FANCY BALL AT THE THAMES.

Observer, Volume 3, Issue 58, 22 October 1881, Page 86

FANCY BALL AT THE THAMES.

One of the most brilliant gatherings of the kind ever held at the Thames was the fancy dress ball in the Academy of Music on Tuesday week, to celebrate the close of the rinking season. From the preparations which had been made by both committee and members, I had anticipated the affair would prove a success, but I must confess that the result of the committee's exertions greatly exceeded my most sanguine expectations, and the thanks of tnose who took part in the reunion are due to the initiators and carriers out, if I may be permitted to use the expression, of such an enjoyable social gathering. The attendance was very large, more persons being present than was expected, but, notwithstanding this fact, the committee were equal to the occasion, and succeeded in rendering the evening enjoyable to all. Only on one occasion do I remember the Academy to have presented a more brilliant spectacle than it did on Tuesday week, but when I take into consideration the circumstances of both cases, I do not think I am wrong in awarding the palm to the assembly of the 11th inst. The gathering was a most picturesque one, and only those readers of the Observer, who have witnessed a really successful fancy dress ball can have . any idea of what that of last week was like. Owing to some unpleasantness which has arisen between myself and a certain section of the heau monde in regard to sundry items which have recently appeared in the society journal, 1 did not care about participating in the general amusement, but from my seat on the stage I had an excellent opportunity of observing the costumes of the dancers, and am therefore in a position to express a fair and impartial opinion on the dresses of those present. However, before Idoso I will just state that the ball was opened a little before 9 o'clock, that the floor was in fair condition — a little more wax would have been appreciated ; that the music was supplied by the fine brass band of the engineer volunteers ; and that the hall might have been decorated much better than it was, thereby heightening the effect produced by the gay colours of the ladies' dresses, and the fantastic costumes of the gentlemen. In justice to Mr O' Sullivan and his instrumentalists I must say that the time kept by them throughout the eveniug was l-eally excellent, contributing in no small measure to the success of the affair, but I may be pardoned if I express my humble opinion that a brass band is hardly suitable for such a building as tho Academy, being rather too harsh and loud for such a small hall. Now for the costumes. Much speculation has arisen in aristocratic circles here over the question who was the most appropriately dressed lady in the room, who, in fact, was the belle of the evening, and as the honour has been claimed by at least half-a-dozen fair creatures, I am placed in the very undesirable position of a person constituted to decide this rather ticklish point. I know I shall offend someone by so doing, but the thing has to be done, so here goes. I give a plumper for Mrs Ehenfried, who, as the Duchess of Devonshire, was, to my mind, the most charming character iii the hall. This lady's costume was composed of a cream silk polonaise, blue velvet petticoat, black felt hat, with large ostrich feather, white wig, which set off the wearer's personal charms to advantage. Perhaps the next best was Mrs Philip Perry, who took the character of Folly. The dress was admirably got up, and suited the lady most effectively. Mrs Gudgeon assumed two characters during the evening, viz., Winter, and An Orphan, and filled each so well that I hardly knew which •was her best impersonation. In each case she shone to advantage, and I was particularly struck with her appearance. Miss Longford as Folly, was appropriately

dressed, and looked well, whilst Mrs G. N. Brasscy, in the character of Dolly Varden, was a decided success her dress was composed of flowered cretonne, white apron, dainty hat, and high-heeled shoes ; Mrs Kilgour represented Josephine ("H.M.S. Pinafore"),, and Mrs Corrigan, Lady Sangazure (" Sorcerer,") effectively, and the same may be said of Miss Coney as a Niggiceune and Mrs Marshall as a Lady of the Period. The costumes of the two latter ladies were splendidly got up. The Misses Walker appeared in charming costumes, Miss Walker as The Daughter of the Regiment, making an excellent Vivandiere, perfect in every detail, even to the small barrel strapped over the shoulder. Miss Ridings, of Auckland, looked well as a Charity Girl, and Miss Dickey, also from the city, made a pretty Flower Girl. Mrs Huxtable assumed the character of a Scutari Hospital Nurse and dressed it most appropriately, looking the very picture of an angel of mercy. The same may be said of Miss Wight as an Indian Huntress, whose costume was composed of a chequered red dress, mocassins of brown leather, elaborate head dress of feathers quiver of arrows, and breast plate of beads. Mesdames Cuff and R. H. Harrison appeared as Spanish ladies and filled the characters well, the ladies' complexions suiting the costumes admirably. The dresses worn by the Misses Steadman, of Tararu, were chosen with taste, and in my estimation the young ladies achieved a signal success in this respect. Miss Hall impersonated two characters, Grace Darling and the Sweet Girl Graduate, and in both appeared to advantage, especially the former. As a Highland Chieftainness, Miss Smith made a decided hit, and was certainly the prettiest young lady in the room. Her dress was complete and very effective, the tartan giving her a piquant appearance. Miss Brewer personated successfully a Maori belle, and certainly looked the beau- ideal of a dusky native mniden with her blue figured print dress, fancy mat, large mere, and tattooed chin. The Misses Allom looked pleasing as The Seasons, whilst Miss Gray's costume was ill-chosen, as it spoiled the personal charms of which she possesses no small share. Her sisters were more fortunate in their choice of dress. Miss Wolff's personation of a Brunswick Peasant could not have been better. Her costume was perfect, even to the basket of eggs. The characters of Queen of Clubs, Lady of the Period, La Fille de Madame Angot, and a School Girl, were taken by Mesdames J. E. Macdonald, Coney, Garring, and Horatio Phillips. Mrs Carpenter and Mrs O'Halloran appeared as Mary Stuart and a Milk Maid respectively, Mrs Baydon as Queen of Roses, Mrs Osborne as Starlight, Mrs Geo. Lawlor as the Princess de Medici, Mrs Wynne Gray a Messenger of Love, Miss Gould, of Ofcahuhu, and Miss Norther made very pleasing charity Girls, and Miss Sydney Coney as one of the Orphans, dressed appropriately. The same may be said of Miss Belcher as an Italian Peasant, and Miss Chitty as Night. Miss Antle Lush was dressed in the simple garb of a Swedish Woman and looked well. Two Auckland ladies, Miss Macdonald and Miss Cashel appeared in evening dress, which was, of course, the exception amongst the visitors.