FIRST AIR FORCE BALL

Camp News (Northern Command), Volume 1, Issue 20, 13 September 1940, Page 1

FIRST AIR FORCE BALL

t More Than 1000 Guests At ! C Rongotai Station ( ( ■ ■ 1 Probably one of the most outstanding balls to'be held in Wellington for , some time and undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable, was that given by the * Royal New Zealand Air Force station, ! Rongotai, last night, and attended by more than 1000 people. The ball was , the first one to be arranged, and its success made the occasion a notable 1 one from all points of view. '•1 The event was held in what was ' previously the large festival hall of the ■ Centennial Exhibition, and in the ball- ' room the scene was a brilliant one. Despite its size, accommodation on the floor, on the balcony above and in tie . main foyer, was taxed t > capacity, and the action of those responsible in pro viding adequate sitting-out accommodation in nearby rooms was a thoughtful gesture, much appreciated by the mat y hundreds of dancers. There were greenery, flowering shrubs and flags everywhere. Two tall bushes of scarlet camellias flanked the entrance to the ballroom, and these flowers were banked along the stage. Red, white and blue bunting draped the front of-the balcony, which was crow ed all the evening with interested onlookers watching the dancers below. The air gunners and observers' cm blems flanked that of the pilots, tic three making a large decorative motif on the stage where the special Air Force orchestra supplied- delightf d music. The band was. under Flig.it ■Lieutenant Gladstone Hill,/director of music for the R.N.Z.A.F. Its services were made available for the ball by. permission of the commanding officer. The host and hostess were Squadron Leader T. W. White, commanding officer, and Mrs. White. Mrs. White wore a lovely gown of black georgette elaborately finished in sequins and worn with a sequined coatee.. . i A large committee of officers’ wives, with Mrs. White and Flying Officer R. B. Waters was in charge of supper arrangements and decorations. Mrs. Dennistoun Wood and Mrs. G. Webb also assisted in this work. Toe H girls were in charge of the ices and drinks stall and Mr. Andrews, cigarettes. Official guests included the Air Secretary, Mr. T. A. Barrow, and Mrs. Barrow, who wore a rose frock bro-, caded in gold, Group Captain A. de T. Nevill and Mrs. Nevili; in a frock of' old gold charmeuse, Wing Commander Olsen and Mrs. Olsen, in a silver lame frock, and the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates.