ROWAN.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 21 June 1924, Page 4

ROWAN.

1 FANCY DRESS BALL. Despite the inclement weather conditions prevailing, the plain and fancy dress ball held at Rowan on Wednesday evening, was attended by a gathering of approximately one hundred dancers, all of whom entered with zest into the gaiety of the entertainment and reaped the full enjoyment of a well arranged programme. The carnival spirit which ruled during the evening was admirably suggested by a strikingly attractive decoration scheme, effected by the contrasting colours of hundreds of variegated streamers, which, suspended from a large hook in the centre of the ceiling, stretched in graceful droops to the walls. The scene was greatly enhanced by the original costumes worn by those who attended in fancy dress. Among these, attended by a resplendent sheik, was noted a picturesquely garbed lady fruit vendor, whose tray bore the inscription “Yes, we have no bananas.” The fearsome appearance of a sable-hued golliwog proved an excellent foil for the attractiveness of a dainty shepherdess, and a harem costumed lady wearing the intriguing vasniak, while a hard-up sundowner, whose ragged attire bore mute evidence of His impeeuniosity, contrasted incongruously with a charming pierette. A masked figure, suggestive of a hideous nightmare, caused much amusement when seen with a white-robed spectre representing departed spirits, as did also the bizarre appearance of a circus clown in comparison with a decorous Mother Hubbard. Included with other original costumes was one worn by a lady representing the “Order of the Bath.” The judging of the costumes proved a difficult task for Messrs L. Webby, Vinsen and Boulton, whose decisions were finally given in favour of Miss Stevenson (“Yes, we have no bananas”) and Mr L. Eaves (“Hardup Sundowner”). In the waltzing competition an equally difficult task confronted the judge (Mr Webby), who, after a careful discrimination, declared Mrs K. Mellow and Mr J. McCanlish as the winners. Another interesting feature was provided by a balloon waltz, which caused much amusement.

Supper was served by the ladies’ committee, and a highly successful function terminated in the early hours of the morning. Messrs H. Hardaker and J. McCanlish officiated as M.C.’s, and music was provided by Boulton’s orchestra, the whole organisation being under the direction of the ladies’ committee, consisting of Mesdames T. Woodhead, H. Hardaker, M. Mundv, A. N. Skivington and Misses Mundv and McCanlish.