Oddfellows’ Ball at Waipukurau.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXIII, Issue 4208, 30 May 1901, Page 2

Oddfellows’ Ball at Waipukurau.

(Own Correspondent.) The attendance at the aunual ball of the Loyal Tavistock Lodge was not quite up to last year’s gathering, and yet there must have been upwards of 70 couples dancing in the room. The hall deoorations showed a great deal of taste and skill in their arrangement, and consisted of flags, gracefully draped between masses of evergreen shrubs, cabbage palms, &c., while a festoon of tricolour brightened up the walls near the ceiling.. The stage was nicely furnished, and the arrangements for accommodation of the guests perfect. The catering was entirely left in the hands of Mr P. H. Jolley, and the supper room left nothing to be desired in the way of refreshments of the choicest description, the table being most artistically ornamented with flowers. The music was supplied by Miss Moroney (piano), Mr Liddle (violin), and Mr Cosgrove (cornet), the result being in every way satisfactory. The hall presented an animated scene, with the beautiful toilets of the ladies combined with the handsome regalia of the lodge members. During the evening, in a short but well ohosen speech, District Deputy Grand Master Bro W. A. Chambers welcomed back into their midst Trooper Bro Hobson, who had not long returned from the war. Mr Chambers said it was the twenty-second anniversary of the lodge, and he was pleased to see such a number present and wished to thank them all for their attendance that evening. The lodge was proud to be in possession of returned troopers and their surgeon, Captain Godfrey, who with the others had also upheld the honor of the colony and district. Certain men had been picked in the district and sent to the front, entrusted with their country’s honour, which by their gallant behaviour, they had kept unsullied and had reflected great credit on the district and colony. Trooper Simpson had next to come back, and when he does a genuine hearty welcome awaits him. Mr Chambers said he was not there to make a long speech, and would conclude by wishing, on behalf of the lodge, the heartiest welcome possible to Surgeon Captain Godfrey, Trooper Hobson, also Lieutenant Collett, Troopers Collins and Hopkins who were present. Musical honours were then accorded, together with prolonged cheering. In the course of the evening, Trooper Bro. Hobson, in reply thanked them all for their kind and hearty welcome, and made a few humorous remarks as to his inability to rise to the occasion. At about 11.30 p.m. adjournment was made to the supper room, after which, dancing was kept up until early this morning. Messrs F. Bailey, J. Jull, and J. Winlove acted as M.C’s. and kept things going smoothly and merrily all the evening. Mr Banks, the honorary secretary, deserves great praise for the manner in which he fulfilled his many duties. Miss E. Jolley and Mr J. Bailey kindly played extra waltzes, which were much appreciated.