FOR THE BELGIANS

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXIX, Issue LXIX, 27 May 1915, Page 8

FOR THE BELGIANS

A HiRD-UP SOOiAB: /-■

', The hard-up rag social^ inlaid' of 'the' Belgian* Relief itindi' which wa,s<.nel&\ in the Oddfellows' Hall on Wednesday/ was a pronounced success, and Wasl£on-r sidered to be the best function q&Mts i xind yet held in Bawera. Therefore about a hundred couples present?," and throughout the evening there were no fewer than eighteen sets. A* feature;, of the early part of the social Was the dancing of a hundred children in fancy dress costumes. Their ages ran from four to sixteen, and the many beautiful dresses wora were greatly admired by -uu spectators, who filleu the galleryThe mothers, of the children certainly went to no end of trouble in preparing the children, who looked exceedingly pretty in their quaint costumes. A prize was given for the best fancy areas, and this was awarded to Eric Higgs and, Connie Walshe, #6 the King ana Queen of Belgium. The children held sway until ten o'clock, after which the adults occupied the floor until an early hour ,this morning. Most of the dancers wore rag costumes, and the endless variety of old garments Brought into use created much amusement! Miss Ada, Dunn and Mr W, Brown won the prizas for the most hard-up appearance. The music was supplied by Mr Kirk, who gave his services gratuitously, while Messrs F. O'Connor (Hawera) and W. Tarrant (Patea) carried out the duties of M.O.'s. A special Waltz was put on for the boys who are leaving- for the front, and the -company sang "For they're jolly good fellows," and accorded them ringing "cheers. ■'-.- ■•..-;. ■■ •: -;.^.:- ■ ■.... •'. \ ~.•

' The supper was .'provided' by the ladies, and was certainly not a hard-up spread. During the evening there-were a couple of presentations. Mr Kirk, who had been untiring in his assistance with the music at the rehearsals and at the social, was presented with a beautiful tea service, and Mrs Walshe, who was primarily responsible for the social, and who trained the children, was presented with a silver vase. The promoters desire to thank all those who kindly assisted in any way towards the success of the evening, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. It is expected that the Belgian fund will benefit to the extent of between £30 and £40.