LOVELL'S FLAT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1586, 15 April 1882, Page 12

LOVELL'S FLAT.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) April 10th.

The Hillend annual bachelors ball, which took place in Mr James Biahop'a barn Jatoly, proved a great success, ami gave tho highest enjoyment to all who were present, and the "bachelors" desorvo every credit for tho good arrangements. The weather during the early part of the eveninj of tho ball looked vury threatening^ but shortly cleared up, and aa we reached the summit of tho range of hills overlooking "tho flat" tho moon burst brilliantly from beneath her cloudy curtain and bathod the (lark and frowning forn-clad gullies around us with a flood of light almoat as clear as day. The view by moonlight from the top of the hill looking Kaltangatawarda is very love'y, and includes the Tuakitoto and Kaitangata Lakes. We had only time, however, for ,a cursory but admiring view. Reaching our destination, we were directed to Mr Bishop's house for refreshments, where, I may mention, we were most kindly treated and welcomed by Mr and Mrs Bishop. Crossing to the barn, dancing soon commenced. Fully 50 couples took part in it. Messrs Ramage and King, violinists, supplied the music, aud Mr Hugh Christie made an efneiont M.O. The following songs were sung at intervals during the night, and added greatly to the enjoyment:—"My Native Home," by Mins Keanuie; " Johnnie Cope," by Mr W. Hewitson ; "Comin' thro' the Rye," MrsNicol ; " since last we met," Mr Ramage ; and "Watercreßseß," by Mr Hewitson ; and a recitation by Mr James Woods. 1 did not hear which lady, if any, was fixed upon aa the " belle of the ball," indeed 1 think it would be next to impossible to decide this question among such a galaxy of youth arid beauty. Not a single hitch occurred to interfere with the night's enjoyment— thinga going m merrily aa a map riage bell, and the festivities were kept up with spirit, and dancing was prolonged "in lingering sweetness long drawn out" to a late hour in the morning. Mr Editor, I have said so much about the ball. Permit me to say for myself that— The girls muffled up in their sealskin and sable, And we with our goblets all crimson with wine, Stood there with joined bands round the old suppertable, " i And carolled the chorus of sweet "Auld Lang; Syne." Until, just at sunrise, wives, brothers, and cousins ' Trooped lazily, sleepily down to tho hall, ■< And there with good-byes and good wishes in dozens', You and I, dearest Maggie, came home from the ball. ' I

I own an'avorsion to balls and flirtations,

Aud music's a bother, and dancing's a bora ; But we all undisturbed can endure tribulation, If Paradise comes whon the suffering is o'er. And so, all your muffling and feathers arrayed In, I stoop down to clumsily fasten your shawl, And thought aa you hung on my arm, little maiden, I was amply repaid coming homo from the ball.