HOSPITAL SOCIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2190, 20 September 1907, Page 2

HOSPITAL SOCIAL.

Tho largo numbers of willing workers on behalf of the Hospital Soc. .1 lmd every reason last evening lor gratification at the unprecedented success of their efforts. All previous records were put in the shado. both in regard to attendance, and, what is more to tho point, tho monetary proceeds. At tho doors alone tho takings wore over £5 in excoss of last year’s figures, at that time regarded as the pinnacle of success, and tho sale of tickets all round shows an increase. It is estimated that tho first night’s takings readied from £240 to £250.

That the public of Gisborne and district accord this annual fixture such hearty support is a tribute not only to the liberality on behalf of ». deserving institution, but to their discernment in patronising such a popular and enjoyable function. The leviathan wool store of tho New Zealand Shipping Company was completely transformed in its gala attire. Tho bare walls wore effectively drap-. ed, and a sea of ornamentation met tlio eye on all sides. A bewildering array of flags and bunting fluttered from aloft and adorned every coign of vantage, and the wealth of floral decorations, including evergreens of all shades, provided a tasteful setting to the pretty spectacle. A vast throng filled the ball, but so admirable were the arrangements—the provision of numbered bays to avoid confusion being a capital idea—that the overcrowding inevitable on such an occasion caused no practically no inconvenience. It was a brilliant and animated scene, as hundreds of couples joined in the graceful waltz, tho spirited polka, or the romping sets, and such an assemblage on one floor must be rare indeed anywhere in the colony. The variety and charm of the ladies’ ball costumes were declared by an expert in these matters to excel anything witnessed locally, on a large scale.

Following so closely upon the Baths Social, the floor was in excellent trim, and this combined with delightful music rendered dancing a perfect f: eat. Of tho music rendered by the Gisborno Private Band, under the conductorship of Mr. D. McKillop, it must bo said that it more than fulfilled expectations, despite the flattering encomiums which preceded the performance. All were pleased, and well they might be considering the first-class character of the programme, which included: Grand March ; waltz, “Mountain Dairy” ; lancers, “Belgravia” ; waltz. “Blue Danube” ; mazurka, “Floretta” ; schottischo, “Evening Star”; d’alberts, “Inspiration” ; j>olka, “Round About” ; waltz, “Fairy Voices”; lancers, “Portsea” ; waltz, “Forest Flowers”; waltz, “May Polo”; lancers. “Florodora” ; mazurka, “Elfin Vale” ; waltz, “M.yrimo” ; d’alberts, “Veronique” ; waltz, “Beautiful Wales” ; lancers, “Country Girl” ; barn dance, “Mikado” ; H. schottischo, “Highland Airs”. The four extras were played by Miss Moore in her usual capable manner. The M.Cs. for tho evening were Messrs W. Webb, T. G. Lawless, H. Miller, A. Sawyer, J. S. Wauchop, 0. Hansen, and H. Gusli. The supper room was, as usual, a feature of the evening. To maintain, and improve upon, previous achievements was no light undertaking, but tho ladies were quite equal to the task. With such generous aid forthcoming from all quarters, tho tables were laden with an appetising array of dainty viands, and by pressing into service many enthusiastic assistants, tho ladies were able to cope with the tax upon the dining apartment. Again the public have to thank many ladies for the cheerful margier in which they essayed and carried through their part of the annual undertaking. The Mayoress (Mrs Townley) was at the head of the ladies’ committee, which comprised Mesdames Maynard, Rowley, Little, Cation, Church, Scott, Crawford, Smith, Bright, and Clare, and Misses Tucker (2), Bright, Coleman, and Gray. A large army of gentlemen worked directly and-indirectly to ensure the success of tho social, but special mention should bo made of the splendid manlier in which Messrs T. G. Lawless and J. R. Little carried out the onerous secretarial duties. The Mayor waß one of the many who “put his sliouldor to tho wheel,” and Mr. Withers, foreman to the New Zealand Shipping Company, rendered yeoman service at the nail. The hotel proprietors of the town all contributed towards a “soft drinks” booth, an appreciated adjunct of t-he catering department, and the shipping companies and leading commercial firms lent flags for the profuse decorations. Messrs Chrisp and Sou gave use of a very fine piano for the two nights. CHILDREN’S NIGHT. The juveniles of the district are expected to assemble in hundreds this evening, and a special dance programme has been prepared for their delectation, commencing with the Grand March at 8 o’clock. The young folks will hold sway until 10 p.m., when adults will have use of the floor.