Citizens' Ball.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6694, 6 November 1889, Page 4

Citizens' Ball.

Yesterday evening, following the opening day of the Canterbury Jockey Club's Spring Meeting, came the citizens' ball, given at the Palace Rink to His Excellency Lord Onslow. This gathering had been decided upon as the most fitting way of entertaining the new representative of the Queen. The ball was attended by about SOO persons, and, under the management of the promoters, the visitors passed sji enjoyable evening. The Rink was divided aa follows : — The North end as a drawingroom, which waa carpeted and comfortably furnished; the centre portion of the floor waa devoted to dancing ; and the raised platforms on either side were ornamented with mirrors, &c, and uaed as a resort for those who preferred to watch the dancing, or found sweet converse more to their taate. The ball-room waa divided, aa heretofore, by scenery from the remainder of the floor, and this was hung wifch. curtains and drapery with pleasing effect. Tho band waa Btationed on a dais in the centre of the dancing space, and the tree ferns with which the dais was surrounded gave a broad contrast to the bright dresses of the ladies. Considerable pains had been taken with tho floor by Mr Donnolly, and he seems to have attained that " glassy " surface for it that is tho delight of waltzersj while Mr Fleming's band provided its usual admirable music. Lord Onslow, on his arrival, was received by a guard of honour from the City Guards ; and the Mayor, with Captain Bishop and Messrs Alan Scott and J. J. Kinsey represented the hosts of the evening. Ilia Excellenoy opened the ball with Mrs Charles Louisson, and dancing waa continued with Bpirifc until an early hour. The supper was laid in the South end of the building under the superintendence of Mr Charles Amyes, of the Al Hotel, and the dainties he provided seemed to give every satisfaction.