ECSTASY BALL

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 81, 5 April 1923, Page 9

ECSTASY BALL

The Ecstasy Bali, held at the Town Hall in aid of the funds of the Tramways Band was a, most successful occa-. sion in ev«ry way. The decorations, which included a bower of ferns and other greenery in the entrance hall, which were beautifully arranged with coloured electric light, were a feature, of the ball. The large electroliers in the big hall were softened with streamers of coloured crepe paper, and a. 'big ( umbrella in the centre waa trimmed with the same pretty material. The stage, where the orchestra discoureed delightful dance music, was artistically decorated with raupo, the- brown and green serving as a foil to the more brilliant colours. Flaga were use with good effect all round tbe gallery, and with the many bright frocks and caps the scene was a particularly^ gay and striking one. The Concert Chamber, where a cabaret supper was served, was carpeted with crimson, and the tables decorated with flowers. Mr. Liardet was responsible for the decorations and general arrangements, Mr. T- Goodall being the leader of the band; whose music was so much appreciated. When all the arrivals had taken place, and the hall was w*ll filled,' the judging of the costumes took place. Miss Helen Gardner and Mrs. Phipson, who had the task of awarding the prizes, had a most difficult problem, the "runnersup_," both for the ladies' and men's prizes, being so excellently . costumed. Finally, Mrs. Perry was given the first prize, her costume representing "Sunshine and Rain," carried out in yellow tissue, with simulated raindrops in crystal, the headdress being a sun helmet in gold paper, and a dainty little parasol of yellow silk with chains of crystal depending from the points, and inside three small electric lights. The E. F. Kichardson establishment was responsible for the lighting. Mr. Froone, as a Mexican cowboy, was the other prize winner, his costume being well earned out in every detail. A special prize was given to Miss Elsie Cooper, whose "Seaweed" dress was particularly charming, and showed what ,taßte and ingenuity could accomplish with the materials on tie seashore. The two Rajahs, a representative of Kemal Pasha, and another cowboy were in the group for final selection, and were awarded much admiration. There were some'delightful harem dresses,, and a great number of the dancers had dainty, well-designed dresses of crepe paper, soirie of whioh were among the prettiest in the room. The Old-English style is particularly successful in this material. The usual local allusions were made in the way of municipal milk, food control, A.B.C. guides, while the ball of wool 'was again to the fore, and managing to enjoy tho dancing. There were a number of charming evening frocks, the 'carnival touch being given, in some cases by the wearing of .becoming paper caps. Mr. Patchett, chief inspector, was the chairman of the Bali Committee, which had much acceptable help from Mrs. Hempton, who superintended generally, and Mrs. Vine, who took charge of the supper arrangements. .Among those vfho gave great assistance were the following:—Mesdames J. Goodall, T. Goodall, Affleck, Stewart, M'William, O'Sullivan, Blyth,' Gorkin, Legg, Elliott, and Mies Wogan; ace creams, Sirs. J. Henderson and Miss Cable; ticket sellers, Messrs. W. Firth and H. Patchett; Men's Committee, Messrs.. Hester (senior), R. E. Hester, Lindsay, Dumbkton, Gallagher, Boyd, Reilly, Gee, Hurley, O'Sullivan, Gorkin, Trinder, Reid, Corniah, H. Anderson, J. Dotchin, and Tankard. The duties of mustei> of ceremony were carried out by Messrs. Olliver and M'William, and the hard-working.secretary was M t r. A. J. Stewart.