WANGANUI R.S.A. ANNUAL BALL

Wanganui Chronicle, 10 June 1948, Page 6

WANGANUI R.S.A. ANNUAL BALL

MAJOR-GEN. SIR H. K. AND LADY KIPPENBERGER GUESTS DEBUTANTES PRESENTED Much enthusiastic preparation on the part of members of the committee culminated in a most enjoyable event last night—that of the R.S.A. second annual ball held in the Carlton Hall, which was thronged with dancers. Guests of honour were MajorGeneral Sir Howard Kippenberger, vice-president of the N.Z.R.S.A., and Lady Kippenberger. A bright programme of music, with many musical “hits” of the moment, played by the orchestra, added considerably to the enjoyment pf the dancers.

The attractive permanent decorations of coloured lights and a canopy of looped streamers of several colours which descended in panel effect down 'the walls of the hall, were supple’inenle l with clusters of balloons, and bamboo and greenery on the musicians’ dais and screening the trellis in front of the supper room. Lounge chairs were arranged at the balcony end of the hall for the distinguished guests and the reception committee. Above the greenery on this wall was suspended the R.S.A. emblem with the huge badge centred py Allied flags. Palm fronds were also added to the decorations, and bamboo lined the stairway. On arrival Major-General and Lady I Kippenberger were received by Mr. land Mrs Gilberd (who had preceded Ithe visitors'to the hall) and Mr. E. W. Merewether, patron of the R.S.A.. 'and Mrs. Merewether. Lady KippenIberger was wearing a gown of black 'georgette with aty-over design in I white beads, silver fox furs and spray ,of orchids (the ball committee’s gift). ! As Major-General and Lady KippeaIberger entered the hair the orchestra I played “For He’s a Jolly Good b ellow,” and the dancers ah singing and .then cheered the guests. I Introducing the guests, Mr. Harvey Gilberd (president) said how much 'pleasure it gave the R.S.A. to welcome them, and all were greatiy indebted to them lor coming up to be with the Wanganui R.S.A. Two debutantes were tnen presented to MajorGeneral and Lady Kippenberger following the introduction of the sponsors by Mrs. Harvey Gilberd. | The debutantes were:—

. Miss Aileen Henley, who wore a 'frock of white marquisette over taf- ■ feta, patterned with hand-painted | flowers in shadow effect. The very I full skirt fell from a long-waisled fii'ting bodice which had a dropped .shoulder line. A trill edged the neckline, and pastel tinted sequins to match the shadow flowers adorned I the shoulder straps, and her necklace was of paste, tinted crystal. Thre.; jtiny white ostrich tips were worn in ir.er hair and she earned a Victorian posy in pastel shades. She was presented by Mrs. Charier Mcßride, who iwore a moss green frock. | Miss Betty Coupcr, whose frock of gold embossed marquisette was fashioned with a fitting bodice, frilled Ineckrne and a full skirt with a bustle bow. Tne hemline of the skirt was caught up n petal effect with violets, and golu sequins were scattered lightly over the frock. She wore a necklet ol pearls and carried a posy of vioiets. and similar flowers formed the half-circlet worn m her hair. Her sister, Mrs. J. Lambert, who wore blue organdie, was her sponsor.

Mrs. Merewether wore a black georgette gown smartiy trimmed in white, a skunk fur cape and shoulder spray. Mrs. Gilberd was gowned in a floral frock in green and cherry red tonings and a full-length black velvet coat. Mrs. Wadey chose a black frock with turquoise coloured sequins and black braid trimming the yoke and fitted waistband.

Other guests were received by Mr. and Mrs. M. G. Wadey and Mr. and Mrs. H. Gilberd. Members of the women’s ball committee were Mrs. A. Butters, who was wearing a black satin frock with floral tunic and spray to match; Mrs. C. .B. Rountree, ivho chose a saxe blue frock with silver sequin trimming on the yoke and belt; Mrs. A. Lockett, whose black taffeta frock had a tunic top patterned in gold flowers. The scene was a very colourful one with the many pretty frocks of the dancers.

Mr. Ron Russell, who was in charge of the decorations, announced the debutantes, and with Mr. A. W. Butters acted as M.C.