BIRTHDAY BALL

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 278, 20 August 1938, Page 6

BIRTHDAY BALL

Public Works Department

Decorations designed to depict the progress of the Public Wdrks Department over a-period of years-and its activities in modern times were a feature of the department’s twenty-first birthday ball in St. Francis Hall, Wellington,- last night. A huge “Eiffel .tower” of progress spanned the stage, the main arch spelling out the word “progress” in black, white and silver letters against an orange background. The “tower” proper was composed of a skyscraper building, set on top of the arch, with a big black and silver “21,” glittering prominently on the front facade. In prominent places about the hall were hung large posters depicting every branch of Public Works Department work, including architecture, mechanics, electrical engineering and aerodrome planning. These emblematic pictures were the subject of interested observation all night and struck a forceful and, abiding note. Flags of the Empire were used in groups to create informal lounges along one side of the ballroom. They were arranged fanwise, and, being draped softly to their standards, .'hut off one lounge from the next Deep wickerwork chairs and tables were arranged in each for the official guests.

A highlight of the ball wa s a novelty dance, “The P.W.D. Special.” The winner of this dance, the Minister of Public Works, Hon. R. Semple, was presented with a knife to cut the giant birthdary cake on which icing wheelbarrows sat democratically side by side with modern icing tractors.

During the night opportunity was taken to present the chairman of the committee, Mr. Stratford, with a gold birthday key.

In the-supper-room a delicious savoury supper was served, the tables being prettily decorated with green baskets of daffodils and little green paper table napkins. An excellent punch bowl was available and a good dlrnce band supplied spirited music. The committee responsible for the ball arrangements consisted Of Miss McGovern, co-secretary, who wore jade green chiffon, gathered bodice and corsage of tea roses; Miss Dallard, black diamante net; Miss Hale, black cloque, touches of white; and Miss Baggett and Messrs. Stratford (chairman), Highet (co-sec-retary), Corrigan, Connolly, McMullan, Anstiss. Glenn, Easton, and Messrs. Mathers and Vine (ex officio).

Official guests were: The Hon. R. Semple and Mrs. Semple, Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie, Mr. and Mrs. J. Wood, Mr. and Mrs. Baker, Mr. Kissel, .Mr. and .Mrs. Paul, Mr. and. Mrs. Hutchings, Mr. and Mrs. yewnbam, Mr. and Mrs Turner. Mr. and Mrs. Ball, Mr. and .Mrs. Brosnan, Mr. and Mrs. J. 11. Christie, Mr. and .Mrs. 11. 11. Sharp, Mr. and Mrs. Cooper, Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Smart, Mr. and Mrs. Downer, Mr. and Mrs. Grover. Mr. Johnson and party, Mr. Meachem and Mrs, xMeaehem, Mr Hodgens, Mr. and Mrs. K. M. Sleight, .Mr. ami Mrs. Cory-Wright, Mr. J. 11. Lee and party, Mr. J. K. S. Wibliug, Mr. nail Mrs. J. G. Hannah, Mr. W. Bennett, Mr. and Mrs. D. O. Haskell, Mr. and Mrs. J. Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Nissen, Colonel and Mrs. Maxwell and Mr. and Mrs. Furkert, senior.

Clothes pegs will last longer if before being used they are placid in cold water and brought to boiling point, then rinsed, and dried in the shade.