BALL AT HASTINGS.

Hastings Standard, Issue 11, 8 May 1896, Page 2

BALL AT HASTINGS.

A GREAT SUCCESS

The long-looked-forward-to ball, in connection with St Matthew's Benevolent Fund, eventuated last night in the Princess Theatre. Despite the inclement weather that prevailed all day and the heavy fall of rain that increased in severity towards evening, the large hall was crowded, and every inch of dancing-room was called into requisition. Although the programme was set down to start at 8.30, quite an hour earlier it was apparent that the building would be thronged to its utmost limit. This subsequently proved to be the case. Dancing commenced puctually to time, and never for a moment, throughout the whole proceedings, was it allowed to flag, and all went " merry as a wedding bell " until the breaking-up at 3.30 this morning. The hall was tastefully decorated with flags, &c, and special care had been taken for the preparation of the floor, which was in firstclass condition. Too much praise cannot be given to the working committee for their efforts in this respect. The management of the proceedings was of the highest order, and it must, indeed, have been gratifying to the Kev Mr Mr Hobbs to perceive that his efforts to make the whole affair the success it attained were so willingly seconded by the members of the committee. Before the termination, the rev. gentleman, in a few well-chosen remarks, thanked all for their support in making the ball an unqualified success, and at the same time helping on a noble work of charity. Mr G. Ellis acted as M.C., and carried out the duties in a most proficient manner. The musie, which was all that could be desired, was under the directorship of Mi* Marbrook, who, with Miss Caulton, and Messrs George and Popplewell, formed the members of the orchestra. The supper, which was on a most elaborate scale, was provided by the ladies of the congregation, and the management was perfect, nearly 350 persons being attended to without a hitch of any kind. The number of lady and gentlemen dancers was equally divided, and the existing "wall-flowers" noticeable at like gatherings were entirely absent last night, which in itself is a sufficient indication that all present enjoyed themselves to the fullest. As to the "belle of the ball," we dare not venture an opinion on such a delicate subject, suffice it to say that, in our opinion, all the ladies were " belles." A special feature of the evening was a dance solely for the ladies, and on which the sterner sex gazed in admiration. Taken all through, the ball was an unqualified success from every point of view ; and we congratulate Mr Hobbs on the huge success his efforts have attained, and trust, that before the winter is over the rev. gentleman will see his way to have another similar reunion with the same successful issue which characterised last night's proceedings. It was the unanimous opinion of those who attended that a more enjoyable assembly has never been held in Hastings.