PROSPERITY WEEK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21561, 4 August 1933, Page 10

PROSPERITY WEEK

ARABIAN NIGHTS BALL A BRILLIANT SPECTACLE GAY SCENE IN TOWN HALL QUEENS IN COSTUME SETS The most spectacular event since Prosperity Week commenced on Monday was the Arabian Nights Ball in the Town Hall last night. The floor was crowded with ahout 1500 dancers, the majority in fancy dress, and hundreds of spectators watched the gay scene from the balconies. All the Prosperity Queens paraded with their attendants in costume sets, first marching on to the platform, which.was gorgeously decorated to represent an Eastern temple, and then taking part in a grand march on the floor of the hall. Many of the sets were of an extremely elaborate character, calling forth rounds of applause. Mr. David Nathan's "Pantomime" set won tho prize for the best set. The participants'", dressed as familiar figures in pantomime, formed a numerous retinue for Missi Cherry Anderson, as the Princess, who was borne aloft in a resplendent palanquin. Mrs. E. H. B. Milsom was awarded the prize for the best lady's costume; it was a magnificent black dress, representing Mary Queen of Scots, and was 42 years old, having been worn by Miss Coates, sister of Sir James Coates, at a Government House ball in 1891. Mr. Peter Dawson, in shining armour, as the Silver Knight, was awarded the prize for tho best gentleman's costume. The judges were Mrs. lE. Mowbray, Mrs. I'. H. Seccombe and Mr. W. J. Crowther. One of tho features of the ball was a mannequin parade arranged by Sirs. Alan Donald. Twenty-six young ladies paradecl in the latest fashions provided by city modistes, the frocks and their wearers being enthusiastically applauded. Nine specialty ntimbers were staged on the platform between dances, some of the Eastern spectacles containing as many as 40 dancers and Performers. These were arranged by Miss Cecil Hall, Madame Baird, Madame Valeska, the Misses Beresford, the Live Art Society and the Stratton School, individual performers being Miss Marcaret O'Connor, Miss Natalie, Miss Jean Home, Mr. Matthew Stratton and Mr. Priestley. Dancing continued until 2 a.m.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS SHOP WINDOW DISPLAYS Judging was commenced yesterday of the shop window displays in the city. Shopkeepers have entered freely for this competition, and over 100 in Queen Street and other shopping centres have been specially Pressed tor the occasion. Some of the displays snow great ingenuity, artistry and public appeal, attracting interested crowds of onlookers. The displays have been divided into six classes, for which separate awards will be made, name y, departmental stores, drapers, retail footwear, foodstuffs, specialty lines and displays of New Zealand-made goods. The judging will be a lengthy process and the results will probably not be known until early next week. A prize of £lO is offered to the person who, under specified conditions, correctly estimates the judges' platings of the first and second winners in each class. . ' To-dav's attractions will inchuie a procession and mock court in Queen Street. The procession, which _ will include several city bands, will leave the foot o£ Queen Street at 11 a.m. for Karangahape Road, and there will be competitions for decorated private motor-cars and liorse-drawn vehicles (non-commercial) and original, humorous aud iuvenile displays. The Mayor, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, asked employers, wherever possible, to give their employees who are members of any of the bands taking part the necessary time off. He lias also asked owners of buildings with flagpoles in the main streets to fly bunting from 8 a.m. until 5.30 p.m. to-day and from 8 a.m. until 12.3Q p.m. to-morrow. This evening a dance will be held in the Town Hall, when the finals of the dancim? competitions will be judged. A mock court Will be held at Devonport. To-morrow there will be a carnival of athletic and sporting events at Alexandra Park in support of the Sports Queen, and a children's party, given by the Mayoress, Mrs. 6. W. Hutchison, in the Town Hall. There will be dancing competitions in the Trades Hall in the afternoon, and in the Town Hall in the evening, in aid of the Wholesale Queen. George Walker and Count Vargo will demonstrate wrestling holds at the latter gathering. A- 50-mile "mystery tourist ride" will be an attraction on Sunday afternoon, while on Tuesday evening a "Back to Childhood" party will be held at the Town Hall in aid of the Sports Queen.