FANCY DRESS BALL AT TARADALE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 4913, 13 May 1887, Page 3

FANCY DRESS BALL AT TARADALE.

I_OWN COEBESPONDENT.J

The- Foresters' fancy dress "ball,' held in the Oddfellows' Hall last evening, outstripsanything of the kind that has ever been: attempted in this district. The arrangements, to the smallest detail, were* simply perfect, and , reflect-the greatest credit on the executive committee. The'hall was .tastefully decorated with a very handsome ■banner: of andnumevpus flags and pictures, giyinjj it pleasing- appearance. The re renovation of the building, tp.tbo'eenii&r of attendance;' it havlng , ; lately, been ijnedjftnd #Jed, th> wont of roof veati-

lation renders tho atmosphere rather warmer than is generally appreciated with such a crowded attendance. A very large and comfortable supper-room was erected at the side of the hall, with a table well supplied with not only necessaries, but luxuries, sufficient to please the most fastidious, and I should judge by the way it was patronised that a good business was done in that department. I noticed that Mr Snell, as usual, was presiding over the tea and coffee department. That gentleman's services seems to have become indispensable on these occasions, as he seems to be looked upon as part and parcel of all local undertalduge of the kind, and it is needless to say that his part of tho programme was carried out in excellent style. Tho attendance was all that could be desired, as there were at least sixty couples present, giving the room a very crowded appearance, and all present seemed, to enjoy themselves to tho utmost extent. Themusical portion of the entertainment was ably executed by Mrs Morrison, x>iano ; Mr Madigan, bass ;Mr Carver, cornet; and Messrs Sorrel and Craig, violins. The costumes were well got up, and the varied colors added in a great measure to the enjoyment of the evening. Tho following are the characters assumed by the ladies: —Mrs Drammond, Highland Lassie ; Mrs C. W. Bennett, Swiss Peasant; Miss L. Gcbbie, Vivandicre ; Miss C. Bulled, Lady's Maid ; Miss E. Bulled, Lydia Languish ; Miss J. Bulled, Lady Annie; Miss B. Bulled, Queen of Hearts ; Miss Bessie Hammond, Swiss Girl; Mrs T. F. Anderson, Mauon ; Mrs Pritchard, English Lady; Mrs A. Williams, Christable the Enchantress ; Miss Tait, Queen of Mowers; Miss Lynch, Swiss Peasant; Miss Ramsay, Nancy Lee ; Miss L. Chase, Marguerite'; Miss L. Gordon, British Flag; Mrs W. Lord, Spanish Lady ; and Miss Leitch, Nancy Lee. Gentlemen: —W. Gebbie, Shamus O'Brien; A. Levy, Parnol Fire Brigade ; A. Williams, Volunteer ; Querry, Naval Brigade ; F. 'Sammond, Wild Irishman, G. Simms, Storslnnan ; A. Smith, jockey ; M. M'Carty, fireman ; J. Noaglc, man-of-warsmau; J. Drummoud, Highlander ;F. Bennett, college student; E. W. Bennett, Bailie Niehol Jarvie ; T. Lord, undress Cavalry ;B. Jeffares, nigger; J. Lorigan, Day and Night: G. Lora, Garrison bandsman; J. Huns, blacksmith; P. A. O'Dowd, stockman ;F. Billett, Jew; and G. Leitch, Frederick the Pirate. A considerable number of ladies and gentlemen "wer&in evening dress. The difficulty of naming "fe&JiSlis. of the ball I am not going to attempt to surmounfTit? I found there was a great diversity of Vfhuon on that point, in consequence of the care in tho selection of costumes, tho majority of them having a very pleasing appearance. In. tht\ costumes of the gentlemen I consider the palm must be awarded to Mr Drummond, as Highlander, who certainly appeared to advantage in that attire, but even in this caso I find I am doomed to be challenged ; at all events I am certain of one thing ; to speak in the vulgar tongue, "it was a jolly goad turn out." lam not now alluding to dresa, but I mean the whole undertaking, and I have no doubt it will be pleasantly remembered by those taking part hi it, and if this may be considered a fair sample of a Forester's anniversary fancy ball, I have no doubt their next will be looked forward to with pleasure, and will meet with the success it desorves. Tho refreshment department was presided over by Mr Leitch, who seemed to have an inexhaustible supply of liquid refreshment, both spirituous and otherwise, as he seemed to be able to meet the requirements of all sorts and conditions of tastes. Dancing was commenced about 9 o'clock, continuing till past eleven, when an adjournment was made for supper. It was then carried on vigorously till towards morning, when the gathering broke up, aftor one of the pleasantest evenings that have been spent in the hall. {For continuation of news see fourth page.)