"Basket" Social.

Thames Star, Volume XXX, Issue 9047, 20 April 1898, Page 2

"Basket" Social.

An interesting novelty was presented in St. George's Hall last evening in the shape ot a " basket " social. The characteristic feature of the gathering was the numerous fancy work baskets, containing fruit, flowers, etc., shaped'm every conceivable design, and rendered as pretty as floral beauty and feminine skill would tnake them. There is no doubt that the various exhibits in this line testified to an infinite amount of patieuce and industry, coupled with rare good taste; and the ladies of St. Francis' Church deserve every credit for having hit upon an excellent means of captivating and amusing the public, who crowded into St. George's Hall last evening and amply testified their appreciation. The proceedings opened with a few vocal and instrumental items, which were well rendered and en* thusiastically received. The programme was as follows :—Overture, Misses McDonald; song, •• Big Ben," Mr Bray; song, "The Idol of My Heart," Miss J. Koefood; song, '• Blue-bells of Scotland " Mrs Muirhead (encore, " Who's dat a' callia'"); com^song, "Come under my umbrella," Mr Leece (twice encored); banjo duet, Messrs J. Lawrence and F. Carmichael • song, " Tit for Tat,' 1 Mrs Ganley; chorus, " Solomon Levi," with solo by Mr Carmichael Accompaniments were played by Misses Callan, Be cDonald, and Price

On the conclusion of the programme, the floral baskets were auctioned bj Mr E. R. McGregor, who kindly officiated for the occasion, and managed to catch the audience in a speculative humor, for bidding was very keen. When the ornamental stock had thus changed hands at satisfactory prices, the hall was cleared, and dancing was indulged in till a late hour, the music being supplied by Messrs Williams and Booth. The ladies and gentlemen who had the arrangements in hand are to be congratulated on promoting so enjoyable and successful a gathering.