BALL, During the winter season in Shang-bai many public dances are held, but none is looked forward to with greater anticipation or interest than the biannual ball given by the Freemasons of Shanghai. The Masonic Ball held at the Town Hall on Tuesday night was one of the most largely attended that has taken place in Shanghai, and the (owmittee deserve the cordial thanks of all who were present for their successful exertions. There were from 1,200 to 1,600 guests present and the ball-room was consequently little overcrowded, but not to any serious extent. The ladies looked charming in their ball toilettes, and the Masonic regalia worn by the Brethren, the many badges of office and of the Masonic order represented added to the gaiety of the scene.
The Committee vied with each other throughout the evening in giving attention to the comfort and enjoyment of their guests; the floor, though lacking elasticity, was slippery and in good condition; supper was well served and the music was all that could be desired.
It is to the credit of the Decoration Committee that the designs, which wore particularly artistic, differed materi ally from those of previous years, So many balls are held in the Town Hall, year after year, and on many occasion: each year, that it is difficult to outline not only devised decorations on a new plan, but have carried them out with very successful results. For this success the thanks of the Committee and guests are due to the Decoration Committee, and. particularly to Mosars. J. B. Roach, A. G. Hickmott, W. B. Buyers and J. Gould, as well ax the Hon. Sec. Mr. F, H. Crossley, who haa worked indefatigably to make the ball a success.
In the absence of Mr. W. H. Ande sen, R.w.D.0.., (President), the guests wore received by the Vice-President, DrR. 8.1 aM. who occupied the Master's chair at the head of the staircase and the entrance to the hall.—Sapporting him, were the Hon. Secretary and the other members of the Committee and stewards, attired in the regalia of their respective Lodges.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.