A FLOWER BALL.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 50, 12 December 1891, Page 677

A FLOWER BALL.

A very successful flower social was held in connection with the Elwin Quadrille Assembly. The idea was taken from an interesting article in the New Zealand Graphic some months ago, and the writer thereof must take the credit for initiating this pleasurable gathering, giving a hint and a few particulars as to how a flower social should lie managed. In all good enterprizes how often has youth taken the lead, and in this matter it has been the pioneer. It is fitting, 1 think, that it should have been so, for w hat in nature is so sweet and joyous as a flower, or the ‘ freshness of youth’’ The spectacle presented to me on entering the Mason.c Hall, Newton, was an inspiring and touching one. Like a throne, which any Fairy Queen might have been proud to occupy as she diiected with her magic wand the light hearted lays in their movements befoie her, the upper end of the hall was arranged, * Studded with diamonds and decked with gems, the richest of Flora's treasure.' The ring—for, of course, the orthodox fairies must only dance within a ring—was formed by a slack rope of flowers, drooping at intervals, running round the hall and connected with the arms of the throne. The chandeliers were prettily festooned—dulling the edge of protruding remembrance, borne on the sight of the gas-jets, that we were living not in the days of Spenser, but in the cold, prosaic nineteenth century. The ceiling was so draped that the part uncovered seemed like tne moon-lit blue of heaven showing through the canopy of some leafy bower. But if the surroundings call tor so much notice, the actors in the scene deserve infinitely more attention. Each lady represented a flower, a wreath, or a floral device, whilst every gentleman wore a lady’s favour. Pretty nearly every seasonable flower was present, the only one conspicuous by its absence being, as far as I could see, that orphan-looking wall flower. But this variety is never seasonable, is it, Bee The floor was all that could be desired, whilst the music of Messrs

McEwen was splendid. If there are ‘ sermons in stones, and * books in running brooks,’ there is language in flowers t and very eloquently was that tongue employed during the evening. The supper table was a sight to behold. Glassand silver-ware, sparkling in the gas-light, contrasted prettily with the greenest of ferns. Hiding in mossy beds (like the modest violet of our school ■ days) were golden oranges, whilst rising in the centre, and shielding many toothsome and dainty - looking sweets and fruit, were some of the most beautiful Howers that could possibly be procured in Auckland. The following are a few of the floral dresses worn Miss Lediard, white evening dress sprayed with honeysuckle ; Miss De Jongh, black lace and red roses ; Mrs (Gaptain) Moller, black silk and marguerites ; Miss Gerrisli, evening dress of pale green lace, pale pink roses ; Mrs A. Scott, black lace over purple, trimmed with violets ; Miss Wooley, white lawn, trimmed with wild roses; Miss J. Phillips, white, with pink ivy geraniums, beautiful bouquet; Miss M. Taylor, pink with forget-me nots; Miss Ridgate, white, bride roses ; Miss G. Ridgate, pale blue and white stripes, lovely pansy bouquet; Miss S. McNicol, white lawn, pink ivy geraniums ; Miss Connell, cream nun’s veiling, red and white roses ; Miss J. McNicol, cornflower muslin, sprays of wild flowers ; Miss Whittington, pink satin, white and pink ivy geraniums; Mrs Brown-Brown, red and white roses; Miss Lockhart, white dress, blue ribbon, white geraniums; Miss Evans, grey satin, coal black roses ; Miss N. Evans, white roses and pink geranium : Miss Austin, black tulle with cream roses; Miss Trail, pink, ivy geraniums; Miss Moncur, white lawn trimmed with roses ; Miss Moore, white muslin, blue ribbon, cream roses : Miss Long, red, and white roses; Miss Sinclair, pale pink satin, trimmed with clematis blossom, pretty coronet of hawthorn ; Miss Maisden, black satin and black lace, marguerites; Miss Edmonds, grey satin, pearl necklace ; Mrs Spragg, pale blue nun’s veiling, honeysuckle ; Miss Mclllwain, white muslin, Maltese lace collar, laige basket of flowers ; Mrs Collingwood, white evening dress, red roses falling from shoulders to the waist ; Miss Calvert, white, with white daisies ; Miss McDuflin (Thames), white evening dress. The Hon. Secretary, Mr F. C. Basset, acted as M.C. during the whole of the evening, discharging the duties of this office in a most pleasing and satisfactory manner.—Contributed.