APIA, SAMOA.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume X, Issue 25, 24 June 1893, Page 596

APIA, SAMOA.

Dear Bee, June 2. THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY. The Britishers of Apia kept the 24th of May in a right royal manner. Our popular Consul with his wife gave an ‘At Home.’ Many of the stores were closed ; our brass band, which is in its infancy, paraded the street on its way to the Consulate, and last, but not least, was the ball at night, which was in every way a success. The ball (plain and fancy dress) was held in the Public Hall. which was decorated in a beautiful and artistic manner. ‘God Save the Queen,’ ‘ Welcome,’ and other mottoes were on the walls. The Scottish Arms were on our right and the Irish Arms on our left on entering the hall. From the centre of the hall hung a large crown. Around lhe hall were small shields with the names of the British possessions, and flags, cocoanut leaves, etc., were plentifully displayed. The refreshments were all that could be desired, that is. for a small place like this. The various’ committees w’orked indefatigably, and should be satisfied with the result#?. The ladies who appeared in character were:—Mrs Cusack Smith, Black and White ; Mrs Gurr, Samoan Lady ; Miss Johnston. Scotch Lassie; Miss Von Rappard, Sunflower; Mrs Sheen, British Sailor ; Miss Theresa Schmidt, Gipsy Queen; Miss Caroline Aull, Gipsy: Mrs Willis. Samoa Weekly Herald ; and several Samoan ladies of rank who were in full Samoan gala costume. Among the ladies in evening or ball dress we noticed Mrs Blacklock, a unique and handsome evening dress of Samoan cloth; Mrs Bell, graceful dress of cardinal covered with black lace; Miss Bell, extremely pretty ball dress of cream nun’s veiling with lace and pink ribbons ; Mrs Frings, very pretty pink grenadine evening dress Mrs Frink, very handsome cream watered satin; Mrs Greiner, handsome pale blue dress covered with white net; Mrs Krause, grey silk trimmed with velvet; Miss Kinsey, charming pale blue evening dress trimmed with white lace; Mrs W. Meredith, handsome flowered satin. Very few gentlemen appeared in character. The most noticeable were: Mr Cusack Smith, French Hussar of 1814; Mr Gurr, Spanish Grandee; Mr Frings, Rococo (historical French character of the 18th century); Mr Ahrens, Court costume of the 18th Century ; Messrs Marquardt and Skeen, Clowns. About one hundred and fifty people were present. The Chief Justice of Samoa, the President of the Municipal Council, American and German Consuls, and the Captain and officers of H.I.G.M.S. Sperber were invited.

Norah.