Athenæum Ball.

Hastings Standard, Issue 100, 21 August 1896, Page 2

Athenæum Ball.

AN UNQUALIFIED SUCCESS. Never in the history of Hastings j has such a raagnificient gathering been seen as that at the Princess Theatre last evening. In the hands of an energetic committee the ball in aid of the funds of the Hastings Athenaeum proved an unqualified and unbounded success. No fewer than 120 couples were on the floor, and although the room was at times rather crowded for dancing, everything passed off to the entire satisfaction of all present. The room was tastefully decorated with mirrors, flags, evergreens, &c., and the retiring rooms were comfortably fitted up. The music, which contributed greatly to the evening's enjoyment, was supplied by Miss N. Caulton (piano), and Messrs A. A. George (cornet), King and Marbrook (violins), and Popplewell (double bass). All the selections given were popular ones, and there was a swinging rhythm and precision about them which was highly commented on. As the programme was a very lengthy one the services of the musicians, which were given gratis, were all the more appreciated. Extras were played by Mrs Eainbow, Miss Caulton, and Miss St. Hill. The floor was rather heavy, and this was the only fault to be found with the whole proceedings, as it was especially tiring on the ladies. Considering that roller skating had been indulged in the previous evening it was hardly to be expected that a dancing surface could be prepared in the short time at the disposal of the committee. This slight defect did not seem to mar the enjoyment of those present, for it was long after midnight before any of the dancers retired. The supper was on an extensive scale, and was beautifully laid out on the stage under the supervision of Mrs Tyerman, who had the assistance of almost every lady in Hastings. Mr W. Shanley was in charge of the liquid refreshments, and a very busy time he had. With a very large number of fancy costumes interspersed with evening dress, the ensemble was particularly gay and striking, and the effect a happy one. Some of the ladies' dresses were costly and handsome, but where so very many were becomingly attired it would indeed be invidious to mention one more than the other. Indeed the belles were so numerous that it would be a difficult matter to single out even half a dozen for special mention. The fancy costumes, too, were in almost every instance pleasing and effective. Amongst the many were the following Mrs W. R. Russell, Court Dress Mrs Rainbow, Josephine Mrs Wrigley, Amy Robsardt Mrs D'Emden, Lady Betty Mrs H. 0. Caulton, Flora M'Donald Mrs Brathwaite, Egyptian Lady. Mrs J. H. Williams, Powder and Patches Mrs Darvall, Nurse Miss Leslie, Yaletta Miss Caulton, Pierrette Miss A. Seale, Night Miss E. Golds, Summer Miss Nicholson, Normandy Peasant Miss Patterson, Queen of Hearts Miss Dan vers, Esmeralda Miss Livesey, La Mascotte Miss Sutherland, Basket of Flowers Miss Robertson, Phyllis Miss M. Sutherland, Spanish Lady Miss Parnell, Neopoliton Fishwife Miss Wellwood, Nurse Miss E. Wrigley, Girofla Miss Tanner, Buttercup Miss Green, Dolly Varden Misses Millar, Two little Girls in Blue. Miss Tosswill, Fishwife Miss Langley, Physician Miss Watt, Patches Mr D'Emden, Gentleman 19fch Century Mr F. T. Danvers, Court Dress Mr S. G. Roberts, Black Domino Mr N. R. Wellwood, Court Dress Mr W. P. Stuart, Scottish Highlander. Mr H. E. Hiblard, Boatswain of H.M.S. Pinafore. Mr P. A. Hastings, Royal Navy Mr B. C. Ware, Lieutenant Hastings Volunteers. Mr W. W. K. McLean, Royal Navy Mr Lindsay, Cricketer. Messrs Brathwaite (3), Spanish Nobleman, Artillery, and Naval. Mr C. Holroyd, Volunteer. Mr S. Ridgway, Lieutenant Volunteers. Mr Tanner, Turk. Mr 11. Carlyon, Arab. Mr A. Wooding, Gentleman Joe Mr AVi Duncan, Maori Chief. Mr Paul, Papipaki Bandsman. Dr Tosswill, Naval Officer Mr A. P>. Williams, Negro Minstrel. Mr H. Nelson, Clown. Mr Cox, Cricketer. Mr S. Pattison, Tennis, M* Gordon, Negro.