Two Thousand Guests

Camp News, Volume 1, Issue 21, 3 May 1940, Page 3

Two Thousand Guests

Maori Battalion Ball In Palmerston North Two thousand dancers attended a ball given in the entertainment hall of the Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association’s showgrounds this week by the officers and men of the Maori Battalion for their relatives and friends, and citizens of Palmerston North. The hall was decorated, under the direction of a women’s committee, by a skilful use of autumn foliage and berries, with large tubs filled with chrysanthemums on a large dais at. one end of the room, on which the official party sat. In the absence of Lieutenant-Colonel G. Dittmer, Major G. Bertrand and Mrs. Bertrand acted as host and hostess, and they were assisted by Mrs. F. G. Major and Mrs. H. Petre. Mrs. Bertrand wore a black and turquoise blue checked taffeta frock with black evening coat. Dancing began with a grand march led by Major and Mrs. Bertrand, Lieutenant-Colonel and Mrs. J. H. Whyte, Mr. and Mrs. C. Fryberg, Dr. and Mrs. P. T. Putnam, Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Major and other official guests. The master of ceremonies was Chap-lain-Captain Hadfield, who was assisted by Captain P. P. T. Tahiwi as chairman of the dance committee. The members of the committee were Lieutenants McKay (secretary), Porter, W. Clarke, Sergeant-Majors Logan and Tahuriorangi, Sergeants J. Wareline, N. Hare, and Te Hau, Corporal Nathan and Private H. Rahui. ..Considerable assistance to the dance committee was given by Mr. Taylor, Y.M.C.A. officer. ■ During an interval, after the supper adjournment the mayor, Mr. Mansford, thanked the battalion on behalf of the citizens for a memorable evening. Their thought in arranging such a gathering, he said, was much appreciated by the citizens. “Tonight's gathering is only a small return for all the kindnesses we have received during our stay in Palmerston North.” said Major Bertrand in thanking the mayor for his remarks. He thought it fair to say that it would not have been possible to organize the ball without the assistance of many outsiders. To the heads of many business firms he expressed the thanks of the battalion for the loan of various necessities. It was to the women’s committee, however, that special thanks were due: Mrs. C. A. Small, convener of the supper committee, Miss B. Gillies (dance committee), and Mrs. H. Petre (decorations), and their helpers. He also thanked Captain Tahiwi and his men. On the call of Major Bertrand the members of the battalion gave resounding cheers for the citizens of Palmerston North.