Radio Ball Was Popular Success

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27092, 28 May 1949, Page 8

Radio Ball Was Popular Success

By the Lady Editor

The radio ball held last night in the Town Hall attracted a full complement of dancers, and'packed to capacity the spectators’ galleries. From the time of the Grand March, performed to the accompaniment of Mr Roy Spackman at the organ, till the close of the ball dancers and spectators were entertained at frequent intervals by floor shows and novelty items. Radio personalities, introduced in the flesh and surprisingly like ordinary mortals, were greeted with loud applause. Suspended from the balcony was a oictorial gallery—posters showing regular features of the radio programmes—and on the stage a replica of a radio tower flashed alternately the 4YA and 4ZB signs. One of the highlights of the evening was a mannequin parade featuring new styles in fur capes and coats and evening frocks. A fur cape- of midnight beaver coney was shown over a black and white check, taffeta frock, and a beautiful coat of lustrous New Zealand ermine was shown in company with a red georgette gown embroidered with gold paillettes. For the older woman a handsome dress of black georgette and black and silver lame was modelled and the young girl’s requirements were met by a pale blue dress of silk net over taffeta, with the top skirt looped up to show the frilled underdress. Over this was worn a padded and quilted white satin cape—very new and very attractive Many of the dresses on the dance floor merited a parade of their own. In a predominantly youthful assembly light colours and full skirts were the most popular wear but there were examples of Edwardian colours returning to favour—dark greens and maroons. Except for some noticeable gowns in black net embroidered with glittering diamante or sequins, there were few black dresses to be seen. The official party comprised:—Councillor and Mrs L. M. Wright (white dress with accordion pleated skirt and jewelled belt). Mr and Mrs D. Sheard (black taffeta with bustle back), Mr and Mrs W. R. Sinclair (rose faconne dress with white furs), Mr and Mrs David Smith (dove grey taffeta with gold embroidery), Mr and Mrs L. A. Halcrow (blue watered taffeta), Mrs Alma Oaten (white satin and lace), and Mr J. W. Proudfoot.