SUCCESSFUL PATRIOTIC BALL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 28 October 1941, Page 6

SUCCESSFUL PATRIOTIC BALL

TAKAKA W.N.R. FUNDS AUGMENTED Combining pale green and deep fuchsia shades as the predominating colour.- in one of the prettiest and most effective decorative schemes employed in the Oddfellows’ Hall at Takaka, the Takaka branch of the Labour Party struck a new note in preparing the setting for its patriotic ball on Monday night. Suspended from the centre of the ceiling was a huge paper-covered basket filled with magnificent bunches of lilac, camellias and arum lilies and draped with lycopodium fern. Three deep fringes of white, green and fuchsia paper completed the overhead decorations. The method of relieving the bareness of the windows was also a novel one, these being draped with cream curtains and fuchsia pelmets, flanked by large branches of hawthorn blossom. Also adorning the walls and the front of the gallery were the nowfamiliar “V” for Victory signs in various sizes and colours. To complete the picture the stage was transformed *into a blaze of colour with masses of beautiful flowers and greenery. The ball was an undoubted success sc ially and, despite the wet night and counter-attractions was well attended, the proceeds considerably augmenting the Women’s National Reserve’s patriotic fund. Mr C. W. Strickland carried out the duties of M.C. in his usual efficient manner and Reynish’s De Luxe Orchestra was at its best. An “extra” medley played by Mrs F. Lewis was a popular number. The home-made supper prepared by a hard-working ladies’ committee proved a popular feature. In thinking the public for their support, Mr P. R. Reilly, president of the Takaka branch of the Labour Party, announced that many generous donations had been received, making it possible to clear all expenses, and consequently the whole of the proceeds of the ball (approximately £35) would be available for patriotic purposes. Mr Reilly also thanked all of the many willing helpers who had contributed in any way to the success of the entertainment. Mrs O. E. R. Page, president of the Takaka W.N.R., was unable to attend, but conveyed the good wishes and thank* of the Reserve to the Labour Party for its splendid effort to assist t patriotic work. Novelty dances and competitions resulted as follows: “Early Bird,” Miss Nancy Hill and Mr W. Bosher; lucky spot waltz, Mrs C. Robertson and Mr E. H. Nees; Monte Carlo waltz, Mr and Mrs R. Kidst n; hamper competition, Mrs H. Nalder 1, Mr E. D. Wilson 2. The branch’s energetic secretary (Mrs F. G. Rose) was responsible for the secretarial arrangements.