ROTORUA

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIV, Issue 22, 3 June 1905, Page 44

ROTORUA

Dear Bee. May 29. THE FIRST BALL of the lately-formed Rotorua Yacht Club was held in the Assembly Hall on the 19th. Judging by the success of this venture. the ball is likely to become an annual affair. The greatest credit is due to the committee for their successful .efforts The hall was very artistically decorated with Hags, and handsome curtains covered the windows, so that the effect was quite cosy and bright. Ihe small yacht Kangaroo, fully rigged, occupied the centre cf the stage, which *vts decorated with handsome pugas and strings of gaily-coloured flags. The effect was most happy. The supper was supplied by Gillespie. and arranged in the large banquet room lately added to the main hall. Before nine o’clock the gallery was packed to its utmost with onlookers, amt the dancing floor presented a very gay appearance. Quite 73 couples joined in the grand march, ami the many fancy costumes were seen to advantage. The music was very kindly suppli gratuitously by the Town Band, and extras were played by Miss Empson, Mis London, and Mr Munro.

Amongst those most conspicuous in fanej dress I noticed Mrs Batten, who I<k ked very handsome as a Sergeant of the 17th I.aneers, her tall, upright figure being particularly well suited to the costume; Miss Cresswell as Topsy certainly de-erved the palm for originality; Mrs M.xvell looked very nice as Carmen; Mrs C. B. Turner. Pompadour; Miss Landon, the First of May; Miss M. London looked nice in a quaint costume entitled Peter’s Milk Chocolate; Miss Corlett was striking as the Rose of the Riviera; Miss Monish, who looked very well a a Mimosa San. was the only Japanese lady in the room, strange to say;

Hiss Webster looked very nice as Bluebell : Miss Scott made a striking Maori Cbieftainess; Miss Webster, Ping Pong. A number of ladies were in evening dress, and amongst tbent 1 noticed Mis Barrow in while: Mis Walker, dark skirt, pale blue evening blouse; Mrs Hanna, black; Mrs Gardner, black; Mrs Williams, black evening gown; ills Peace, grey; Miss Empson, pale green silk; Miss Stella Empson. pretty white silk trimmed on corsage with narrow ruchings of white satin ribbon; Miss Malfroy, black gown; Miss Gardner, white; Miss Jean Gardner, white. There were some very good representations amongst the dresses worn by the gentlemen present, the most conspicuous being Rangitira, as represented to the life by Mr A. A. Maxwell; Maori Chief, Mr Hall ; Pierrot, Mr Urquhart: Henry VIII., Mr C. Brebner; “Abomali,” Mr B. Crow hurst; Tea Planter, Mr C. B. Turner ; Little Lord Fauntleroy, Mr Carver; Court Gentleman, Mr Kedwood; Japanese Student, Mr Reeves; Toreador, Mr J. George; Yachtsman, Mr Boss; Old Salt, Mr R. A. Gardner. An Indian Chief was very conspicuous, and other gentlemen present were Messrs. Empson, D. J. Barron, Mackay (Auckland). Hawkins. Miller, Desborongh, Moore (Wellington), Batten, Wiggs, Ellis, Howden, and quite a number of strangers. The committee, in whose hands were all the arrangements connected with the ball. consisted of Messrs. Desborough. Howden, Mclntosh, Caisley. Senteh, and R. Gardiner, who undertook the onerous duties of secretary. During the evening the commodore of the Yaeht Club, Mr Howden, took the opportunity to present the prizes won by the different yachts during the season. Mr R. A- Gardner, hon. see., assisted. The list of prize-winners was as follows: Karrakatta, first prize; Florence, second prize; Gertie, first; Kangaroo, first; Jap., first; Gertie, second; Jap., second; Lark, first. For the oil launch race the Sunbeam received first prize, and the Moura second. Mr A. .Shepherd received first prizes for two novel races. The ball concluded at about 2.30 a.m.. and was unanimously voted a success by all who attended. THE FOURTH BATTALION of the Auckland Mounted Rifles, which has been encamped at the racecourse, has been most unfortunate as regards weather. Rain has fallen each day, and everything in connection with the camp has been carried on under adverse conditions. A programme of military sports had been arranged for Wednesday afternoon, and in spite of the rain quite a number of people turned out. In spite of the weather and the sloppy condition of the ground several of tne events were carried out quite successfully. One event, a set of lancers on horseback, by several members of the Battalion and their lady friends, was much admired.

On Wednesday evening a large concert and dance in behalf of the Rotorua Town Band, arranged by Mr Munro, was attended by most of the officers and the majority of the camp. One of the items on the programme was a bayonet drill by a section of the Battalion.

On Friday evening an impromptu dance was arranged by a small committee of Rotorua ladies, and held in the Assembly Hall. Th? officers of the 4th Battalion were invited, but many of them were unable to attend.

HINEMOA.