HOBO BALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24413, 26 September 1940, Page 10

HOBO BALL

GAY “ARMY QUEEN ” FUNCTION

In rags and tatters, with their suppers tied in 'kerchiefs, Dick Whittington fashion, a merry crowd of “tramps” rolled up with their partners to the hobo ball held in the Town Hall last night in aid of funds for the Army Queen. They were a disreput-able-looking lot, although their styles on the whole were more in keeping with the picaresque tradition than with the type which frequents colonial highways. There were villainouslyblackened faces, unshaven chins, red-

dened noses, and unkempt hair, but withal there was a lively twinkle in the eye, and such little touches as a hedgeflower in a buttonhole belied the grimness of apparent poverty. Flags of all sizes and colours culminating in a haphazard, but effective, display of bunting on the organ pipes provided most of the colour in the decorations. On a dais, where Bren Finlayson’s orchestra maintained a bright tempo, there was a lavish use of pot plants. Tacked on the walls was the “ Hobo’s Libery.” This comprised a number of old newspapers, which another placard referred to as “books not to be taken away.” The gambols of this strangely-garbed assembly were watched with keen amusement by a large gallery. Shortly after 10 o’clock the Army Queen (Miss Airini Grennell), her ladv-in-waiting, and members of the Army Queen executive and friends arrived at the hall, and the Queen, who was introduced to the gathering by Mr G. W. Lane, made a short speech, in which she thanked the University students who had organised the ball, and expressed the hope that those present would thoroughly enjoy the occasion.

The official party included the Army Queen, who wore a black velvet cloak over a scarlet gown; Mrs David Solomon (acting as lady-in-waiting pending the arrival of Mrs Dora Smeaton) who wore a gown of coffee marocam with gold embossed belt; Mrs Merton Bullivant, rose florals, with amethyst blue chiffon overdress: Mrs E. H. Ferguson, fuchsia and Prunella accordionpleated chiffon and golden fur cape, Miss Hilary Runnerstrum, hydrangea blue water-patterned moire and short fur wrap; Messrs G. W. Lane, H Stayton E H. Ferguson and Merton Bulhvant; and last, but not least, the Queen Carnival bulldog.

Noticed among the dancers were Mrs James Gilkison, Misses Betty Whitaker, W. P. Smith, Katharine Napier, Cecily McCormack, Betty Rowe, Eileen Dungey, Marie McCulloch, Peti Evans, Una Walker. Shirley Kirkwood, Lilian Moulin, Agnes Brown Sheila Wilson, Betty Smith, Nancy Tamblyn, Doris Francis, Mary Pat Leahy, Sheila Macdonald, Barbara Macdonald, Rona Chatfield and Sheila Macalister.

The monthly meeting of the Clydevale Institute was presided over by Mrs Soper. The motto was “A thing of beauty is a joy for ever,” and the roll call “ Bring and talk on some drawing, carving, or piece of pottery.” Mrs Birss gave a first-aid talk on uses of slings, and Mr Grant demonstrated on the designing and printing of patterns on material. Mrs Cooksley returned thanks. The competitions resulted: Hand-made cushion—Mrs Andrews 1, Mrs King 2, Miss May 3; six varieties of narcissi—Mrs Dunlop •, 2 and 3. The hostesses were Mcsdamet Cooksley and Dunlop.