The New Hospital Ball
Reproduced from the New Zealand Mail, 25 June, 1881, p17c-d	courtesy Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of NZ, Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa
The ball about which so much expectation has been held during the past fortnight, came off on 20th June with eclat at the new Hospital, Newtown. The preparations made by the managing committee to ensure a success were perfect in every particular, not a single hitch occurring during the proceedings. The weather was fine with a clear and mild atmosphere, and just such an evening to tempt the most fastidious to venture out of doors. The gathering at the new building was estimated at 500, representing not only the elite of the city but of every class of our citizens. It was anticipated that His Excellency the Governor and Lady Gordon would honor the occasion with their presence, but the only representatives from Government House were Captain Knollys and His Excellency's private secretary, both of whom stayed but a short while. The Ministry found a worthy representative in Mr W. W. Johnston, the Postmaster General. A number of members from each branch of the Legislature were also present. The means of transit from the various parts of the town were afforded by the tram cars which ran to and from the scene of attraction every half hour, a convenience liberally patronised by a large number of those who attended the ball. The cabs also had no reason to complain, as they were kept constantly going until the "wee sma hours". From the stopping place of the tram cars on Adelaide road to the hospital, a distance of 400 yards, a commodious 'bus and an unlimited number of other vehicles ran in connection. The road, recently constructed, was lit up at short distances with lanterns, thereby rendering the journey one of pleasure to those who preferred walking. The scene within the building was all animation, and showed at a glance that the committee had spared nothing to ensure the comfort of their guests. The interior was proportioned off in the following manner: Apartment No. 1, which will hereafter be known as the female ward, was appropriately reserved for the ladies' dressing room.; No. 2 ward as the dancing saloon, the same having been tastefully decorated with flags and evergreens; No. 3 ward, as the supper room, in which were three tables literally groaning under the sumptuous edibles provided. Refection tables were also provided at each end of the corridor, in charge of obliging female attendants. The centre court yard lit up by Chinese lanterns, kindly lent by Mr Asher, and the long corridors affected excellent promenades between the dances. Leading off the corridor were three comfortably furnished card rooms, which were in general use during the evening. The music provided was in excellent choice, under the leadership of Mr Barber, with whom were associated Messer Foden, Minifie, Grey and Rickman. The whole arrangements of the ball proved a remarkable success, and the result is attributable, in a great measure, to the indefatigable exertions of the committee of ladies and gentlemen who generously assisted so worthy an object. We might more particulary mention Dr and Mrs Johnston, Mrs and Miss Brogden, Mrs Norris, Mrs Nathan, Miss Featherston, Mr Thistle (the honorary secretary), Mr Shannon, Dr Gillon (Hospital Surgeon). The committee were also much indebted for monetary assistance from Mrs Hadfield and Mrs Rolleston, and for contributions of wines &c. to Messers Arthur Baker, Jacob Joseph, E Pearce, J S M Thompson, A Young, J Maginnity, J Monteith, Kempthorne Prosser and Co, W and G Turnbull and Co, F A Krull, and Leichtshelindl (of the Empire Hotel), the latter gentleman further supplying table ornaments and other requisites. Mr and Mrs Vosseler, confectioners, also added their quota. To Mr J S M Thompson (Thompson, Shannon and Co) is due the credit of the decorations. They were devised by him and carried out under his supervision. He also was particularly prominent in arranging matters with the trustees for the use of the Hospital. No ladies could have worked harder than Mrs and Miss Brogden and Mesdames Norris and Newman in preparing the supper room. They were indefatigable from the outset, turning their hands to anything and everything to promote economy and the success of the affair. We have been asked by many people how it was that his Worship the Mayor did not take any part in the proceedings, and to this we may reply, because he disapproved of the manner in which it was proposed to open the Hospital. He emphatically declined, when appealed to, to have anything to do with the ball. In conclusion, it is generally admitted that the ball was one of the most successful ever held in Wellington, and it is confidentaly anticipated that the pecuniary result arising therefrom will enable the committee to make a substantial addition to the convalescent fund of the hospital.

The New Hospital Ball

Reproduced from the New Zealand Mail, 25 June, 1881, p17c-d

courtesy Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of NZ,
Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa

The ball about which so much expectation has been held during the past fortnight, came off on 20th June with eclat at the new Hospital, Newtown. The preparations made by the managing committee to ensure a success were perfect in every particular, not a single hitch occurring during the proceedings. The weather was fine with a clear and mild atmosphere, and just such an evening to tempt the most fastidious to venture out of doors. The gathering at the new building was estimated at 500, representing not only the elite of the city but of every class of our citizens. It was anticipated that His Excellency the Governor and Lady Gordon would honor the occasion with their presence, but the only representatives from Government House were Captain Knollys and His Excellency's private secretary, both of whom stayed but a short while. The Ministry found a worthy representative in Mr W. W. Johnston, the Postmaster General. A number of members from each branch of the Legislature were also present.
The means of transit from the various parts of the town were afforded by the tram cars which ran to and from the scene of attraction every half hour, a convenience liberally patronised by a large number of those who attended the ball. The cabs also had no reason to complain, as they were kept constantly going until the "wee sma hours". From the stopping place of the tram cars on Adelaide road to the hospital, a distance of 400 yards, a commodious 'bus and an unlimited number of other vehicles ran in connection. The road, recently constructed, was lit up at short distances with lanterns, thereby rendering the journey one of pleasure to those who preferred walking.

The scene within the building was all animation, and showed at a glance that the committee had spared nothing to ensure the comfort of their guests. The interior was proportioned off in the following manner: Apartment No. 1, which will hereafter be known as the female ward, was appropriately reserved for the ladies' dressing room.; No. 2 ward as the dancing saloon, the same having been tastefully decorated with flags and evergreens; No. 3 ward, as the supper room, in which were three tables literally groaning under the sumptuous edibles provided. Refection tables were also provided at each end of the corridor, in charge of obliging female attendants. The centre court yard lit up by Chinese lanterns, kindly lent by Mr Asher, and the long corridors affected excellent promenades between the dances. Leading off the corridor were three comfortably furnished card rooms, which were in general use during the evening. The music provided was in excellent choice, under the leadership of Mr Barber, with whom were associated Messer Foden, Minifie, Grey and Rickman.

The whole arrangements of the ball proved a remarkable success, and the result is attributable, in a great measure, to the indefatigable exertions of the committee of ladies and gentlemen who generously assisted so worthy an object. We might more particulary mention Dr and Mrs Johnston, Mrs and Miss Brogden, Mrs Norris, Mrs Nathan, Miss Featherston, Mr Thistle (the honorary secretary), Mr Shannon, Dr Gillon (Hospital Surgeon). The committee were also much indebted for monetary assistance from Mrs Hadfield and Mrs Rolleston, and for contributions of wines &c. to Messers Arthur Baker, Jacob Joseph, E Pearce, J S M Thompson, A Young, J Maginnity, J Monteith, Kempthorne Prosser and Co, W and G Turnbull and Co, F A Krull, and Leichtshelindl (of the Empire Hotel), the latter gentleman further supplying table ornaments and other requisites. Mr and Mrs Vosseler, confectioners, also added their quota. To Mr J S M Thompson (Thompson, Shannon and Co) is due the credit of the decorations. They were devised by him and carried out under his supervision. He also was particularly prominent in arranging matters with the trustees for the use of the Hospital. No ladies could have worked harder than Mrs and Miss Brogden and Mesdames Norris and Newman in preparing the supper room. They were indefatigable from the outset, turning their hands to anything and everything to promote economy and the success of the affair. We have been asked by many people how it was that his Worship the Mayor did not take any part in the proceedings, and to this we may reply, because he disapproved of the manner in which it was proposed to open the Hospital. He emphatically declined, when appealed to, to have anything to do with the ball. In conclusion, it is generally admitted that the ball was one of the most successful ever held in Wellington, and it is confidentaly anticipated that the pecuniary result arising therefrom will enable the committee to make a substantial addition to the convalescent fund of the hospital.