Progressive Euchre Party.

Hastings Standard, Issue 315, 6 May 1897, Page 3

Progressive Euchre Party.

IN AID OF FLOOD RELIEF FUND An innovation in the matter of public entertainments was inaugurated at St. Matthew's Hall last evening by Sirs J. A. Smith and Misses Roach, Newton, and Luckie, who formed the committee of a progressive euchre party in aid of the Flood Relief Fund. Before the affair came oft" various speculations were hazarded as to the success which would attend the ladies' efforts, and some people were under the impression that failure in a greater or lesser degree would result on an endeavor to conduct a public euchre party. Last night's party, however, was a brilliant triumph of tact, diplomacy, energy, grace, self effaeement. and the thousand and one indescribable somethings which go to make the ensemble of a charming hostess. The organisation was perfect in every detail, and the hostesses infused a verve and swing into the evening's entertainment which effectually banished stiffness at the very outset and ensured complete enjoyment to the guests. The hall was beautifully decorated, and at 8 o'clock about 100 ladies and gentlemen sat down to play, which continued until 10.30 p.m. when the bell rang, and Miss Luckie announced the prizes. Amidst considerable enthusiasm Miss Danvers was declared winner of the first ladies' prize, a picture frame, painted and presented by the winner, who under the circumstances, waived her claim and passed the prize on to Miss Hartshorn, who was a good second. The gentiemans prize, a package of cigars, was won by Mr "Wellwood. This being disposed of, the booby prizes were awarfed and excitement ran very high as to the identity of the lucky individuals. Amidst breathless suspense Miss Luckie announced Miss Gilpin as winning the ladies' prize (consisting of a piece of flannelette with instructions to make it up into a comfortable garment and forward at once io a C'live resident who had no change since the flood). The male booby now remained to be proclaimed, and as Miss Luckie came forward the silence which reigned in the hall was simply deafening. In calm judicial tones, unswayed by emotion of any kind, Miss Luckie said " Ladies and gentlemen, Mr J. Holroyd " The rest of the lady's remarks were lost in the hoarse roar that arose from a hundred throats, and as amidst unparalleled enthusiasm Mr Holroyd advanced to receive his prize the musicians struck up the soul inspiring strains of " See the conquering hero comes." Mr Holdroyd's prize was then wheeled in on a barrow, and on being proved to be the huge vegetable marrow, which has been on view at Mr Hunt's shop for some time and which weighed 1121b. Order being restored, light refreshments were distributed amongst the guests, after which the floor was cleared for dancing, which was kept up for some hours. During the evening the Rev. J. Hobbs congratulated the ladies on the success of their efforts. The committee desire to thank all who assisted, particularly the ladies who supplied the supper, Mr Hobbs for the use of the hall, Mr George for the printing, &c., and the gentlemen who assisted to clear the hall of the furniture at the conclusion of tiML function. It is to be hoped that reumdns such as last night will become frequent, and that they will be similarly successful, as a sum of between £lO and £l2 has been netted for the flood sufferers. Visitors were present from all parts of the district, including Papakura, Te Aute, Havelock §nd Napier, and even Melbourne was represented.