INGLEWOOD.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16500, 30 July 1919, Page 2

INGLEWOOD.

jfROM ODE.OWN CORRESPONDENT. July 28.—The ball given by the returned soldiers on Thursday night was a huge success, the floor being far too small to accommodate the dancers, while the stage and the dress circle were filled with onlookers. A fair proportion of those present wore fancy dress, but there wore not so many fancy dresses as was anticipated. The Mayoress (Mrs. J. Sutherland) was judge, and awarded first prizes to Bliss Ease (Egyptian Lady) and Blr. Frank Lawson (Continuance), and a special prize to Bliss A. Crossan (Totnlisator). Another very striking costume was that worn by Miss Madge Hopson (A Sailor and his Bride). The waltzing competition attracted a considerable number of competitors and tho judge (Blr. K. P. Lawson) had a hard task set him. Six couples were eventually picked out from the competitors, and these tried again after a short interval, and Blr. Errington and Bliss Edna Spurdle were declared the winners. Later in the evening tho prizes wore presented by the Mayor. The supper arrangements were in the hands of the Inglewood Ladies’ Patriotic League, and was voted by all to be a great success. The floral decorations were the work of Blrs. Horner, and were decidedly effective, especially when one considers the scarcity of bloom at this time of year. The hall was hung from end to end with bunting, but being rather low obscured the view from the dress circle. Blessrs. F. Codd and P. Chapman were very efficient Bl.’sC. .The takings, I understand, were in the vicinity o f £BO.

On Friday night the Children’s Peace Ball, organised by the Ladies’ Patriotic Committee, took place, and was as great a success in its way as the Soldiers’ Ball had been. Over three hundred children were present, and considering that only a little over a week had elapsed since it was decided to. hold it, it was wonder to see so many in fancy dress. The kiddies were out to “celebrate,” and they did it right royally—no stiffness or pretension about them—and it was a pleasure to_ see the happy faces as they danced. - Miss Riordan acted as M.C., and her task was no sinecure. Music was supplied by the Misses Evans, Henry, Horner and Wilson. and Messrs. Stockman and J. Sutherland. An excellent supper was provided by the ladies’ committee, supplemented by generous baskets and plates brought by the mothers. The hall was beautifully illuminated by strings of red, white and blue electric lights, while an extra. large globe was suspended from the centre of the ceiling. The ladies’ committee have asked mo to express their thanks to Air. Stewart, the electrical engineer, for doing this work for thorn, tile effect being'excellent. The grand march was led by two tiny tots, Miss Nancy Paterson and Master Crossman. While the march was in progress great consternation was caused among some of the little ones by appearance of an elephant, which joined the rear of the procession as it passed the side corridor. The elephant was a very realistic one, Masters Geoff. Roberts and Cliff Cramer being its component parts, while Airs, C. 0. Roberts was responsible for its outer covering. Shortly after 11 p.m. the children sang the National Anthem, and then went Home tired out but thoroughly happy.

On 'Wednesday night a meeting was held in the Scout Hall for the purpose of discussing the question of forming a Chora] and Orchestral Society here. The night chosen was a most unfortunate one, as a considerable number of those interested were helping to arrange for the Soldiers’ Bali the following evening, and others wore attending a nursing class; consequently the meeting was not a representative one, and was adjourned for a week. On Friday night, at the Scout Hall, tiie Mayor presented, badges to those Scouts who had earned; them; among them were three “King Scout” badges, tho highest badge obtainable by a Scout. Tlie. three boys who received them have worked exceedingly hard to obtain them and are to be congratulated' upon tho result of their work. Masters L. and N. Boss and Master Brake were tho lucky recipients. Tho same evening the Rev. A. A. Hensley related some of his experiences in Franco to tho Scouts and their friends. Unfortunately the night chosen was that of the. Children’s PeaceBall, so there were not so many present as there would otherwise have been. However, Mr. .Hensley has promised to speak on some future occasion, and let us hope that it may be on a more fortunate night. On Thursday the funeral of the late Mr. T. E. Hamerton took place. Tho body was taken from his late residence hero to Patea, there to be laid to rest beside that of his wife, who died thirtyfour years ago. A number of his fellowmembers, representing the Masonic and the Druids’ lodges, and also several of liis personal friends, travelled to Patea to pay their last tribute of respect. The late Mr. Hamerton always expressed the wish that he might die in harness and his wish was practically granted, for he was in his office just a- week before, ho died. The old gentleman will bo missed by a largo circle of friends, who extend their sympathy to the four 50ns and four daughters who arc left to mourn Ills loss.