BALL AT HUNTLY.

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 337, 23 May 1885, Page 15

BALL AT HUNTLY.

The ball given at Huntly on the 15th inst. was a very pleasant social meeting, although the attendance was hardly up to the average. The state of the weather will excuse the absence of many ladies, and I :uu told that inability to raise a new dress prevented others from coming. Those of the other sex who stayed away did so for various reasons, which 1 need not particularise. All present pronounced the ball the most enjoyable one they were ever at. The dance music was given by Mr ■ Willie Brace, of Wairangi, assisted by Mr I<\ Turner, who enlivened the intervals by playing some very lively and popular airs in a style that won applause from all present. The programme was well arranged, and" the courteous M.C. did all in his power to promote the success of the gathering. Both this gentleman and the committee are to iJe complimented on their management. The refreshments were good and well served. The dancing was very spirited, and continued :±ill half-past four a.m. Among the most .attractively-dressed ladies, i noticed: — Mrs .Dunn^vhite costume, ornamented with large rosettes of black silk ; Miss McLcod, very stylish dress, trimmed with blue ; Miss Hunter, dark robe made quite plainly, the .simplicity of the robe being well matched by the ornaments (white roses only) ; Miss Cumnrings' colours were rather sombre for a ball-room, but still stylish ; Miss Patterson like a Duchess in light inarone velvet, trimmed heavily with lace (that bow on the .side of her skirt, though, was nofwanted, for the other beau wos by ber side nearly nil the evening) ; Miss Kinavd wore a very effective . light costume, which was much admired, and so was Mrs Gall's cream-coloured one. Who was the belle of the ball? Well, some voted for Miss Patterson, and others for Miss Hunter, and so on; but just as the point was being decided the music struck up, and we .-saved our stakes by saying: "They're all belles." One little incident occurred worth making special mention of. A gentleman lost _Ms collar stud, and rushed (by mistake) into

the ladies' cloak room to get a pin. He Avas hardly inside when two ladies entered, and the pin-hunter realised his awful position. Quick as thought he slid behind a screen, and overheard some interesting conversation. Miss So-and-so .said: " 1 left my partner in the lurch." " I did, too, dear," said the other one ; v a little snubbing docs them good, and shews us what they're made of." Then the young man poked his head out, and told them to go back and dance with their partners, [or he'd shew them what he was made of by telling all he had overheard. The girls didn't see it though, but went for him; and I heard him cry, "Give me a show!" and so they did — a show of hands that .wasn't exactly in his favour. — Correspondent.