THE SOCIAL AND DANCE.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 2163, 25 June 1897, Page 2

THE SOCIAL AND DANCE.

Although Monday was not set apart for the special celebration of the Record Reign in Queenstown, it was observed as the prelude to such by the greater portion of the inhabitants after about 10 o'clock in the morning,, when nearly every house of busines was closed. It was, however by no means a holiday to the committee of ladies and gentlemen who had undertaken the. responsibility of making preparations in the way of selecting and providing for a social and dance to be held in the G'arri3on Hall in the evening. However all joined heartily in the work, making it one of the most successful and enjoyable re-unions ever held in the hall. It was conducted on much the same lines as that of the Fire Brigade some three weeks ago. A special feature was the fact of its being open to all persons over 1& years of age, free. Before eight o'clock numbers bad taken op their places whilst at the appointed boar the hah was fairly well packed. The building was very nicelydecorated with palm trees and other evergreens brightened up by numerous flags. Chinese lanterns being huug round the room. Small tables on which were played games of all sorts were distributed throughout the room. The Mayor briefly opened the proceedings and announced that the< Rev Mr Mitchell would deliver an addreaa, also, during the evening songa and muaieat selections wonld be given.

The Rev A. D. Mitchell then came forward, and made a few remarks relative tattle great event they were commemorating. He said that he did not intend to give a patriotic speech, as such would be given next day. He spoke at some length quoting several narratives on the mannerly and moral conduct of the Queen, and of the way in which she bad brought up her children, thence proving herself a living example to all mothers She had not only been a noble queen, but a true mother and friend to old and young, who bad to da with her.

The Band, under Conductor A. Fraser, then played very nicely the National Anthem, also some selections specially composed by H. Bound for the Record Reign. These latter were highly appreciated by theaudience. Mr Dewar then asked the assemblage to give three cheers for Queen Victoria and one for the Prince of Wales which was heartily done. During the evening songs were sung by some of our local talent. "Wild Sea Flowers," a trio by the Misses Robertson and Mr C. Robertson, called forth well merited applause, and was we consider the best item of the evening. Miss Butler acquitted herself very creditably in the well known song "Castlesin the Air." Mrs Maxwell, a stranger to Queenstown audiences, sang in good old Scotch style, " Jeßsie's Dream." Mr J. M'Connachie rendered capitally, "Sally in our Alley," and was loudly applauded, " Rule Britannia " was then given by a number of voices under the leadership of Mr A. Boyne, jnr., in a very hearty manner, the people in the hall joining in the chorus. "The Fatal Wedding " was afterwards sung by Mr T. Clark. During the evening an abundance of refreshments of excellent quality were handed round, principally by the ladies of the committee, to whom, combined with the gentlemen, ton high praise cannot be given for their untiring efforts not only in collecting for the social, but also for the manner in which they carried out the onerous duties which devolved upon them. Mr Dewar, secretary of the committee deserves special praise for the way in which he looked after the comforts of the company and worked to make the whole proceedings such a success. He came forward and thanked all those who had given assistance in making the social such a success. He then intimated that after the singing of Auld Lang Syne the hall would be cleared for dancing. The majority of those present remained for the dance afterwards, which was kept up with zeal till 4 30. next morning. Mr C. D. Dagg peformed tha duties of M.C. in his usual efficient manner, whilst the Queenstown Brass Band discoursed sweet music.