EXHIBITION BALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23489, 28 October 1939, Page 19

EXHIBITION BALL

CENTENNIAL function ■ 3 UNUSUAL LIGHTING SCHEME j SYMBOLISM IN DECORATIONS |-JSY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] WELLINGTON. Friday ~ a thousand tickets wore sold for the 'v eTP: Zealand Centennial Exhibition Ball, held to-night in the Assembly onll at tho exhibition. That fact alone speaks for tho success of tho accasion, the ball being, without doubt, one of tho most spectacular ever to have taken plnco in this city. jt was unfortunate that lheir Excellencies tho Governor-General, Viscount Gahvav, and Viscountess Galway wero unable to attend, as the presence of Their Majesties' representatives would have put the final seal of success on the event. As it was, tho scene in tho huge hall, which has a specially-con-structed dance floor capable of holding 1000 dancers without any unduo crowding, was a sight to bo remembered. Unusual Decorations The thrill of attending tho ball B tnrtcd at the entrance foyer, when people stepping out of their cars passed through swing doors into a brightly-lit section that featured cream walls and striking murals by Russell Clarke, prominent among which was a large painting of the departure of the Tory from England for New Zealand. The guests then passed into the main assembly hall, where the colour scheme was again cream,' relieved in places with bands of blue-grey and red. Hugo parchment lights of unusual design threw soft lights in every direction and added to that was the xinusual indirect lighting panel in the centre of tho ceiling that derived its illumination from 110 fewer than 1000 globes. On the stage was seated'the dance band, whoso music one of tho brilliant highlights of the ball. During tho intervals between dances, those, present took tho opportunity or wandering out 011 to the balcony with its superb view of Centennial Avenue flanked by attractive pylons fitted with ever-changing floodlights of various colours. Straight in front was the Keflection Pool" in whose waters was reflected a' glorious fountain which was a delight to tho ove. This fountain has 12 . water and 11 colour combinations aild is one of tho "show" pieces of tho exhibition. At tho back of the balcony, and guarding it like a sentinel, was the allegorical bas-relief panel, tho design symbolising one hundred years ot progress. On eaah side stood < statues of pioneer men and women. Small wonder that the dancers lingered long in this enchanting spot that overlooked a veritable fairyland. Supper.was served in two rooms, one tof them' tho lecture hall, where the familiar cream and buff colour scheme was again evident. Horizontal panels ot intricate Maori design also attracted much attention. Executive Committee The executive committee, who had worked long and hard to ensure the success of this very pleasant part ot the centennial ceiobra tions. consisted of the Mayoress, Mrs. J.. G. A. Hislop. who was chairman; Mrs. D. H. 8 Riddiford (Featherston), Mrs. H. P. Arkwright (Marton), Mrs. B Iveiller (1 alnicrston North), Miss R. Arkwrurht (Marton). Mrs C. Levin Mrs. Knox Gilmer, M. c " Kiniav Mi«s is. E. Donovan. Miss Patricia Gledh'iil Miss Ruth Skcrinan Miss hobe Bissar.' Miss . Amy Kane, Miss Mar> Coih raiie (sccrciary), the Mayor, Mr. T, C. A. Hislop, Mr. C. P. Hainsworth (sencral manager of the Exhibition Company), and Commander Fanshawe. f . The- general committee comprised the following:—Lady Roberts, Mrs. E. W Wise (Mayoress of Eastbourne), M". J- <W. An drews (Mayoress of Lower Ilutt). Miss i. Card (Mayoress of Featherston), Mrs. A. w. Horton (Mayoress of Grey town). Mrs. K. biddells (Mayoress; of Pahiatua), Mrs Rosens (Mayoress of Waniramn). Mrs. A. ju. Mans ford (Mayoress of Palmerston Jsorth) Mrs. .de Lautour (Mayoressl of Taihape). Mrs. ~ Jordan (Mayoress of Masterton), Mrs, L. H. Anftus, Mrs. Hartley Alnslio, Mrs. J. Aston. Mrs. M. Bennie, Urs L. Boyes. Mrs J. G. Bradley, Mrs. G. Bullock. Mrs, M. I. Bunnv. Mrs. A. M, Carr, ilrs, U. Chambers, Mrs. F. Campbell. Mrs. W. J.)"ncan, Mrs. J. I. Goldsmith. Mrs. W, R. Hill, Mrs. Ij- £• Hunt. Mrs. F. Johnson, Mrs. A. Wallis-Jack-son, Mrs. T. W.. Latham Mrs. P- J-owtt Mrs. D. J. McGowim. Mrs. Miller, Mrs. A. 3, Mitchell -Mrs. F.. P. Norman, Mrs- "i.pOak*s. Mrs, J, Piiw Mrs. F. Sou then. Mss Jean Knox Gilmer, Miss M. Horaii, Mis? M. Hunt, and Miss Constance Morice.