CHILDREN’S BALL.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16521, 23 August 1919, Page 6

CHILDREN’S BALL.

VERY SUCCESSFUL EFFORT. PROCEEDS FOR SOLDIERS’ HOSTEL. A fancy dress ball -for children, for which preparations had been in the making for several weeks previously, was held in the Coronation Hall on Friday evening. The result was highly pleasing for the children and adults present, and for the organisers, the chief of whom was Mr. J. Konkin. It was estimated that not far short of 4000 persons of varying ages present. Evidence was given of the effective dancing instruction that had been given by Mr. Iloskin. Tho programme included such ball-room dances as iho walla, polka, sehottiselie and bon ton. Several hundreds of children took part in these with evident pleasure. In addition a very pretty spectacle was provided by a number of fancy danees. The sailors' hornpipe was executed by seniors and juniors separately, in conjunction with a sol ting .of arches illuminated with coloured lights, which gave (ho scene a picturesque touch when the main lights were extinguished. Irish jigs were danced very gracefully by seniors and juniors also, and the caehnea dance brought the climax of effectiveness in the scries. The costumes were artistic, and tin; work of the dancers was beyond reproach, considering their youthfnlnoss. Prizes had been offered' for certain classes of fancy cost nines, and an excellent and varied array was to be seen, though the number was not surprisingly large. The judge. Mrs. J. Sutherland. Mayoress of Inglewood, had no light task. Her awards were made as follows: —National : Boy. ——— Tozer ('“John Bull ’); Girl, Jessie Jenkins (“Britannia"). Original: Girl: Gwinith Shirley Thompson (“Fairy’’); hoy: Vivian ITowai'th (“Rabbit’'). Comic: Joyce Edward (“Dame Durden ). Specials: Boys. Gerald Hoskin , (''Tramp''); Pcrico (“Kewpie I; girl, Nancy Johnston (“fairy”). Hip Citizens' Band played during the grand march with which the ball opened. Miss Rita Sole played for the fancy dancing, and Mrs. George's orchestra provided the music for the rest of tho dances.

The supper-room was rushed Tiv the young people on general principle, but when they actually saw the glorious spread provided their joy needed no words In express it. Such delicacies as fruit salad and "trifle” abounded, in addition to the more homely sandwiches and cakes. Nearly everything had been donated. A large dish of "trifle," designed in the national colours by the chef at the Grand Central private hotel was noticeable before the feast commenced. Sixty dozen small rakes, of varying species but of unilormly good quality bad been made by Miss Pita Sole from ingredients supplied io her. The arrangements and decoration of the simper table was a work upon which Mrs. Wallnch had expended much skill and artistry, and the result was splendid; Mrs. Lendnim bent valuable and capable assistance. The energetic committee of Indies which carried out the providing and serving arrangements was headed hv Mrs~ Olliver,

Tlio committee ol men which carried the hall through so succcssfu’llv was loci by Mr. J. Johnston, as chairman, and Mr. 0. J. Howarth, as secretary, inuring the evening a presentation, the gift consisting of a set of ebemybacked silver-mounted brushes suitable engraved, was made to Mr, Hnskiu oil behalf of _ the mothers of the children in recognition of bis valuable work in connection with tlio dancing. The Mayoress (Mrs. C. M. Burgess) announced Hie presentation, and Iho gift was handed to Mr. Iloskiu hv Vina Peliow. his youngest pupil. T lie committee desire to express thanks to tlio runny people who gave assistance in innumerable ways. In connection with the side-lights for the hall and the coloured lighting for the fancy dancing, the borough electrical department provided material for a portion, and Messrs. Smart Bros, carried out another portion. A large number of adult dancers occupied the floor after the children’s programme had been concluded. The ball was arranged in aid of the Soldiers' Hostel, and the- net proceeds will probably be about CIO. 1 hough it is too enrlv yet to say what the exact amount will be.