OTAUTAU SPINSTERS’ BALL.

Southern Cross, Volume 12, Issue 15, 9 July 1904, Page 7

OTAUTAU SPINSTERS’ BALL.

On Friday evening, 24th ult. (writes a correspondent), the spinsters gave their fourth leap year dance which proved one of the greatest successes yet known in Otantau. Ihe management was in the hands of a committee consisting of Misses M. A. Mclvor, R. Campbell, M. Glynn, 0. V. Sweetman and B. Campbell, to whom much credit is due. Misses M. A. Mclvor and C. V. Sweetman acted as joint secretaries. The hall was artistically decorated with flags, Japanese ornaments, and evergreens, and the stage was furnished as a drawing room for the eomfort of the older guests, the front being tastefully draped with white curtains, which gave the stage quite a homely appearance. A large black rsheet, on which was printed in white the spinsters’ motto —“A welcome to all,” “United we stand,” was hung at the far end of the hall. The grand march was headed by the committee, led by Miss M. A. Mclvor, over 100 couples taking part in it. Mr D. 0. McKenzie of Nightcaps directed the company through the many figures of the march, which was .a charming spectacle. Miss B. Campbell, assisted by Mr McKenzie, acted as M. 0., fulfiilling .her duties admirably. The supper was supplied by the spinsters of the vicinity, and was one of the best ever sat in Otantau, and I have no hesitation in saying that many of the bachelors, after tasting the many delicious and beautifully prepared dishes, must have wished that they were bachelors no longer. The elderly and married guests dined ■first, and after a programme of eleven dances, the young people betook themselves, about 12 o’clock, to the marquee, where all in turn did ample justice to the many good things spread before them. After supper Mr McKenzie said a few words in-praise of the spinsters, and called on the company for three cheers for them. These were given, and hearty cheers they were. He Also announced that they (the spinsters) now returned to their former positions, giving the gentlemen their freedom again. (Up till then a fine of one shilling was the penalty in the case of a gentleman crossing the floor without a fair escort). Many beautiful costumes were worn and among the most conspicuous were the following Miss L. Mclvor, 'crimson satin relieved with lace net and ribbon trimming. Miss E. Joyce, coral satin relieved i with flowered chiffon. Miss I. Sweetman, old gold, satin, relieved spangle net, etc.

Miss B. Mclvor, cerise silk, relieved spangle net, etc. Miss M. McArthur, buttercup silk, relieved with net and lace, etc.

Miss I. Swap, cream silk. Miss L. Roy, cream silk. Miss C. Y. Sweetman, China silk; Miss M. A. Mclvor, silk blouse, black silk skirt.

Miss B. Campbell, cream figured cashmere.

Miss M. Glynn, white muslin, relieved with pink. Miss R. Campbell, orange satin, relieved with black, and black skirt. Mies D. Saunders, white muslin.

Miss S. Mackintosh, black, relieved with net trimming. Miss V. Mackintosh, white evening dress.

Miss L. Taylor, black, relieved with old gold. Miss N". Gardiner, figured blue silk. Miss G. McArthur, black silk, relieved with chiffon and lace.

Miss M. Greenslade, cream evening dress.

Miss M. W. McUougall, white satin, relieved with chiffon.

Miss B. Lindsay, strawberry blouse and dark skirt.

Miss L. Lindsay, ligh t dress. Miss J. Forbes, white muslin. Miss N. Forbes (Riverton), figured delaine.

Mrs Kelly, black silk. Mrs Crofts, black silk. Mrs Crawford, black silk. Mrs T. Couples, black silk blouse and dark skirt.

Mrs Dunlop (Invercargill), cream silk.

Miss J. Roe, blue silk blouse and black skirt.

And many others too numerous to mention. The musicians were : —Miss Gardiner (pianiste), Egan Bros, (violinists), Mr W. .Young, Drummond, (cornet). These also deserve a word of praise for their excellent music, which thrilled and inspired everyone. Mrs Cupples kindly acted as pianiste while the other musicians were at supper, Mr A. McDonald favoured the company with a Highland Fling, which was highly appreciated. There was but one drawback—that of the hall being too small for a growing town like Otantau. The floor in the early evening was rather crowded for comfortable dancing, over 300 invitations having been issued. Dancing was indulged in until 4.30 a.m., the company diminishing but little before that hour, when all retired for home with joy in their faces and reluctance in their hearts.