SCHOOL OPENING AT OANUI, NEAR HOKIANGA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9451, 23 August 1889, Page 6

SCHOOL OPENING AT OANUI, NEAR HOKIANGA.

One of the most successful balls that has ever taken place on this coast took place here in the schoolroom on the 9th. The Taranaki Education Board has just handed over the new school to the local committee. The settlers, being of an energetic torn of mind, decided to inaugurate the opening by a ball. A public meeting of residents was held, and the following were elected stewards to carry out the allair: —Messrs. G. W. Gane, T. Collins, O. DonneL, J. Turk, J. Young, J. Conaglen, R. Malcolm, J. Bryan, and B. Anderson ; Mr. J. Morrison, M.C. ; Mr. G. W. Gane, chairman and treasurer ; Mr. B. Anderson, secretary. It was decided to hold the ball on the 9th, when .-.bout 75 couples graced the floor of the Oanui schoolroom, dancing commencing at 8 p.m., continuing until about 5.30 a.m. of the 10th, with great spirit. The stewards had made every preparation for the comfort and convenience of the visitors. A side room was set aside for the ladies' dressing-room, furnished with all their requirements. Another room was set aside for gentlemen as a card-room. A refreshment room was provided at the back, attached to the main building, giving access from the dancing-room. Two large tents were also erected for the purpose of visitors placing carriage cushions, rugs, and any other things they desired to shelter from the night air. The room was beautifully decorated and illuminated with candles, chandeliers, and lamps. The music was supplied by Messrs. Herlihy and Conaglen, with Miss Zoo Prosser (of Opunake) and Miss Wilson (of Oeo) playing the piano accompaniments. A good programme of 28 dances was provided ; but, as that was insufficient, a few extra ones were provided. The ordinary question, "Who was the belle of the ball?" had to be left unsettled, there being so much youth and beauty, with rosy cheeks and health present. Great credit is due to the ladies, they being all fully bent on enjoyment, and nothing but thorough enjoyment was the result. The ball was pronounced a thorough success on all sides, which was very gratifying to the stewards and all concerned. Messrs. Malcolm and Conaglen preEared a large motto, " Welcome," oh a long board, made of evergreen leaves.—[Own Cor° respondent. "1