Every month I write a local heritage-themed column, on behalf of The Treasury, for the
Grahamstown Gazette. Here's my piece for the July edition.
From The Treasury:
From The Treasury:
It’s May, 1917; Thames, like the rest of the dominion,
is doing its best to carry on as usual while war rages elsewhere in the Empire.
Times on the home front have been tough, and not just because of the war. A devastating
flood has recently ravaged the town, causing thousands of pounds worth of
damage around Karaka and Waiotahi Creek. Grahamstown’s footpaths have been
obliterated in places by the water; thick layers of silt wrecked houses and
shops. The Borough Council is struggling to find money to pay for the damage.
There are, however, bright sparks on the horizon. On
the Thames Star’s front page, halfway down the column marked Local and General News,
is an invite to the attraction of the season. Thames is about to host its first
ever Grand Regimental Ball, a fundraiser for the 6th Hauraki Wounded
Soldiers’ Fund. Held at the King’s Theatre, the ball was billed as ‘the talk of
the town, and the attraction of the season.’ With the Regimental Band supplying
the music, and a dedicated committee in charge of tickets and decorations, the
ball is set to be one of the biggest events on the town’s social calendar.
Being war time, the committee have decided that ‘dress
is to be optional.’ But where in Thames would one go if they wanted to dress to
impress? Fortunately, J. Bates’ Elite Dress House is right new door to the King’s
Theatre. With new dresses, suits and coat frocks made to measure, as well as
perfectly-fitting corsets, there’s sure to be something to take your fancy. Ben
Hardy’s Up-To-Date Corner is also advertising a new shipment of dress materials
and winter wear in the morning paper; while Robert Wood, Draper, promises
high-grade lingerie and dress-making at moderate charges.
And so to the night of the ball: did it live up to
expectations? A breathless Thames Star reports the Theatre was decorated with
flags and bunting, and the dancing carried on until the early hours of the
morning. Private Herbert Burrett was presented with a handsome wristlet watch
after supper, as a token of the band’s esteem. A group of nurses attended in
uniform, and a large group of onlookers watched the dancing from the dress
circle. The ball was considered one of the most successful ever held in Thames.
Of course, the ball wasn’t the biggest social occasion
in Thames in 1917. That honour belongs to a very special anniversary
celebration...
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