FIRE BRIGADE BALL

Taranaki Daily News, 4 June 1929, Page 11

FIRE BRIGADE BALL

STRIKING/SCENE PRESENTED. Happiness ruled the bright, laughing throng ate ths’39th annual Eire Brigade ball in New’Plymouth last night./Beautiful and stupendous were the' decorations, but tho'ultra-modern blending of a thousand; streamers and flags large and small that Lung from the roof and criss-crossed from wall to whll in colours that made a rainbow seem drab, were completely eclipsed by the blaze of colour that was ; created by tho three flaring red domes. And around the central miniature heaven, the merry medley throbbed with the tune of the modern waltz and alternately resounded with the strident tones of one-step and jazz. The public- feel proud of the efficiency and thoroughness of the fire fighters, but in this task- they surely excelled themselves. In every department thoroughness was exemplified. While the streamers, flags and aerial decorations left nothing to be desired, the walls appeared to be clothed in the verdure of forests. In the supper-room the long tables groaned under the wealth and weight of a complete menu of delicacies. Tri the regions where sadness was banished and joy and laughter- ruled a full

thousand dancers swayed and slipped and wheeled and whiled away the fleeting hours. That talented combination.

‘George’s Ambassadors, seemed to be injected with the gaiety that pervaded the scene. The 1929 Fire Brigade ball had set a high standard. Hardly had the evening shadows fallen before the hundreds of happy juvenile 'dancers; and danceuses had taken the floor,"proudly displaying a splendid array of fancy costumes which ranged fiom sedate Victorian brides, petite flowers, and coy Bo Peeps to the grotesque motley of Red Indians, pirates, South Sea Islanders and a dozen other fearsome costumes. The pirates bold with swagger and bravado flirted with the gentler sex no whit less than their forbears who rode the billowy sea, and tho gaudily painted native characters caused many a Bo Peep and many a demure young maiden to feel a succession of thrills.

Competition was keen and the prizes anxiously sought, so the judges, Mesdames Blackley, Reid and Burnett, were given a difficult task. The Mayor, Mr. H. V. S. Griffiths, addressed the children and then distributed the prizes, trophies being awarded to the following: — Special prizes.—Victorian bridegroom, Poppy, Sugar, League of Nations, Mustard Club, Blue Bag, Bo Peep, Orange Drink Parcel.

Girls’ fancy dress. —Old English Bride 1, Velasquex Picture 2. Bovs’ fancy dress.—Commodore 1, Judge 2. Girls’ most original—Boy with Nose 1, Day 2. Girls’ paper dress.—Arum Lily 1, Ohl Fashioned Lady 2. Boys’ comic costume, —Hallelujah 1, Golliwog 2. Supper arrangements were completely compassed by Mrs. J. Clark and a large committee, while Mrs. Boon and helpers were responsible for the decorations in the supper-room. Secretary Ford deserved the congratulations he received for his attention to the details.