CHILDREN'S BALL

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2335, 30 October 1908, Page 5

CHILDREN'S BALL

AX ANIMATED GATHERING

The new Garrison Halil presented an animated picture last night on the occasion of the children’s ball. There avas an attendance of oyer 800 people and, as avas to be anticipated, the majority of these were children. It avas evident from the commencement that the juveniles avere preseiat to enjoy themselves, and this they did to the utmost. There avas no stiffnes, no conventionality: everything avas just as natural as it could be, and it avas this same characteristic which, lent so great a charm to the proceedings. The children avere of all .sizes, all ages, nnd all types, and avere dressed in a countless variety of styles. Here avas to he seen a tiny mite, perhaps eight years of age, tripping the light fantastic with some tall, moustached, red-coated soldier. Then could be seen a young lad with a sweetly-attir-ed girl, waltzing around avitli all the abandon of youth, while yet again might be perceived a twelve-year-old. boy dancing with a maiden just outof her teens —mayhap his sister —and acting the port of the gallant cavalier with all the grace and charm of our sixteenth century forefathers. In one part of the spacious hall were gathered together a number of little tot'-, as yet .unlearned in the ait of dancing. These were formed into rings and as they romped around with smiling face and happy laugh they' formed a- truly beautiful picture. _ The ball wus the afrgest of its kind ever yet held in Gisborne, and everything combined to make it one that will live long in the .memories of those little ones who were so fortunate as to be present. After 10 o'clock adults were allowed to dance and a large number eagerly took advantage of this opportunity for enjoyment. A flashlight photograph was taken in the early part of the evening, and the effect as the children were grouped together at the upper end of the hall avas very fine.

Excellent dance music avas provided by the Federal Band, whilst the music for the extras provided by Air. AYootton’s orchestra and Alossrs Vita Bros.’ orchestra contributed materially to the success of the programme. As on Wednesday evening, the supper arrangements were well nigh perfect. and much praise is due to Airs. A. G. Beere for her capable management in connection therewith. Each of the committee worked with a will to ensure a successful evening, and particular credit is due to Lieut. Heflier Evans for his untiring efforts to promote the pleasure of all.