Vila Celebrates Coronation

The brightest and most successful Ball ever held in Vila, New Hebrides, was given by the Vila Cricket Club on June 1, 1953, to celebrate the Coronation of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The Vila Cricket Club Committee, Messrs. S. G.

Jones (President), G. Husband (Social Secretary), H. Horsburgh (Secretary), J.

Murray (Treasurer) and R. A. Warren (Team Captain) were responsible for the success of the function. They were assisted by Messrs. G. Ward, N. Gilliland, W. Shipley, L. Bairstow and B. Lodwick, Misses A. Eaton, M. Croker, H. Briat and Mesdames Frouin, Holder, Warren, Max well and Lodwick.

Guests were received by members of the Committee and presented with a rosette of red, white and blue ribbons and a Coronation Badge. Several large photo graphs of the Queen were prominently dis played in the hall and the main feature of the decorations was a huge Crown

suspended from the centre of the ceiling, which supported coloured bunting, and red, white and blue streamers (see top photo).

During the evening various Novelty Dances were enjoyed and handsome prizes were won by lucky winners. The British Resident Commissioner, Mr. H. J. M. Flax man, proposed the Toast to Her Majesty, which was followed by the singing of “God Save the Queen.” Those entertained at the official table by the Vila Cricket Club President and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. S.

G. Jones, were Mr. H. J. M. Flaxman, M. P. Anthonioz, Resident Commissioner for the French Republic, M. and Mme.

Jouve, M. and Mrs. M. Challons, Monsieur, Madame and Mademoiselle Ohlen, Mrs.

Carter, Dr. and Madame Merle and Mr.

E. L. Lancon.

The bottom photo shows some of those who attended the Ball. —Photos by Fung Kuei.