The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1883-03-24
MINISTERIAL BALL.

The Lenten season is usually very dull and une-
ventful socially. Many people abstain from festiv-
tiles entirely or in part during the whole period of
Lent, on account of religious scruples or because
of certain conyentionalities peculiar to their beliefs
or customs but, Notwithstanding this considera-
ton, society has continued to grow more and more
brilliant and active since the grand event Of the
browning Of Their Majesties. Many private par
ties, besides the more formal receptions and amuse-
ments, which attended and followed the festivities
of the Coronation, have tended to diversity the
pleasures of society and stimulate its eXertions in
the way Of parties, balls, socials and receptions
until last evening this exceptionally active and
Respondent round of social gayeties culmin-
ated with appropriate eclat in the Ministerial
Ball given in honor of Admiral Lyons, Captain
Aitchison and the officers of H.B.M.S. Swiftsure.
This happy social event may be considered the
prOpitious finale of the series of varied enter
tainments which have rendered the occasion Of the
Coronation forever memorable as a harbinSer Of
festive Joy and social delights. The invited guests
began TO arrive as early as 80 o'clock. The
were received by His MaJesty's Ministers W. Nj.
Gibson, j. NJ. kapena, j. L. Bush L. Preston, and
Mrs. Bush, Mrs. Preston and Mrs. f. II. Hayselden,
in the Legislative Hall of Aliiolani Hale, which
had been especially prepared for the occasion.
The upper balcony and the yestibule fronting
towards Iolani Palace and neighboring grounds
ent shapes which cast forth q subdued
light. Those who came to participate III the
enjoyments Of the evening represented every
phase Of social ~retinment, elegance and eminent
respectability III our capital. Perhaps, too,
the large attendance was in no small degree
attributable to the calm splendor of the
signed for mirth, JOY and revelry. The tropic
skyes were clear and serene. A subtle essence of
tranquility seemed to peryade the beauty of nature,
and invite to recreation and social enjoyment. At
s o'clock Their Majesties the King and Queen
arrived, accompanied by Col. Curtis Iaukea, Col.
Pratt, and Colonel Boyd, His MaJesty's aides. Her
Majesty was accompanied by Mrs. Lilikalani, and
Mrs. Swan.
Admiral Lyons, Capt. AtchiSon and the officers
of the Swiftsure, the especial honored guests of the
occasion, arrived shortly after Their Majesties.
The hall where the festivities took place then
presented a scene Of unriyalled b%rilliancy and
beauty. The walls, embellished with the portraits
Of Hawaiin Kings and national celebrities, were
also partially covered with gorgeous flags, among
which were the national banners of England.
France, Germany, Portugal, the United States.
and Hawaii. At the makai end of the hall was the
Admiral's flag draped with the Hawaiian. The
illumination Of the spacious hall was complete.
The music was excellent, and all the minor
arrangements perfectly in harmony with the pro-
prieties Of the occasion. Nothing occurred to mar
the felicity Of enjoyment, and the beauty and
cLiyalry Of the city never appeared in a more
charming aspect than when moving through the
mazes Of the dance to dulcet measures Of music or
exchanging compliment and repartee with all the
lively yivacity OF wit, Of grace and perchance of
love. At midnight the folding doors. which separ-
ated the main hall from the adjoining apartment
where lunch had been prepared, were thrown open.
and three long tables t~astefully arranged and orna-
mented were disclosed to view. Upon them was 4
large variety Of choice yiands, rare fruits, confec-
tions. cake, nuts and meats of every description.
beautifully displayed in vessels of China and silver.
The sight Of this array of eatables was not ONLY an
petIZlng but far TO look upon. 1t may be doubted
whether more elegant cuisine and more delicious
edible delioacies have ever been more thoroughly
relished by a similar festive company, The evident
Zest and satisfaction with which the guests par
took Of the banquet eviuced the taste and iudg-
ment Of those who designated it. After the supper
refreshments were served and then the dance was
again resumed and joy reigned supreme until the
company finally began 10 dispense atabout 30 am.
1t Is estimated there were about five hundred
guests present, among whom were Their Majesties
the King and Queen, H.R.H. Princess LiliuoLa-
lani, His Elk. Governor J. O. Dominis, Hon. A. :.
Cleghorn, His Elk. r. NJ. Daggstt. [. :. Minister.
Hon. J. II. Wodehouse, H. B. VI. Commissioner.
Mons. II. Feer, Commissioner of the Republic Of
France, Senior Canayarro, Commissioner Of Portu-
gal. Hon. C.. H. Judd, His Majesty's Chamberlain,
Admiral Lyons and Captain Aitchison. with a large
quota Of the officers Of II. b. NJ. 5. Swiftsure also
Captain Pearson accompanied by many officers Of
the L. ;. =. Wachusett, A. +. Schaefer, Esq,
Consul Of Italy. Il. w. Laine, Esq, Consul for
Spain. L. II. Davies, Esq, H. =. VI, Vice Consul,
and H. r. Macfarlane Esq, Consul for Denmark.
The officers OF the Government were well repre-
scented also the profession of law and medicine,
and the representation of the ladies was unusually
large and attractive, considering the exceptional
circumstances Of time and season, calculated to
effect a ~festivity of the kind. Altogether the ball
pronounced 4 notable Success.