THE VOLUNTEER BALL.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXV, Issue 170, 25 July 1901, Page 4

THE VOLUNTEER BALL.

Undoubtedly the best ball of the season was that which was given by our Volunteers last evening in Ewart's Hall. For beauty in decoration, the quality of. the supper, and attendance of the female an ' sterner sex nothing has equalled it for a long time. To describe the decorations of the hall is a hard task, and the easiest way out of the difficulty is to say that the walls were covered with fine mirrors, flags, banners, shields of arms, etc. The ceiling was decorated with lines of flags and greenery. The stage was converted into a kind of drawing-room where non dancers could look upon the more nimble people. Dresiing rooms were provided for theladtes in the W.C.T.U. rooms, and for the gentlemen in a large tent at the rear of the building. The card rooms were at the back of the stage. A large marquee belonging to Mr J. Penney was utilised as a supper room, and a glance attho tables during the early part of the evening proved sufficient to testify as to the quality urd quantity of the eatables. Mr Rothwell and an able staff of assistants waited upon the terpsichorean artists ; but we must not forget to mention that the greatest praiso is due %o the Laiies Committee, who cut up the meats and laid the tables, and this was no light matter when so many different joints, fowls, and sweets had to be placed in tempting array upon the boards. Mr Vannini's orchestra supplied first-class music, and introduced several military tunes. The floor, except for a slight dust, was in splendid form, but possibly the hall was a trifle too crowded. However, it made the friendly knocks, lighter to bear when both . couples good-naturedly turned and begged each others pardon. During the first half the Mayor (Mr R. McCallum) apologised for the absence of the Hon. C. H. Mills, M.H.R., who wired as follows :— * - " Will you kindly lot all our friends who are assembled this evening know how sorry: I am that I am unable to be present with them in the welcome home to our boys, pressure of departmental and sessional work at prosent, however, renders it impossible for me to leave Wellington. I had; the pleasure : of being one of the first to- greet the returned troopers on their arrival at the Bluff, and I suppose I must be satisfied with that under the circumstances, but though absent in bpdy to-night I shall be present in spirit, and having sent some of my family across I shall, at any rate, be represented. Hoping you will have a real enjoyable evening. With best wishes to all."—C. H. Mills.

On behalf of the corporation, the Mayor welcomed the officers and men of the returned contingents. He knew, he said, that every man-had done his duty in a way that pleased the people of their country and district. Capt. Poison was, he thought, perhaps a little better than the rest, as he had succeeded in winning a Distinguished Service Order, and that meant that he was considerably higher than an ordinary gentleman. He had, however, not yet received the medal, but it was on its way out from England. Lieut. Simpson had been promoted to Captain in the Seventh Contingent, and other officers that left New Zealand for South Africa had acquitted themselves in such a manner that many had beeii rewarded by promotion. The Mayor again welcomed the men back tO:Marlborough,:;and called for three hearty cheers which were given.

Major Chaytor responded on' behalf of the returned men, and thanked them for their kind welcome.

Major Rogers then read the following telegram:— "■ I regret exceedingly at not being able to be with you to join in giving a fitting and well deserved reception to the returned members of the South African Contingents. Tlio.young men ai-e well entitled {o your best thanks and hearty welcome, for, with their comrades, they have done their duty to the Colony and the Empire. As Premier and De fence Minister, nothing would have given me greater pleasure than to have been with you and assisted at the function this evening, but you will understand it is Impossible for mo to geb

away under existing circumstances. Kia Ora to all."—R. J. Seddon.

Space and time wilL not permit us to go into any more details, but a pretty room, plenty of dancers, a pleasing reception to returned troopers, a first rate supper, and everything in easygoing order is a fair picture of this enjoyable dance.