FIRST MARTON R.S.A. BALL MEETS WITH GRATIFYING SUCCESS

Wanganui Chronicle, 7 July 1949, Page 2

FIRST MARTON R.S.A. BALL MEETS WITH GRATIFYING SUCCESS

Tasteful decorations, colourful frocking and an air of gaiety among several hundred dancers present, lent an atmosphere of enjoyment which assured the success of the Marton R.S.A. first ball held in the Civic Theatre last night. Those who had spent many hours planning and organising. the ball must have been gratified with the success which attended their efforts.

The guests of the evening were Mr. H. B. Burdekin (Levin) immediate past vice-president of the New Zealand Returned Services’ Association, and Mrs. Burdekin, to whom three debutantes made their official curtsies during the evening. Included in the official party on the stage were the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Barton), the president of the Marton branch of the R.S.A. (Mr. G. H. Denbow) and Mrs Denbow, ana members of the executive and their wives, who acted as a reception committee. A warm welcome was extended by Mr. Denbow to Mr. and Mrs Burdekin and other visitors to the ball.

The theatre was once again effectively decorated. The stage was furnished as a lounge, banked in the front with hydrangeas, ivy and laurel leaves. Liberal use of imitation cherry and apple blossoms in three different shades of pink, and greenery around the walls produced a most pleasing effect. Suspending from the curtain oyer the stage were Chinese lanterns, rimu and bunches of multicoloured balloons.

Red, white and blue bunting, artistically draped around the walls, was featured in the supper-room decorations. A humorous tone was added by several amusing caricatures on Army life being appended to the wall. These paintings came from the brush of Mr. Peter Moriarty. Bowls of camellias, shasta daisies, geranrums, pentstemons, irises and cinerarias, were placed at intervals on the supper tables. Miss J. Stewart and Mrs. M. C. Fenwicke were responsible for the charming ball decorations, and Mrs. M. McLennan had charge of the sdpper arrangements. A Palmerston North orchestra, which played from a well-decorated dias in the corner of the ballroom, delighted dancers with the snappy dance music provided. “Extras” were played by Mr. N. Beazley (piano), R. Downs (saxophone) and Mr. Ken Neilson (drums). The ball committee comprised Messrs E. Pickford (chairman), J. Russell (secretary), P. Bending, J. Burling, L. Ritchie, C. R. Wadman, F. Domney, C. R. Brant and Mesdames McLennan, Fenwicke, Pickford, Denbow, Brant, Ritchie, A. Brightwell, N. Miles, G. Fitzhcrbert, L. Campbell. Colin Whale. Hamish Simpson, Len Coleman, K. Price. A. Knox, G. Dallas, C. Velvin, E. V. Calkin, R. Buckendahi, J. Bending and Misses Stewart, E. Fitzherbert and P. Gatrell. The following were the debutantes.:

Miss Gloria K&ratau, daughter of Mrs. Karatau and the late Mr. Hoko Karatau, Turakina, wore a frock of cream silk net over ivory taffeta, rucked bodice, puff sleeves and full skirt. She wore a pink rose spray on her shoulder and at the waist sh e was also wearing an early Victorian greenstone tiki pendant. Her yosy was of pink roses and daphne. She was presented by Mrs. J. Marumaru, Wanganui, whose gown was of parma violet silk velvet.

Miss Georgina L. Bason, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Bason, Cliff Road, Marton. Her frock was of white satin with a lace yoke over a pink net, peplum and bustle back effect ana lace puff sleeves. She wore elbow-length white knitted lace gloves and a tulle evening stole and carried a matching evening bag. Her posy was of pink carnations. Miss Velma McDonald, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. A. McDonald, Lower High Street, Marton. Her frock was made on mid-Victorlan lines, in pearl velnitte and silk lace. She carried a posy of pink and white roses with head spray to tone. She was presented by her mother, who wore a frock of parma velvet FrencX brocade made with a draping, caught with a diamante clasp, and shoulder spray to tone.

MARTON PIAYERS TO PRESENT A THREE-ACT PLAY.

An appropriate note has been struck by more than one local business firm in Marton by the dressing of windows in keeping with the advertising of the Marton Players’ production of "Night Must Fall,” to be staged in the Parish Hall next week. This three-act play by the well-known Emlyn Williams, is being produced by Mr. John Wales and is to run for three- consecutive nights, commencing next Tuesday. Although not suitable for children, the play is excellent entertainment, and is packed with clever and witty dialogue, and right to the thrilling climax, does not flag in interest and cannot fail to keep the audience enthralled. The leading role of Danny is handled expertly by Mr. Stan Laurenson, and the difficult part of Mrs. Eramson is carried off by Vera Bevan. The elaborate and convincing stage settings are being made by Mr. Charles Leslie, Mr. John Wales, Mr. Robin Wales and Mr. R. Webb, and the lighting ahnd musical effects are being handled by Mr. R. Cooper and ' Mr. Owen D Hunt, respectively. Vlsitj ing repertory and dramatic groups are expected from Palmerston North, i Bulls, Wanganui and Ohakune. No charge is being made for seat reservations and hookings are now available- at Mogridge’s. MARTON YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUB REVIVED. The Marton Young Farmers' Club, which has been in recess for the past 15 months, has recommenced activities, and tomorrow night officers of the Department of Agriculture, Wanganui, will visit Marton to give a twohour film programme in the Victory Hall. It is hoped that all young farmers will endeavour to attend this interesting programme. The club has also extended a cordial invitation to all those who are keen and interested in farming topics. At the conclusion of the meeting supper will be served. CENTENNIAL PARK. To shelter the tennis courts at Centennial Park from the prevailing wind, a quick-growing hedge is to be planted along the western side, according to a decision made at. a meeting of the Marton Combined Sports Society this week when discussing improvements at the park. The entrance to the ground is to be improved and the present muddy gateway is to be covered with sawdust.