PASTEL DRESSES AND NEW IDEAS AT CAPPING BALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27078, 12 May 1949, Page 8

PASTEL DRESSES AND NEW IDEAS AT CAPPING BALL

By the Lady Editor

The graduation ball of the University of Otago was held last night in the main Town'. Hall. Graduates and guests were received by the Chancellor of the University, the Very Rev. Dr D. C. Herron, and Mrs Herron, who wore a gown of royal blue crepe embroidered in gold. Assisting tne Chancellor and Mrs Herron were Miss Pamela Murray, lady vice-president, who wore a dress of horizontally striped taffetas in pastel shades, and Mr Miles Hursthouse, president of the Students’ Union. In the official party were:—Lady Sidey, Mr Justice Kennedy, Mr and Mrs T. K. S. Sidey, Dr V. E. Galway and Mrs Galway, Mr and Mrs H. Chapman, Dr F. G. Soper and Mrs Soper, Dr J. P. Walsh and Mrs Walsh, Dr F. W. Mitchell and Mrs Mitchell, Mr and Mrs J. K. Hayward, Professor G. R. Manton and Mrs Manton. Dr W. E. Adams and Mrs Adams, Mr and Mrs J. C. H. Somerville, Miss A. Blackie, Mrs K. A. Harris. Coloured red and white streamers formed a canopy in the centre of which hung clustered balloons: among the pine branches on the walls fairy lights twinkled, making a gay background for the animated throng on the dancing floor. The stage was occupied by the official guests whilst the orchestra played from a dais erected in a comer of the ball room floor, giving a more intimate setting than is usual in the Town Hall.

During the evening periodic divertissments were rendered by members of the Capping Band—in full regalia—and a trumpet obligato, performed by a peripatetic performer, lent variety to the dance tunes. Pastel-coloured dresses were the favourite wear and off-shoulder necklines or strapless gowns were worn by many. New fashion ideas were featured in the evening gowns—a long stole of pink net looked charming over a dark taffeta frock: a violet-blue taffeta dress was caught up in front to show a frilled white net underdress: and one youthful dancer chose a gown of cream moire cut with a full skirt and a strapless bodice set off by a single string of pearls.