Caledonian Ball at Wairoa

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 123, 4 June 1901, Page 1

Caledonian Ball at Wairoa

(TRUES CORRESPONDENT.)

The first grand annual Caledonian Ball of the newly-formed Caledonian Society duly eventuated on the evening of Victoria Day, May 24th, and was a pronounced success. The weather, which had looked threatening the greater part of the day, gradually cleared off, and an ideal evening for dancing was the result. In all between 50 or 60 couples were present, many coming from a distance. The scene at the opening gi-and march and reel was a very striking one. The Highland costumes of the ladies and gentlemen interspersed with those in evening attire, gave a splendid effect. Piper A. MacIntyre, in costume, was in great form,;his playing being much appreciated. He'also danced the Sword Dance, which was greatly admired. The three ladies in Highland costume looked charming, and many of the ladies in evening attire looked handsome. There were several aspirants for the coveted title of “ belle,” but I must refrain from giving an opinion. The music was supplied by Mrs Bax (piano), and Mr Bird, of Wanganui (cornet), and was excellent, tho time and tune being perfect. During the evening several extras were played by Mrs MilneThompson, Misses M. Porter, D. Hewitt, N. Mullions..N7Poyz6r, Mr Roberts, and a few others. The hall was beautifully decorated with evergreens, ferns, nikau palms, and cabbage trees. The windows were dressed with curtains and drapery. Flags were hung, in two lines across the ceiling, and several others were hung amongst the evergreens. A photo of “ Rabbie Burns' ” occupied a conspicuous place, and several others of his homelife were hung around the walls. The stage was nicely laid 'off as a drawing-room, and the onlookers were loud in their praise of the efforts of the committee in studying their comfort. • The floor was in splendid order, and many were the comments made on its excellence. The grand march was led off by Chieftains P. Wilson and Robert Neill, followed by other Hieland men and lassies in costume, and then by the rest of the guests in evening attire. P. Wilson and R. Noill acted as Masters of Coremonies for the Highland dances, and Kessrs J. Holt and P. Cosgrove for the English dances—all of whom officiated in a most capablo manner, and kept the dances going without a hitch from start to finish. The supper arrangements, in the hands Of the ladies’ committee, need special mention, the wants of so many guests being plentifully supplied. The tables were beautifully decorated, and laid off with an abundance of everything toothsome, and j of excellent quality. A word of praise is due to the ladies, who worked most assiduously to supply the wants of so many visitors. Dancing was kept up with vigor until half-past three, when all left, stating that a more pleasant evening could not have been spent. The Secretary, Mr T. Bax, needs a special word of praise for the manner in which he worked the ball to such a successful issue. To

the Society, his services are indispensable, and the handsomo balance from last Sports is due mainly to the capable manner and untiring zeal with which he has worked for the advancement of tlio Society. Appended are a list of the lady visitors and their costumes :

Mrs Roberts, pink striped silk, lace trim. Howell, blk brocade satin bodice, blk lustre skirt . Bird, pink, chiffon and white lace trim, opera cloak W. Davis, black O. Jowson, oheck velvet bodice, blk skirt F. Taylor, maroon bodice, blk skirt P. Cram, blk figured lustre A. Mclntyre (Gisborne), white dress, tartan ribbons Whiting, creme silk blouse, blk skirt Porter, blk satin, blk jet trim Pemberton, blk figured lustre Chenie, blk costume P. Crarer, navy blue silk Carr, blk and white silk blouse, blk skirt White, blk lustre, blk and white trim Larsen, white bodice, blue skirt R. Smyth, blk satin, white guipire lace and jet trim. Holt, pink silk blouse, lace trim, creme serge skirt R. Smith, white silk bodice, chiffon trim., blk skirt Bennett, blk lustre, heliotrope silk trim. Sargisson, blk brocade silk, heliotrope silk and lace trim. Neill, blk silk bodice, jet trim, blk skirt M. Parker, blk satin dress, jet trim. Britnell, blk satin dress J. Hunter-Brown, blk transparent lace over amber bodice, jet, blk silk skirt Milne-Thompson, blk satin, Spanish lace sleeves, white point lace trim. P. Wilson, tartan blouse, (MacDonald Clan), blk skirt Briggs, blk and white grenadine, white satin and blk velvet trim. Moloney, blk, heliotrope trim. Poyzer, blk satin, jet trim. Harmer, blk and white blouse, blk skirt Jeff, blk lustre Miss Ring, cerise silk blouse, chiffon and ribbon trim, to match, fawn skirt Davidson, white, tartan ribbon trim. Wilson, grey lustre, blue silk trim. . Keith, creme, blk lace trim. Pemberton, Highland Lassie, (Stuaijh tartan) ~ 4 11. Clifford, canary silk blouse, blk velvet trim, brown skirt Ferris, (Waipawa) blk velvet bodice, white laceyoke, velvet trim., blk skirt Maekay, peacock blue, white chiffon trim. N. Poyzer, pink,.tartan ribbon Humphreys, (Waitfua) white figured . muslin G. Harmer, old gold and black M. Parker, Highland Lassie, (McKenzie tartan) Pene Keefe, (Mohaka) creme nuns’ veiling,lace trim. Bax, oreme, silk trim. O. Bax, brown velvet. Flint, blk satin, white satin trim. M. Flint, white hailstone muslin blouse, blk skirt Sargant, blk and white silk blouse, blk skirt E. Moloney, red silk blouse, white skirt I. Harmer, khaki, blue trim. Poyzer, grey, brown velvet trim. M. Moloney, blue sateen Moore, creme silk, lace trim. I. Neill, grey silk bodice, creme lace and tartan trim. S. Neill, Highland Lassie V. Torr, red blouse, white lace, black skirt. A. Clunie, white muslin, scarlet trim. Mason, primrose silk, blk transparent yoke and sleeves. Sargisson, creme, lace trim. Hewitt, creme, tartan sash A. Maekay, pink silk, moon-light beads, white silk sash Harmer, pale blue D. Hewitt, white, tartan sash Clunie, white White, crushed strawberry, blk lace yoke Jones, amber, blk lace trim. Poole, (Gisborne) red, chiffon and blk lace trim. The following gentlemen wore the Highland costumes: —

Mr P. Wilson, McKenzie Clan; Mr J. Wilson, McPhee Clan; Mr A. Mclntyre, McPhee Clan.

Owing to a large balance of food being left over from the ball, the Ladies’ Com-

mittee decided to give the school children a treat on Monday, 27th inst.