TE KOPURU.

Observer, Volume 3, Issue 68, 31 December 1881, Page 243

TE KOPURU.

— A ball given by Mr F. W. Matthews, the manager of the Te Kopuru Saw Mills, to his employes, eventuated on Friday, the 16th inst., in the Kopuru Hall. About 130 responded to the invitations. Dancing was commenced at 9 p.m., under the supervision of Mr Jno. Lindly (who kindly acted as M.C.), and was spiritedly indulged in till 11 o'clock, when the whole company repaired to supper. The menu was very choice and rec7ierc7ie, reflecting great credit on the parties in whose hands it was placed. Mr Matthews occupied the chair, Mr Lindly taking the vice-chair. Full justice having been done to the choice viands, tho Chairman arose, and in a very able speech recounted various items of interest connected with the mills. He carefully reviewed the timber trade of the last few years, and expressed his opinion as to what ifc will be in the future. Upoiv his employes he passed high encomiums for the able manner in which they had performed their respective duties, and concluded, amidst great enthusiasm, by wishing all present an evening's hearty enjoyment, "A Merry Christmas," and "A Happy New Year." Mr Adam Barclay, in an eloquent speech, on behalf of the employes, thanked Mr Matthews for his hospitality, and, after referring at some length to the various mill duties, concluded by wishing their manager and family long life and prosperity, and the compliments of the Christmas season. Supper ended, dancing was resumed, and kept up with vigour till 5 a.m., when three cheers for Dr Campbell (the mill proprietor), and three cheers for his management, brought the finest ball given on the Wairoa to a close. Of course the description of costumes worn must be given : — Miss Otto, pink sateen trimmed with black Maltese lace ; Miss O'Connor, elegant pink sateen trimmed with black Maltese lace ; Miss Molloy, white cashmere trimmed with rose-coloured silk ; Miss Little, white cashmere trimmed with blue silk ; Miss Wilkins, white muslin fastened with flowers ; Miss Seaboui'ne, very pretty white muslin trimmed with pink sateen ; Miss Powell, white muslin trimmed with white satin ribbon, and flowers j Miss. Forrester, black grenadine trimmed with white Maltese lace ; the Misses Andrews, black silk, with white muslin pinafores ; Mrs Clemett, light pompadour silk ; Mrs Lindley, grey silk ; Mra Matthews, black silk ; Mrs Howlett, navy blue prettily trimmed with dark blue. To the oft-put question, — Who was the belle ? — no satisfactory answer can be vouchsafed. Your correspondent, who dearly loves the idea of a long life, does not intend committing himself by honouring any particular lady. With his heart full of real love and admiration for all who aspired to be belle, he really is at a loss whom to acknowledge, and therefore awards the palm to the " two pink sateens," the " two white cashmeres," and " the muslin trimmed with pink sateen." I should advise these young ladies to settle it amongst themselves — the only real way to solve the difficmlty.