A GAY SCENE.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 September 1924, Page 5

A GAY SCENE.

TERRITORIALS’ ANNUAL BALL. GOVERNOR-G EVER A L ATTENDS. Over 350 couples danced until the early hours of the morning at the annual Lail of the New Plymoutli Territorials -last night. Past dances had set a high standard at which thia year’s committee had to aim, but last night’s dance eclipsed all previous efforts, and the seal of success was set by the presence of His Excellency the GovernorGeneral (Viscount Jellicoe), Lady Jellicoe, the Hon. Lucy Jellicoe and the vice-regal suite. The Coronation Hall was a revelation in artistic decoration From a gigantic silver punga suspended in the centre of the hall depended ferns and other evergreens in lines and avenues.

Parti-coloured streamers added a note of variety, the effect being heightened by the coloured lamps, the soft tones of which shed a warm hue over the dancing couples. 'Partially along one side of the hall more streamers gave the appearance of a recess, in the centre of which a lounge with a crown picked out in coloured lights was provided for the vice-regal visitors. The military 1 note was strengthened by the appearance of Hotchkiss and Lewis guns and the old Boer War 15-pounder at intervals round the hall, their characteristics being slightly disguised with fern fronds. If the main dancing hall was a revelation in decoration, the supper room in the annexe was something more. Here a large scarlet poppy formed the central scheme, scarlet streamers running from it to al) parts of the walls and effectively hiding their usual bareneas. Flowers, greenery and more coloured streamers added the festive note to the well garnished fables, while the lights were screened with artistically worked paper shades. On their scheme of decoration the ball committee and their host of willing helpers may well take pride; they achieved the best result that has been seen in the hall for many a long year.

Their Excellencies and party arrived at the hall at about 10.30 and were met by Lieutenant-Colonel E. P. Cox, Commanding Officer of the Ist. Battalion Taranaki Regiment, as host and Mrs. Rex. Brewster as hostess. His Excellency was in evening dress. Lady Jellicoe’s gown was of ciel blue and silver brocade, her principal jewellery comprising a diamond necklace and diamond head-dre&s. The Hon. Luioy Jellicoe was in henna georgette, embroidered with black and gold. They both wore Chinese embroidered shawls. Mrs. Brewater wore a cerise velvet frock with brocade panels. Their Excellencies were attended by Captains Southey and Curtis and joined in the dancing, retiring shortly after (supper. The music for the dancing w&b provided by the regimental band and Messrs George Bros.’ orchestra.