A ROYAL ROUT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21876, 11 August 1934, Page 18

A ROYAL ROUT

OPENED BY PROCLAMATION PAGEANTRY AND BRILLIANCE Opened by.Royal proclamation of His Majesty, Richard 1., Coeur-de-Lion, Most Puissant King of England, and Her Gracious Majesty, the Queen Eleanor, the Royal Rout held last evening in the Town Hall attracted a largo number of people, who were entertained at one of the most novel and spectacular occasions which has over taken place in Auckland. Following the presentation of the pageant Robin' Hood, the rout, which was held with tho same object, of raising funds for the Auckland Girls' Friendly Society, proved another spectacular treat, commencing with the dignity of a procession of tho Robin Hood caste in their costumes, and finishing with the gaiety of a thoroughly. enjoyable danco.

At nine o'clock the curtains across the stago rose and revealed the entire caste of tho Robin Hood pageant, the brilliant colour groupings of whose costumes drew audible sounds of admiration from the spectators. The Lewis Eady orchestra, the members of which wore monks' gowns, played "Oh, England! Glorious England 1" and the procession, moving down from the platform in two lines headed by the King and Queen, marched slowly round the hall and then returned to the stage, where the King's proclamation waß read by ono of the knights. Dancing then commenced.

A novel feature of the ball, but one entirely in keeping with the period portrayed, was the beer garden, arranged with round rustic tables and small wooden stools at the far end of the hall. Here five large kegs flanked on each side by pint beer glasses attracted many thirsty revellers, who received their purchases from the hands of young '"village wenches." Stalls were set up along one side of the hall on which were displayed the supper viands of cold chicken, ham rolls, sandwiches, savoury eggs, hot savouries, cakes, sweets and coffee. All the supper had been made by the various stallholders and the excel lenco of their cooking wa§ thoroughly appreciated by the large number who left the stalls bearing with them paper plates containing appetising goods. The rout was a triumph of organising skill, and the occasion was one which will hold its place in the memory of those who attended.

The ballroom committee comprised:— Mrs, Murdoch Smith, Mrs. Trevor Brett, Mrs. Scott Wilson, Mrs. T. W. Maben, Miss Norma McCulloch and Miss Lesley Waller. The members of this committee were in evening dress. The beer garden and novelties stalls were conducted by:—Lady Leys, Sirs. W, A. Fairclough, Mrs. Brian Hewitt, Mrs.. Mervyn Reed, Mrs. F. Burges Watson, Mrp. William-Powlett, Mrs. J. Russell, Mrs. E. J. Valentine, Miss D. Vaile, Miss M. Vaile, Miss Jean Carnegie Brown, Miss K. Knight, Miss W. McKail Geddes, Mrs. J. Kingstone and Miss P. France. These ladies wore period gowns in brilliant colourings.

In charge .of the sandwich, roll and capon stall were; —Lady Sinclair-Lock-hart, Lady Herdman, Lady Robertson, Mrs. T. Copeland Savage, Mrs. H. Horton, Mrs. Harold Bull, Mrs. G. Kent, Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. S. Thome George, Mrs. M. M. Louisson, Mrs. W. B. Colbeck, Mrs. David Nathan. Mrs. Woofcton, Mrs. Bickerton Fisher. Mrs. Geoff. Fisher, Mrs. W. Dove, Mrs. Clutha Mackenzie, Mm. Spedding, Mrs. G. Borrie, Mrs. H. Kirker, Mrs. D. G. Ogilvie, Miss Cooper, Miss A. George, Miss B. George, Mrs. F. W. Wilson, Mrs. A. W. A. Perkins, Mrs. J. Watson. Black frocks and hoods of bright blue satin were worn.

The pasty stall was run by:—Mrs. E. H. B. Milsom, Mrs. J. C. Allan. Mrs. J. F. Ewen, Mrs. A. McGregor Grant, Airs. J. J. Kingston, Mrs. Bruce Mackenzie, Mrs. W. 11. Parkes, Mrs. C. H. Tewsley, Mrs. R. M. Tolhurst, Mrs. Selwyn Upton, Mrs. H. E. Vaile. All wore period frocks in blue tonirss. The sweetmeats stalls had in charge: —Mrs. H. McKail Geddes, Mrs. H. E. Barrowclough, Mrs. D. Commons. Mrs, C. M. Croft, Mrs. E. B. Gunson, Mrs. L. Ludbrook, Airs. N. L. Mackv, Mrs. Nigel Morris, Miss A. Russell, Miss C. Russell. Period costumes were again worn by most of those in charge. The pageant and rout ofganiser waH the Rev. R. G. Coats; tho rout assistant organiser. Mrs. L. E. Cartridge; chairman, Mrs. 15. H. B, Milsom; joint rout secretaries, Mrs. F. W. Wilson and Mrs. H. McKail Geddes.