Huge Crowd At Services Ball

Northern Advocate, 30 August 1947, Page 8

Huge Crowd At Services Ball

A huge crowd attended the combined services ball at the Whangarei Town Hall lasi night. Dancing space was at a premium until the early hours of the morning, but. despite the crush, the function was one of the most enjoyable social events of the year. At least 800 dancers were present. Eight complete supper sittings of 100 guests at a time were necessary. The supper, which included such delicacies as crayfish and poultry and a number of savouries, occupied the best part of three hours. From the dress circle the floor presented a spectacular scene as the 400 couples danced to the music of Ces Wright’s band.

LATEST FASHIONS A number of fashionable and becoming gowns were seen. Noticeable was the fact that quite a number of them introduced the latest in fashions, with one shoulder bared. Velvets were popular, and there were a few of the new and colourful Jersey silks. Cretonnes and nets were also prominent and large floral motifs were favoured in a number of cases. The success of the whole function—and it was undoubtedly a great success —was mainly due to the enthusiasm and energy of those responsible for its organisation. Besides the official committee, a number of other voluntary helpers did their part in contributing towards tiie enjoyment of the evening. The principal guests of honour were the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs W. Jones), while amongst those present were many prominent departmental officers. ATTRACTIVE DECORATIONS The stage was attractively decorated with a profusion of arum lilies spring flowers and greenery, surrounding the crests of some of the large branches of the service. In charge of the decorations was Mrs W. W. Logan, assisted by Mesdames E Hay and L. Going. Around the perimeter of the hall were placards, each with the name ol various departments. These notices provided the rendezvous for many parties and in some cases it could be seen that practically the complete stall of individual departments was there to enjoy the fun.

The ball committee comprised I. McDonald (chairman), F. Thomas (treasurer), K. Comrie (secretary), D. Fraser, B. Woolford, N. Smith, N. Farrell, B. Palmer, J. Elliott, H. D. Double, L. Quinn, J. Cotterill, Misses B. Rowlands and N. Parkin. Messrs N Smith and N Farrell, who kept the ball rolling all the time, made efficient M.C.s.