MILITARY BALL,

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XI, Issue 131, 26 May 1921, Page 4

MILITARY BALL,

B COMPANY’S ANNUAL EVENT A SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. The annual military ball of B Company 9th (H. 8. Regiment was held in the Hastings Drill Hall, and waa an unqualified success, about 350 couples being present. The function was in aid of the company’s shooting fund, and the result is that the fund has been considerably augmented, and it i» to be hoped that tho result will stimulate interest in the corps’ musketry course, which commences on June Ist, 1921, and ends on May 31st, 1922. The company have made musketry one of its leading features, as may be gauged by the fact that the corps were for a long time the proud possessors of the Coleman Shield, which they won prior to the war and which was »»nly wrested from them by the Napier High School cadets last year. In this reaped perhaps a few words in connection with what Air. W. Coleman has done in aiding our young manhood to shoot straight will not be out of place. The donation of a shield by him has been the means of inciting keen competition among members of Hawke’s Bay forces and has been largely responsible for the efficiency of the corps on the rifle range. Mr. Coleman’s generosity is highly appreciated by every member, who highly cherished the snield while it was in their possession. The arrangements made for last night’s function were carried out energetically and in perfect order. The Drill Hall was decorated with flags, evergreens, and coloured electric lights, suspended crossways, while the w'alls were adorned with crossed rifles and bayonets, the whole presenting a most pleasing effect. The decorations were carried Out by the committee, under the supervision of Sergeant-Major Martin and Sergeant T. Hannan, and Private 1). H. Newbigin, while the electric lighting w’as in charge of Private D. Rees, assisted bv Sergeant Hawley and Private Powell. The whole reflected great credit on those concerned. The floor was in splendid order, and for this chief credit is due to Sergeant T. Hannah, who devoted a considerable amount of time in its preparation. Proceedings opened with the playing of the National Anthem by the orchestra. after which the Grand March took place, the leaders being as follows: Lieutenant-Colonel and Mrs Holderness, Lieutenant-Petrio (Adjutant of Regiment) and Miss Hall (Napier), Lieutenant C. Brook and Miss Bethune, Mr. G. AL Spence and Mrs (Dr.) Boxer, Sergeant-Major Henry and Miss Ericksen. Mr. Jack Ringland and Miss Healey (Napier) Sergeant-Major Martin and Miss Royal, and Sergeant and Mrs Hogan. A lengthy programme of dances was then inuiilged in till an early hour this morning, the following gentlemen performing the duties of M.C.’s : Sergeant-Major Martin (chief), Sergeant Itoree, Private G. Haymes, G. Beuth, and S. French, The music was supplied by Afarbrook’s Orchestra, (10 instruments), and was all that could be desired. Extras were also played by the Napier Cabaret Jazz Band, consisting of the following players: -Miss Healey (leader), Messrs J. Maylett, J. Corbett, Stincar, Freedman. llume, Nalder, Solomon, and Pellow. The large assemblage were so delighted with this band’s efforts that they were requested to repeat the numbers over and over again. A number of musical men present were so pleased with their excellent playing that a similar band will probably be started in Hastings. , In the fourth dance in the second' half coloured streamers and confetti were showered on the dancers.

When the bugle blew for mess, the orderlies arrived at the cook-house at the double and produced a repast much ahead of tho usual fare provided for the company, the tables being loaded with all kinds of delicacies. The supperroom was decorated with flags and greenery, while the tables were ornamented with maiden hair fern, violets, autumn-tinted leaves and bronze chrysanthemums, all tastefully arranged by Mrs O’Meara and Miss R. McCorkindale. The supper was under the supervision of Mrs W. Keith who was assisted by the following ladies* committee: Tne Mayoress (Mrs W. Hart) Lady Russell, and Alesdameg Holderness, G. Ebbett, L. F. Pegler. T. A. Hill, S. Armstrong, O’Meara, W. Watson, W. Mclluraith, Horton, McElwain, R. Davis. A. A. George, French, Horgfield. and Misses L. and M. Keith, N. Ford, Dorothy Ebbett, K. Mackersey, AL and B. Hannah, George, and M. and R. McCorkindale. hTe committee who superintended the general arrangements is as follows: Lieutenant C. Brook, Sergeant-Major Martin, Sergeants Hawley, Orchard, and Doree, and Privates Chamberlain, (treasurer), Gifford, Haymes, Cauldwell, Powell, Beuth. Pratt, Spence, Jackson, French, Reid, and Snowsell, with Sergeant T. Hannah and Private D. H. Newbigin acting as joint hon. secretaries. The two latter gentlemen had the lion’s share of the work to perform and ably carried out their duties. They are to be congratulated on the success which attended their efforts.