brother M. Scanlan, principal of St Thomas of Canterbury College: Brother M. Bosco, principal of Xavier College and the debutantes’ parish priests; Mother M. Enda, sister superior of Villa Maria College; Mother M. Mercedes, mother assistant of Villa Maria; Sister M. Francesca, principal of Villa Marla. The committee responsible for preparations of the ball were: Mesdames U. P. Leonard, D. M. Bridgman, P. J. S. Elvy, E. M. Quinn, C. Smith, R. J. Ryall, L. F. Sparrow, N. W. Williamson, A. B. Spiers, M. Furness, F. C. DeLore, P. A. Marshall, T. Patterson, M. J. Mitchell, Misses C. M. Ive, F. J. White.