FANCY DRESS BALL AT AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 19, 7 May 1892, Page 469

FANCY DRESS BALL AT AUCKLAND.

There is a never ending charm about a fancy dress ball, and the one given in the Remuera Hall in aid of the Auckland Benevolent Society attracted an immense number of participants and spectators. The idea originated with Mrs Pritt, upon whom too much praise can hardly be bestowed for the energetic manner in which she carried it out. The dance was a huge success from first to last. The decorations were tasteful, the stage, capably undertaken by Miss Mona Thompson, presenting a fairy scene of chrysanthemums and ferns. This lady, by the way, wore one of the prettiest frocks in the room—that of a Normandy Peasant. Her sister, Miss Kathleen Thompson, looked lovely as a Court Lady. The good genius of the evening, Mrs Pritt appeared to great advantage in a very handsome black lace dress with a becoming white aigrette.

The pretty frocks were so numerous that selection is extremely difficult. The historical and character costumes were excellent in most cases. Miss Thomas, as Powder and Patches, was very successful. Miss E. Buckland’s costume was much admired, as was the wearer, though some doubt was expressed as to what she represented. The two Messrs Brodie received many compliments on their get-up and general appearance ; they each wore the uniform of. the 71st Highlanders. As a Shepherdess Miss Emily McFarlane looked be-

witching. The costume of a Court Gentleman eminently suited Mr F. Atkins, as did that of a Courtier of Charles ll.’s reign Mr E. Stevenson. The three Misses Von Sturmer were in evening garb, the eldest wearing a crimson frock, the second cream colour, while the third was attired in an Empire gown. Two little girls (Misses Draper and Ware) in Kate Greenaway style were much admired. Another charming juvenile was Master J. Pritt, whose page’s suit of real ermine and satin, and white wig, was irresistible. Master Finlayson, as a Court Gentleman was also excellent. Two Jack Tars were delightfully represented by the Misses Blanche Banks and Maude Buckland. There were also two Red Riding-Hoods, the one being the younger Miss Hay, the other Miss Singleton. This is always a becoming make - up. Miss Zeenie Davis looked well in cream with a red sash. Miss Upton was never seen to better advantage than in her pretty cream gown. As a Chinaman, Mr * Fleet ’ Hesketh was unique, Mr J. Lennox making an inimitable Clown. Mr Firth, as a Maori, was good, and young Mr Gorrie presented a life-like picture of John Gilpin. Miss Elliott wore the Stars and Stripes with grace. Dresden China was taken by Miss Elsie Walker. Miss Daisy Worsp looked charming in a long-trained white satin gown.

Amongst the onlookers were Mrs G. Williams, in a handsome black costume; Mrs Haines, wearing a lovely dove grey opera cloak broidered with silver and feathertrimmed, black dress ; Mrs Moss-Davis, striking red satin gown; Mrs McArthur, black ; Mrs Thompson, pale green (very handsome and becoming) ; Mrs Winstone, lovely white satin, en traine, with rich lace trimming ; Mrs Buckland, black ; Mrs Law, fascinating white and black gown ; also Mesdames Pickmere, Hardie, Ching, Roach, Worsp, and Thomas. The ellicient ladies’ committee—Mesdames Pritt, McMillan, Nelson, Lennox, T. Morrin, Buckland, Winstone, Thompson, Bassett, and Hales—had provided a richerch/ supper in so liberal a manner that the following day M rs Pritt carried three baskets of fragments and a parcel to the Costley Home and the Kindergarten. Truly we may say, ‘Go and do likewise.’ The Morisco Dance and Baby Polka were arranged by the clever and energetic Mrs Hay, who, by-the bye, wore a pretty white satin gown partially obscured by a crimson plush opera cloak. Twelve sweet little girls in long baby clothes, and twelve dear little boys in blue flowered print, with Hopping hoods, performed this enchanting dance to perfection. The music, supplied by Mr J. Burke, was exceptionally good.