THE MAYOR'S FANCY DRESS BALL IN MELBOURNE.

West Coast Times, Issue 321, 3 October 1866, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE MAYOR'S FANCY DRESS BALL IN MELBOURNE.

The Melbourne papers arc eloquent in their descriptions of a Grand Fancy Dress Ball, given by the Mayor to his Excellency Sir Manners-Sutton, and a numerous party of guests, in the new Exhibition Hall. In referring to the event, the " Argus" says : — Never in Australia, rarely elsewhere, has a more elegant spectacle been presented than that which, -.thanks, to the Mayor's hospitality, was afforded" his Excellency Sir Henry Manners-Sut-ton the other evening". Much of the brilliancy of the effect produced was doubtless due to the setting. Without the slightest desire to do injustice to the lustre of the highly-polished gems of the ball, we are bound to acknowledge that the framework of the glorious Exhibition Hall formed the surpassing charm of the spectacle. Its interior is beyond praise. The capacity and the beautiful proportions of the room must have been apparent to 'all, as well as the rare taste displayed in the internal decorations. The comparisons which have been drawn between it and the most celebrated interiors of Europe have done it no more than justice. The opening of such a hall constitutes a memorable, fact in the history of Melbourne." We abridge the following report from the " Age " :— " Shortly before nine o'clock his Worship the Mayor entered the ball room, accompanied by Mrs Mayoress, when the presentations commenced. His Worship wore the robes appertaining to his- official capacity as chief magistrate of the city. Mrs Mayoress was magnificently attired in a court costume of the time of George 11. Her train «was of ruby velvet, lined with white satin, trimmed with ermine and gold. The jupon was of rich white satin, and the corsage of cloth of gold. The ornaments she wore comprised diamonds, rubies, and pearls. Her hair was dressed ' in the style familiarly known as clubs, and she wore a headdress of diamonds, pearls, and rubies, forming a most attractive and elegant tout ensemble. From the dais l}is Worship the Mayor and Mrs Mayoress did the honors of the reception, the guests being duly announced a,s they entered the ball room. -Half an hour after, the strains of the national anthem announced that his Excellency had arrived, and presently he was ushered in, accompanied by Lady Manners-Sutton and daughters, who were provided with seats on the dais. His Excellency, who wore the costume of a colonial Governor, took up a position on Ijhe left of -Mrs Mayoress. Lady Manners-Suttou and daughters were elegantly attired in dresses brought out from England, which are said to have been those worn when the Misses Manners-Sutton had the honor of presentation at the Court of St. James. As the evening apvanced, the formal presentation was dispensed with ; and when the first quadrille was danced, the building presented a most brilliant spectacle, forming a pictorial resuscitation as it were of a past age, and a gallery of historical illustrations. Gentlemen and qourtiers of the time of the witty , and dissolute Charles 11. passed across the view, and the merry monarch himself had a dual representative. There were Monks of the Capuchin order, and Friars of orders grey, whose rubicund and portly appearance sadly belied their monastic vows. There were Knights of Malta, White Knights, and Blapk Knights. , History sadly belied itself in the appearance of several Dukes of Buckingham, who were on terms of familiarity with Richard 111., and evidently thinking more of the possibility of - losing * their supper than ttieir heads. There were Arcadian shepherdesses in profusion, sweet creatures lacking their shepherd to pipe while they danced. There were Earls of Leicester, Worcester and Warwick, and their ruffe and slashed sleeves and longwaisted doublets, reminded one forcibly of the days of good Queen Bess, who did not choose to visit this sublunary sphere to receive the homage of her devoted Leicester. How many Hamlets disported themselves the catalogue of I characters will show. Robin Hood, the forester bold, and good Friar Tuck, were visible in the flesh ; and Touchstone was there to exclaim, 'Ay, now am lin Arden ; the more fool I.' There were characters innumerable of a minor grade, .yet possessing some peculiarity worthy of notice. The Destined Monarch of the World found a fitting representative in an hon. member of the Legislative Council. John Bull, with his portly person, of plain and bhvnt speech, was personified by Mr Ramsden. The hon. Mr Fellows essayed the character of a Yorkshire clodhopper, with his smock, knee breeches N and thigh boots, and seemed to the manner born. The baby in swaddling clothes, represented by Mr A. K. Smillx, was the acme of absurdity* Such a baby ! but where was the wet nurse ? Robinson Crusoe and his man Friday condescended, to Avatch the scene, and seemed lost in astonishment at the wonderful development of human intellect during their sojourn on the desert island. There were niggers of every depth of hue, from the low type of the Australian aboriginal to the most elevated in the scale of colored humanity — the New Zealand Maori. It would be easy to dwell ad infinituw upon the range of characters assumed at the ball, but we must forbear.' The first quadrille' was danced by his Excellency, and Mrs Mayoress, with his Worship the Mayor and Miss MannersSutton as the vis-a-vis. Major-General Carey and Mrs" Manners-Sutton, Sir -Francis Murphy and Mrs Carey also

participated in the fiance. Some of the dresses worn by lh-- ladies were of the most exquisite fab'] ie and workmanship. Mrs Iliiphcs represented Catherine oi Arragon, ] lev twin was of green velvet, trimmed with gold l.ico; the jupon of white satin, with cloth of gold robings at the side, ;i gold girdle and ornaments. On her head she wore a gold coronet and a necklace with a cross of diamonds. Mrs Wil liams was arrayed in the costume of the court of George IV. The train was of blue celeste, trimmed witli deep point lace, studded with pearls and gold. The jupon was of white satin trimmed with gold bands,, the bodice of blue satin trimmed with point lace, the ornaments of. rubies, amethysts and sapphires, and a necklace of diamonds. The head' dress was a gold coronet studded with gems, and~ eight ostrich feathers ribbed with' gold. Mrs Laidlaw was magnificently dressed in the cos,tumc of the time of Henry' VII. The train was of blue poult-de-soic trimmed with ermine; the jupon < of rich chocolate satin with silver robings, and silver lace, the stomacher of diamonds. The cincture was studded with silver drops, ornamented with dia z monds. The head dress was one peculiar to the period, of ruby velvet, with lappsts of silver drops and fringe, ornamented with diamonds, emeralds,, pearls, and rubies, Mrs Wade wore a Turkish costume, the skirt being of rich white satin, spangled with gold ? the pantaloons puffed to the ankle of white satin, and spangled gold ; a jacket of crimson velvet, trimmed with gokl lace, slashed at the side, and ornamented Math gold tassels. The stomacher was also ornamented, with gold, and -she wore a scimitar studded with brilliants. The head dress was of crimson velvet, ornamented with gold and spangled diamonds in front. The boots worn were those " peculiar to Turkish ladies, embroidered in gold on rose-colored satin, with white-pointed lace. Mrs F. Rowe appeared as. a" Grecian. - The skirt was of crimson blue, and gold satin, richly trimmed with bands of gold. The jacket was of green silk velvet, braided with gold and having a rich gold fringe. The stomacher was of white satin, embroidered with gold and Maltese lace, ornamented with coins and diamonds i the cap worn was of crimson, velvot, embroidered with gold, and in like manner,. The hair Avas worn; in long braids, tied with gold thread, and ornamented with coins. The boots were of crimson satiu, embroidered with gold. ' The'costume had a very rich and pretty appearance. ' The character of Night was undertaken by Miss Farquharson. She wore a robe of black tulle, sjjangled with gold stars of various magnitude, and gold bands around the skir*t._ The bodice was also decorated with spangled - stars. The bracelets were compesed of starsj and she carried in her right hand a wand 1 tipped with a gold star. Miss Chapman shone- as a luminary of lesser magnitude. Her character was the Evening Star ; the dress being of black tulle, with gold stars and bands. The" cincture was composed of stars, having one large star in the centre, surrounded with brilliants. The headdress also contained one^, large star, surrounded by lesser brilliants, and over all a tulle veil ornamented with stars, and with bracelets of stars. Mrs Drysdale, in the character of Mrs Page in the ' Merry Wives of Windsor,' made a very pleasing appearance. Her train was of black silk velvet, trimmed with gold lace, the jupon of white satin, triiumed with rich Brussels lace, with crimson rosettes. The stomacher was of cloth of gold and Brussels lace. She also wore a necklace of diamonds. The hat was of velvet, ornamented with peai'ls, trimmed with white ostrich feathers. Miss Manby assumed the character of Annie Laurie. She wore a robe of white, trimmed with plaid ribbon, over a skirt of muslin trimmed with tarlatan rosettes and gold ornaments. The scarf was of tartan velvet fastened on the shoulder with peblfle and silver ornaments. On her head she wore a Glen- 1 garray cap with scarlet feather, fastened with pebble and silver s ornaments. The character of ,Black Eyed Susan was taken by Mrs Cosgrave ; her dress was of brown trimmed with black velvet, festooned with the same. The chemisette was of white muslin, the neckerchief of soft white muslin, and white apron trimmed with black velvet; the jupon of white muslin with small flowers ; white muslin sleeves fastened at the wrists : no gloves or rings. The hat was Leghorn trimmed with pink and blu* 1 ribbon! Mrs Dr. Cook in the costume of the court of George 11., was dressed in a black satin, trimmed with rich Brussels lace and gold band. The tunic and skirt of amb,er silk, festooned with blue satin bands. • The' stomacher of lace, with gold ornaments, and the coiffure powdered. There were several representatives of the gipsy tribe, the most' noticeable being Mrs Swauston, who wore a colored skirt of yellow lilac and red merino, with a tunip of chintzy-festooned ; a cloak of scarlet with hood ; on her head a colored silk handkerchief, with a basket in her hand, and a pack of cards, _for the purpose of tfiling fortunes. • The character of Adele in " The Elixir of Love" was personated by Miss Kennedy. ' She wore a double skirt of white and blue glace, trimmed with bands ofs scarlet velvet and gold lace. The bodice was of black velvet, with a basquiue of black velvet, trimmed with gold fringe. The stomacher wos of cloth .of gold, ti-immed with gold lace ; a demi-sleeve of velvet, with white silk gauntlets, trimmed w?jin«p-irM ;nid black velvet and gold i <•. TA' stockings were spangled, , and she wore ' high-hfeel^d boots of white satin embroidered. The hat was of .white glace, trimmed

with scarlet and black velvet, and gold lace and tassels. A French actress of the * time of Louis Quatorze was the character assumed by Mrs House. Her dress was of pink satin, with short skirt trimmed with handsome silver lace. The train was of rich blue brocade* trimmed with pink satin and silver lace, ornamented with bows. The stomacher was of pink satin, ornamented with K silver and brilliants. The head-dress was composed of a lappet of Maltese lace, trimmed with pearls and other ornaments. At the "risk of being somewhat prolix, we must give prominence to some other characters, the difficulty being to individualise. Mrs Gurner, as Selika, in ' L'Afrieane,' wore a dress composed of amber eachmere petticoat enriched with silver lace, over which was a royal blue satin robe, trimmed with deep gold lace, and crimson velvet bodice. Around tlfe waist was a gold circlet, from which were suspended! jewels of diamonds, emeralds and topazes,' a necklet to match, and ? a splendid gold diadem With a cluster of topaz in the centre, surmounted by bird of paradise and drooping jewels. A rich court dress of the sixteenth century was worn by Mrs Professor Al'Coy, composed of a rich crimson velvet robe opening on a white satin petticoat enriched with lace flounces, and trimmed with silver lace. Mrs Mbubray appeared as a lady of the court of George 111., and wore a magnificent rich pink moire robe, opening on a white satin petticoat, with cloth of silver, trimmed with rich Honiton lace flounces ; the hair suitably decorated Mrs Baillie, of Baillie and Butter, wore a magnificent Polish costume, exectited with much taste. The white satin petticoat was richly embroidered with gold. A crimson velvet jacket, forming the tunic v was trimmed with ermine, and on the shoulder was slung the hussar' jacket ; .the whole completed by the , orthodox Polish cap. Music was well represented by Miss Carter, in a dress of blue satin, over which was a tulle skirt, surmounted by a band of amber satin, on which were printed the bars^of music. The bodice was of fluted black velvet, also trimmed with band of amber satin, printed withmusic, to correspond with the skirt, and which also finished the sleeves. On the front of the dress were a golden lyre and a number of small bells. She wore a golden coronet, surmounted with five notes of music, from which fell a veil of tulle, surrounded v.ith gold- fringe, and in her hand she carried a music baton, making a veiy charming toilette. The dress worn by Miss Rowe, as the modern Diana, is deserving of special* notice. The_dress was composed of an u under skirt of amber cashmere, on which was correctly displayed the entire steeplechase — horses making the various leaps over fences and water ; over .gill a green tunic, on which was displayed the huntsman's banner. The scarlet jacket and white vest.with hunting hat and feathers completed the toilet. A fine Greek dress, worn by Mrs England, composed' of rich white satin skirt embossed in gold, a scarlet velvet jacket, bine skirt, Greek scarf, the cap in blue velvet, and jessamine in the hah;, represented Zuleikp, the bride of Abydos.~~ Christmas found a representative in Mrs Bntchart/who was attired in a rich white corded> si.k dress, draped with white tulle, festooned with garlands of holly and ivy, with a wreath to match, from which hung a tulle ve'iU covered with sriow and icicles, and surmounted by a robin redbreast. Miss Bentley appeared as a battalier, with a scarlet striped petticoat, with blue aucl white silk skirt, looped" up with gilt chains and anchors, b^ack velvet bodice, sailor's collar, suiunounted by anchors, middies cap with anchor _and flags, carrying a gold and blue boatoar in her hand. A fine national Italian costume was worn Tjy Mrs Hickling. 'It was formed of brilliant colors and French cashmere, with Ltalian Jiead dress. Miss Flora Mathesou appeared in a novel costume, representing the steeplechase. She wore a cerise silk dress," with white tarlatan skirt trimmed with horses' 'shoes, studded with silver : a jockey jacket and cap to correspond. Mrs Degraves appeared as a vivandiere of the Brunswick Black Hussars. The dress was of black and scarlet silk velvet, trimmed with gold ornaments representing various insects. She wore a black cap with- scarlet feather, «and carried the legitimate barrel. Mrs Perkins teok the rgle of a German girl ; ' her dress of white and blue velvet embroidered with gold, and a smoking cap on the head. Mrs Murphy was dressed in the character of-a Persian lady. Her robe was of blue 6ashmere ? trimmed with fur, and scarlet and gold apron, and a turban with aigrette. Mrs Skar"ratt, in the character of an Amazon of the time of Louis XV., wore a white moire antique skirt, a tunic of green silk velvet, trimmed with gold, and a ruby velvet hat with white feather. Mrs Knight, as a grisette in the same reign, wore a pink silk and black velvet body, with double skirt looped Up with velvet, apron, and sleeves, and white 'lace, and cap with roses. Mrs Benndtt, as a vivandiere of the Imperial Guard, was very appropriately and elegantly attired. Mrs B. B. Nicholson was in the costume of a - Spanish gipsy Calculist. Around tb,e skirt -of *her dress were represented the signs of the Zodiac and the names of planets. Her bodice was of crimson, with a blue scarf across the shoulders, and on her head she carried a lantern. Mrs Macauley' appeared as a French shepherdess of Louis XV. The skirt was of green and white striped, .white skirt, with band' ; pink upper skirt, trimmed with black, looped up in the old style. . The bodies were of black net. In hei; hand she carried the primitive crook. "Mrs BJiscoe Ray wore a court dress of,

the latest period, a white satin petticoat, mauve train, and green court mantle, trimmed with silver. Mrs Dr. Serrell wore a Venetian costume, a white satin petticoat, green moire skirt looped, crimson velvet surtout, trimmed corset crimson velvet, white satin hat and plume. Miss Strettle appeared in a Polish^ Costume, composed of white satin trousers, pink satin polonaise, trimmed with swan's-down, ,a hat of the same, trimmed with swan's-down. The Misses Murphy wore fancy costumes, the one a black velvet jacket trimmed with gold, over which an amber skirt trimmed with blue and black velvet, with hat and sleeves ; the other a green velvet bodice with skirt to match. ■ Perhaps the most noticeable character in the room was the Press, represented by Mrs Butters. The character lias been attempted both in London and Paris, with all the facilities for its representation afforded by the resources of these great cities, but in both instances it was a failure. In Melbourne, on the contrary, it is gratifying to be able to announce that it was a marked success. The papers represented were thirteen in number, viz., the ' Age,' 'Argus,' 'Weekly Age,' 'Leader, 'Australasian,' 'Herald,' ' Bell's. Life,' 'Spectator,' 'Journal of. Commerce,'' | Government Gazette,' ' Dicker's Mm- - ing Record,' ' Economist,' ' Illustrated Australian News,' and ' Punch!' ( The robe consisted in front of the first and fifth pages of the ' Australian News^' containing the portrait of his Excellency Sir H. Manners-Sutton, and the engraving of the proposed new town hall. -Above these, in-the centre -was ' Punch,' supported on either side by the ' Government Gazette ' and ' Mining Re- ' cord ;' the whole having an excellent effect. The train was composed of the various Melbourne papers. Between each width- of papers were slips inserted, on which was a list of all the Victorian country , The body was also composed of copies of various 'papers, and ornamented with slips of advertisements. The head dress was a coronet of Liberty, as represented on the gold coinage of the United States, on which was displayed, in bold silver tatters the motto ' Liberty of the Press,' surmounted By a circle of silver ■ stars. On the wearer's neck was suspended in gold the crest' of the Corpo--ration, of Melbourne, with the motto, ' Vires Acquirit Enndo, 3 having reference to the ball being given by the Mayor, ami in her hand was earned a gold staff supporting a beautiful golden model of a hand printing press in perfect working order, on the arch of ' which* were insci;ibed the words, ' Victoria Press,' whilst ori the summit was perched a black figure, representing the proverbial Satanic assistant of all printers. Slips of satin, with a gilt border, and- inscribed with some Hues feom Byron's poem of Lara, were'from time to <time stnick off by Mrs Butters, and distributed her friends and acquaintances. \ Altogether, the dress was one, of great beauty in its general effect, and reflected much credit on the printers who conveyed the impression of the types to the satin fabric, and on the maker, Mrs Dobbs/ of Gardiner's Creek road. ' The characters particularised 1 embrace, the choicest and most costly toilettes exhibited in the ball room.. The dresses of the gentlemen wereTery little inferior in style and quality. Mi 1 T. B. Payne, as the wityy monarch Charles 11, wtis N right regally robed. There were many courtiers of that period, the style of dress being- well adapted to show the figure to advantage A very • ■>h dress in Plumboldt velvet, trimmed richly -with velvet, representing a Spanish gentleman^ was worn by Mr ■T. G. Selfe. Mr Charsley personated - Cardinal Richlieu in a dress of scarlet cashmere, with handsome gold and silver cross -and cardinal's hat complete. The characteristic dress of the period 1500 Avas shown* by Mr Blyth, as Sir Thos. Gresham, who wore a very rich black -velvet suit trimmed with black silk braid andj French, cambric ruffles. Perhaps the most appropriate personation was that of ' Innocence,' sustained by Mr A. K. Smith, who wore a long flowing infant's robe, handsomely trimmed, with blue sash, and with the sleeves tied up with coral* From the sash depended the well-known coral and bells. Around his .neck he wore a coral necklace, and ob his head an infant's cap, with^ infant's wool bootees. The reception "of this child, and its presentation to the Mayor and his Excellency, , elicited roars of laughter, which were redoubled when it was observed with what alacrity, as if possessing all the instincts of a v inaturer age, it toddled off in' search of refreshment. Mr Hammill appeared as Ibrahim Pacha ; and Mr M'Lellan, M.L.A., found no better character to display the graces o.f his person than that of an Australian aboriginal. ' The variety of male costumes was somewhat bewildering, but, with few -exceptions', the characters assumed were very apyrppriately portrayed. His Excellency viewed the brilliant scene with evident pleasure p and, accompanied by the Mayor, ,nnde the rounds of the ( bull room, conversing freely with those whom he recognised. "

The legal expenses of the last general election, according to the returns presented to Parliament, were for^ the counties L385),216, and for the towns L 350,629, making a total of L739,845.x These 'are the expenses of the persons elected ; those / of the unsuccessful candidates are of course not given. A few places have not yet sent in their returns. Mr-Millbank, M.P. for the itforth Riding of York, had to spend more than 143,000 for his seat, his expenses being the largest in the list. The smallest returns are those of the two members for the county of Down, who, between them, p&id no more thau L 2 10s for .putting up and removing the hustings.