CHILDREN'S BALL.

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 July 1918, Page 3

CHILDREN'S BALL.

A RUNANGA GATHERING

(Own Correspondent.)

As one was walking down the streets of Runanga the happy faces and bright eyes of all the children met, made one come to the conclusion that some event out of the ordinary was taking place, and as one got near the Miners' Hall, sweet music Avas heard as from a brass band. When on arrival at the hall one found out it was the Runanga Municipal Band playing in the usual first-class manner, as an opening event to the great children's ball that was to follow. On arriving in the hall one was amazed to see such a large audience gathered to witness the efforts of the children indulging in the light fantastic. The sight of the children arrayed in all the different colours and styles, and the happy expressions on their faces was a sight that will not be forgotten for many a day, and will no doubt rank as the red letter day m the young lives of those Avho took part. Punctually at 7.30 p.m. the Grand March, headed by Miss Doris Naisbitt (Gipsy Dancer) and Master Harry McKenzie took place and fully 100 couples marched round the room, inspired bylovely musio supplied by the Runanga Municipal Band Orchestra. As the dancers wended their way through the different intricate movements of the march, amazement was written on the faces of the audience, who to a great extent could not believe that children down to three years of age could perform in such a highly creditable manner, and expressed their pleasure in no uncertain way After the Grand March had concluded the following dances were indulged in by the children: Lancers, Waltz Cotillions, Tasmanian Two-Step, Military Two-Step, Plain Schottische. The general public were of the opinion that if a competition were held between adults and children, tho adults would have to "go some" to secure a victory. The Grand March and other dances under coloured electric, lights, was the most spectacular scene that has ever taken place on the West Coast, as the dancers paraded round. Different coloured lights were thrown on the dresses, and as the yellow, blue and red and other colours flashed their rays, they created an effect that will take many years to forget. At 10 p.m. the children's dance concluded and supper was partaken of. The supper, to a. great extent, was a gift one and was all that could be desired. A tribute of praise is duo to Miss M. Elliottt and Mr. S. Naisbitt for the manner in which they trained, the children, although, as they say, at the commencement the labour was strenuous; but after a, night or two the idea was picked up and enthusiastically carried out by everybody concerned; but all the same their positions were no envious ones. After supper was partaken of, the floor was again cleared and dancing was indulged in by the adults, which continued on until 3 am. Some of the fancy costumes 1 were very nice and a credit to all concerned. Mr. W. Murray, on behalf of the organiser, thanked one and all for the magnificent manner in which they had taken part in the organising of the' various fancy dresses; for the children, which was a sight second to none ever held on the West Coart. The various organisations which had assisted, by the use of the Hall, were also thanked, and special mention was made of the work performed by the Runanga Band Orchestra, whose music is an absolute treat to listen to and have during the last two years plaved free at all patriotic gatherings. The committee expect to clear "about £3O from the ballThus ended an entertainment that will live in the memory of those taking part as one of the finest entertainments ever held in this district. Following is a list of the children present and the characters they represented : Isabel Lithgow, '-'Colleen Bawn." Cissie Lithgow, "Pierette." Bob Lithgow, "Footballer."' Vida Shaw, "Giesha." Clorino Whitnall, "Daffodil." Alice Higson, "Japanese Lady." Jimmie Rimmer, "Sailor." George Hunter, "Boy Blue." Florrie Almond, "Spring." John Devine, "Gipsy Boy." Madge Dermott, "Pierrot." Thelma Ferguson, "Bed Riding Hood." Doris Williams. "Egyptian Slave." Will Wick. "The Navy. " Georgie Kinsey, "Cowboy'.' Eileen, Sampson (Grey), "Scotch Lassie." Kathleen Sampson (Grey), "Trish Washerwoman.' Polly Powell, "Joy Bells." Bessie Powell, "Jo Y Bells." iv-.-is Naisbitt,' "Oinsy Dancer." John Fallentire, "Brigand." ■ Freddie Bansgi-ove, "John Bull " Harry Bansgrove, "Rohinson Crusoe." James Wilson, "French Clown- ' Muriel Wilson, "A Pose."

Bessie Wilson, "Patches." Rae Wilson, "Soldier." Jennie Russel, "Britannia." Rose Hilton, "Evening Star." "Lena Hilton "Erin." George Kendriok, "Pierrot." Ivy Leech, "Fairy Queen." Georgina Goodwin, "Belgium." Lily Chinney, "Fairy." Jean Unwin, "Snowstorm." May Rimmer, "Red Wing." Peggie Griffin, "The Girl from Piper's Flat." Francis O'Connell, "Jack Tar." Alec. Williamson, "Jack Tar." Marjorie Williamson, "Japanese Lady." Annie Williamson, "Irish Colleen." Isabel Lees, "Scotch Lassie." Roy Wylde, "Little Lord Fauntle. roy." Norman Wylde, "Sir Walter Raleight" (Page). Gordon Wylde, "Bubbles." Molly Coulthard, "Alastian Maid." Nigia -Medlin, "Girl Scout." Thomas Shaw, "Jockey." Elsie Pullon, "Boy." Maggie Wright, "Russia Girl." Janet Wright, "Dutch Girl." Christina McNeill, "Red Cross Nurse." John McNeill, "Boy Scout." Winnie Griffin, "Erin." Fred Wilson, "Brigand." Rewa Wilson, "Butterfly." Emily O'Neill "England & France.'' Edie Partington, "Japanese Lady." Reta Shannon, "God Luck." J. Devine, "Clown." Jane Little, "Fairy." Emily and Lai Lemon, "Two Little Girls in Blue." . John Davison, "Darkey." Alma Shannon, "Japanese Lady." Lily Almond, "Fairy." Robert Naisbitt, "Fisher Boy." Ethel Tallentire, "Joy Bells." _ Hannah Lowther, "Australian Girl" Stanley Johnson, "Soldier." Dorothy Spedding, "Fairy." Maud Little, "Fairy." Evelyn Joseph, "Red Cross Nurse" Dinah Satterthwaite, "Folly." Lizzie Satterthwaite, "Folly." Joe Satterthwaite, "Golliwog." Nellie Malpass, "Bride." William Malpass, "Cowboy." May Caldwell, 'Spanish Dancer." M. A. Lancaster, "Stars and Stripes." G. E. Lancaster, "Uncle Sam." Ethel Malpass, "Starlight Fairy." Lizzie Davison, "America." Jack Howard, "Soldier." Nora McGuinness, "Bed, White and Blue." May McGuinness, "N.Z. Nursing Sister." Jessie Pender, "Butterfly." Elsie Harrison, "Pirate." Nellie Harrison,. "Belgium." Ellen Braithwaite, "Queen of Hearts." Doris Rowe, "Fairy." Nellie Newton, "Poppy Red." Annie Newton, "Blue Bell." Doreen Southward, "Good Luck." Ella Lees, "Scotch Lassie." M. Hambly, "80-Peep." Nestor Gifkins, "Red Riding Hood" Elizabeth Wright, "Pierette." Charlie Wright, "Pierrot." Harold Tither, "Sailor Boy." Phyllis Wood, "Folly." Ronald Wood, 'Clown." Beatrice Garvey, "Fairy Bells." Edna Murray, "Fairy." ADULTS' FANCY DBFSSES. Miss Myrtle Shannon, "France." Miss Twohill, "Starlight." Miss Myra Davis, "Welsh Girl." Miss L. Lines (Paroa), "Night." Miss M. Batty (Cobden), "Pierette" Miss Mcintosh (Grey), "Dutch Girl." Miss Nelson, "Japanese Lady." Miss M. Mcintosh, "Nurse.' Mrs. Gifkins, "Gipsy." . Missi Warburton, "Peace." Mrs. Griffin, "Belgium." Miss Elliott, "Rag Time."