BRILLIANT QUEEN PAGEANT BALL

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 147, 16 March 1940, Page 6

BRILLIANT QUEEN PAGEANT BALL

Crowning Ceremony Of Piunket Carnival

SOCIETY’S FUNDS GREATLY BENEFITED

After three weeks of intensive campaigning, Hie Piunket Society’s queen carnival came to a triumphant finale last night, with tlie crowning of the successful candidate by her Excellency Viscountess Galway at a ball at the Centennial Exhibition cabaret. Jbe successful queen was the army candidate, Miss Patricia Gledhill, and the splendid sum of approximately £l7OO was realized by tlie efforts of the four queens and their committees. The name of the successful candidate and the amount raised by tlie carnival was kept a close secret, and when Mrs. 11. Jowett. the president, mounted the dais to make the announcement a tense hush fell on the crowded ballroom. Mrs. Jowett said the magnificent sum had exceeded all expectations, and a great debt of gratitude was owed rhe four queens, Misses Patricia Gledhill, Suzanne Botliamley, Patsy Aslibolt and Ruth Wheeler, and their committees, who had out spared themselves in their efforts on tlie society’s behalf. She expressed tlie society's deep appreciation of Lady Galway’s interest in their work,, and her great kindness in consenting to crown the successful candidate. Lady Galway’s Speech. Her Excellency made a charming speech in which she said she was pleased to perforin the ceremony, as it was a thing she had never done before. At times like the present, she said, the public should be deeply interested in the national character of the Piunket Society’s work. It took on a new significance in these times for it was an imperative need for the future of tlie race. This was fully realized by the Government and tlie Defence Minister, and for that reason the queens bore, the noni de plumes of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Merchant Service. She congratulated all those concerned witli the successful venture. Lady Galway’s gown was a handsome plumage pink crepe jersey, and with this she wore a diamond clip at the neck, and pearls. Mrs, Jowett, who received her, will; Mrs. Knox Gilmer, convener of committees, wore a gown of white crepe romaine appliqued with a floral motif picked out in gold. She wore Howers in the colours of the four queens. Mrs. Gilmer wore black velvet with pearls. Lady Galway was accompanied by .Mr. Heathcoate G. Helmore, A.D.C. After the ceremony Mrs. Jowett presented her Excellency with a lovely bouquet of nerines and gladioli. The only debutante of the ball. Miss Gillian Gooder, was presented to Lady Galway, and others similarly honoured were the four queens, and Mrs. P. B. Cooke, who arranged the procession and ceremony, and members of the executive committee. Crowning Ceremony. The crowning ceremony took place with a fanfareof trumpets and the traditional splendour and pomp of the occasion. With a roll of drums four Beefeaters, in uniforms of red and gold, followed by six stalwart guardsmen in scarlet tunics and bearskins, entered Hie ballroom and advanced down the length of red carpet. To military music they marched smartly forward and took up positions behind the throne. The processions of queens began immediately afterward. Two sailors bearing aloft a standard witli the navy crest preceded the navy queen, Miss Ruth Wheeler. Following her came her four ladies-in-waiting, and this group took, up their positions to the side of tlie throne. Next came the air force queen. Miss Suzanne Botliamley, followed by four maid.s-of-honour and preceded by two air force officers bearing the banner of this force. The banner of tlie merchant service followed borne by two otiicers of the mercantile marine. The merchant service queen. Miss Patsy Ashbolt,, and her attendants followed, and Hie three queens and their respective suites were arrayed on either side of the ballroom awaiting the arrival of I lie successful queen. Miss Patricia Gledhill. Her arrival was signalled by a fanfare blown on golden trumpets by four small heralds in white and gold satin witli capes lined to match the four service colours. They were Rosemary Mazengarb, Melisande McNaughton, Elizabeth Floranee and Wendy Cooke. Two diminutive pages, Ruth Leicester and Judy Shirer. in white and gold suits, came after, bearing the golden sceptre and orb and tlie crown of velvet, ermine and gold on satin cushions. The queen and her four Indies followed and as tlie queen took her seat on the throne the rest of tlie “court” knelt.

Lady Galway came forward and accepted the crown from the kneeling page, placing it on tile queen's head. From the other page she took the sceptre and orb and placed them in Miss Gledhil'.’s hands. As the crown was about to be placed on the queen s head the other queens and attendants removed their coronets. As Lady Galway completed the ceremony of crowning. the orchestra played the National Anthem. To appropriate music the crowned queen moved slowly down the hall, her emblems of oilice anil stalely crown glittering in the spotlight which followed her progress. As each queen left, the ball a wave of applause showed the goodwill of the audience. The Queens’ Frocks. The winning queen, Miss Patricia Gledliill, wore a frock of line gold tissue, threaded in silver. Iler robes., representing the khaki of the army, were of gold satin edged with white fur. and her ladies-in-waiting, Mrs. Erie Reeves. Misses Marie Gledhiil. Denise Puttiek and Nedra MacDonald, were in lovely evening gowns, all of soft white, with Shoulder orders of gold, emblazoned with the word "army” in glittering letters. Miss Patsy Ashbolt was in a lovely moulded gown of white slipper satin with cross-over bodice and circular skirt. Her robes wore of scarlet, tor Hie merchant service, which she represented. and the traditional white furs. Iter ladies-in-waiting were the Misses Pamela Ashbolt, Avril Uhind (Auckland I. Pamela Paterson and .Joy Higgins. Their frocks were while, to match that of the queen, against which their scarlet shoulder orders were looped, with “Merchant service in silver letters. Miss Suzanne Bothamley wore a frock of parchment chiffon, with shirred top and full skirt. Her acces-

series were an antique gold locket and bracelet. Pale blue satin robes edged with white fur completed her toilette and represented Hie nir force colours. Her indies-in-waiting wore pale blue shoulder orders emblazoned witli the words "air force” in scintillating letletters, over their lovely frocks. They were tlie Misses Ngaire Aplin, Gwen Redmond, Joan Ryan and Barbara Botliamley.

Aliss Ruth Wheeler, was wearing blue shot brocade, with diamante belt and accessories. Her furred satin robes were in navy for tlie navy service which she represented. Her retinue of ladies-in-waiting consisted of .Misses June Lnckie, Bobby Gibbons, Marjorie Hutton and Joan Gibbons. Navy blue orders, carrying the word "Navy” picked out in sparkling silver letters, were looped over their graceful evening frocks.

The only debutante, Miss Gillian Gooder, daughter of -Mrs. R. Gooder, Masterton, wore it white moire taffeta gown, very simply made, witli a bustle effect at the back. Her posy was of tuber roses and white carnations and she wore tlie same flowers in her hair.

Those who comprised the official party were Mrs. P. Fraser, Mi's. IV. Nash. M. and .Mme. Andre Bouquet, Mr. and Mrs. T. C. A. Hislop, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Jowett, Mrs. Knox Gilmer, Mr. and Mrs. P. B. Cooke, Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Chalmers, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Mathews, .Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Viekerman, Mr. and .Mrs. E. W. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas White, Mrs. Godfrey Wilson. -Mr. and Mrs. R. M'. Haddow, Miss Kathleen Hayes.

The four queens’ parents were seated near the otiieial party. They were Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Gledhill, .Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Wheeler, Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Botliamley, -Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Aslibolt. The debutante’s mother, Mrs. R. Gooder, Masterton, was also present, and her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. A. Hoar, Masterton. Among Those Present..

Others present included Mr. and Mrs. Eric Riddil'ord, .Mr. and Mrs. A. Buchanan (Aucklar.il), Mr. and Mrs. C. Levin, .Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Leicester, .Mr. and .Mrs. Norman Greenhinds, Mr. and .Mrs. .Sinclair Thompson, Miss Barron, Sir Charles and Lady Norwood, Mrs. P. de B. Brandon, Mr. and Mrs. B. Sutherland, Miss. A. B. Gibbons, Mrs. 11. 1(. O'Leary, Mrs. A. Longmore, Mrs. T. F. Walslie, Mr. and Mrs. A. Bowater, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Oakes, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Mack, Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Hanna, Mrs. Peter McLean, Major and Mrs. Eric 'Reeves, Mr. and Mrs. Stronach Paterson, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Miles, Mrs. W. Higgins, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Todd, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Blundell, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Whyte, Mrs V. G. Rliind, Miss Betty Rhind, Mr. and Mrs. G. Bassant, Miss Barbara .Bassant, Mr. and Dlrs. A. B. Sievwright, Mr. and Mrs. Desmond Todd, Mr. and Mrs. C. Maudsley, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Stitchbury, Mr. anil Mrs. Allan Reid. Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Francis. Mesdamcs W. Turnbull, Cleary, and Hobbs, Miss L. Eggleston, Mr. anil Mrs. G. Bradshaw, Mr. and Mrs. Alee Reid, Mr. and Mrs. Riddet. Mr and Mrs. N. Gibbons, Mr. and Mrs. Byran Todd, Mr. and Sirs. Athol Murison, Mr. and Mrs. David Allan, Mr. and Mrs. R. Flower, Mr. and Mrs. L. George, Mr. and Mrs.- Thaddens McCarthy, Mr. and Mrs. L. Young, Mr. and Airs. John Jerram, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Allen. Mr. and Mr*. K. Fowles, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Bligli, Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Coni. Mr. and Mrs. Hillis Symes, Mrs. lan Reid, Dr. and Mrs. Reay Mackay, Mr. and Mrs. Rex Rose, Mr. and Jli-s A. B. Gibbons, junr., Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton Gilmer, Mr. and Mrs. Noel Manthel. Mr. and Mrs. 0. K. Steele, Mrs G. Coutts, Mrs. Frank Young. Mr. and Mrs. S. Castle, Mrs. E. Faweett, Mrs. Gwen Tringham, Captain and Mrs. A. <>. Webb. Misses Patricia AVhite, Lola Benge. Evelyn Johnson, Joan Fenwick, Oriel Pollock, Jean Gilmer, Isohel Biggar, Patricia Greenfielil-Brown, Marie Gledliill, Janet Bethune. Janie Turner, Noeline Cramonil, Joan Anderson, Denise I’uttick, Rita Thomson, Nedra MeDou; aid, Marie Yeats-Jones. J. Kuhn. Valmaj Richardson. Joan Gibbons, Paddy and Bobbie Gibbons, Joan and Vahnai Mand.-Jev. Helen AViildop. Pamela Blundell. Paddy Steele. June Lnckie, Marjorie Hutton. Mary Allan. Barbara Bofhaniley, Pat anil Joan Ryan. -Molly Bishop, I Jreiida Edmonds, '(i era Id ino Litchfield, i Bettv Black. I’amvla Ashbolt, Pamela Paterson, Judith Allen. Janet Miles, Dawn Mazengarb. Leslie I’oetham. Barbara Hadfield. Susie Whyte, Patricia Lnckie. Joy Higgins, M. Hanna, Helen Gibson, Diana Newnham, Diana Jennings, Harper Allan. Bunty Blundell. Juno Halligan, Lindsay Knight, Messrs. R. Morpeth. AV. Gibbons. Guy ilo-bbs, AV. Wylie. G. Colledge, Misses Sonia Finillav. Ruth Davidson. Shirley Conwav, Athlon Eatom Jean Fenwick, Jan Little, Dinin Dickerson, Barbara Gibbons, Ngaire Aplin, Ngaire.Horton, Valerie Ilickie, Lepliany Ross. Margaret Briggs. Helen Barrow. Marie AiilesJones. Margaret Thodey. Shirley Balshe. Captain H. G. Thomas, Captain E. b. Morris. Captain E. (Irant, Messrs. G. II Meailiuore, Boulter, D. McMillan. AA . B. Marie, Flight Lieutenant J. Nichols. Lieutenant lan Murray. Lieutenant I . Paterson, Lieutenant J. Pawnrey. Messrs. Arthur Sutherland. Erie Harrison. J. L. Mi-DulT, J. Ei-slier, 11. Dmudil. Springhall G. Rovilhonse. Miehael Ashholt. Lester Castle, M. Stitclibury, Lieutenant 11. Hollow. Professor and Mrs. D, C. 11. Florance, Mr Edu mid Ansconrhe. .Mrs. I’. E. 1 Seiki,,n. Mrs-. Charles White. Mrs A. G. Webb Mr. and Mrs. Maleolm Lennie. ■Mr and Mrs. O. C. Mazengarb. Mr. amt Mrs IT. Ain-lie. Mrs. Charles Moriee, Miss Amy Kane. Mr. I). E. I'ouh.y. Miss Maureen Shoowinich. Mr. and . ’/V , Williams, I’aynias-ter-Cap-lain N T. I'. Cooper. Mr. mid Mrs. 1). Daysh, Mr. mu! Mrs E. AV. limit. Mr. mid Mi». Ivatt Graves. Dr. mill Mrs. l’>. d'Ai-unzo. lion. Mrs. Ralph A’ane. Misses Lois Gold.s-imt 11, Mollie Brown, Yvonne Vickery. Mollie Roilie, Marjorie Bennie, Valerie Carr, Ina Small. (I’ii-tures on I’oge !).) There are two quite different silhouettes for evening gowns, tlie sljin, high-waisted gown witli a delinite Empire influence, and the gown witli mi off-tlie-slionldei effect and wide, spreading skirls, reminiscent of Hie crinoline period of Victorian days. A very smart gown of tlie tirst type is carried out in dull pastel pink, very slinky mid very sophisticated. The narrow skirt, split at Hie bottom in front, is slightly moulded with tucks at Hie waisiliiie, and roirnd the lop is a deep flat drape drawn up front and back with light gauging. Very narrow triple shoulderstraps, a beautiful spray of pink roses mid lavender tulips and a short-sleeved bolero conipleles a most charming ensemble. The oilier style is exemplified by a demure black gown with a wide skirt, built of layers of black net. sewn with groups of narrow black taffeta frills from waist to hem in panel effect. The little bodice of black net has a narrow off-tlie-shouliter bertha trimmed witli two black taffeta trills, and the big bow which finishes the waist has the same finish. —Agues Samson, Lambton Quay.—Advt. ‘