A Sparkling Success

1937 Capping Ball

Of the more than five hundred bright young people who gathered at the St. Francis Hall on the night of Friday, May 7th for the Annual Capping Ball, it is very doubtful if one could be found who would not declare the show a great success. Of course, opinions as to why it was a great show would differ. Some would tell you it was because there was such a large crowd there, others because everyone was in such fine spirits, others because it was a good floor. others, again, because it was such a marvellous night—in fact, you'd get scores of reasons, but on one point you would find complete unanimity—everyone enjoyed it!

The success which attended this year's ball was not, we thing. entirely unexpected. All the events of Capping Week had gone with a swing and it was only natural that this enthusiasm should be sustained sufficiently to make an excellent finale to a fine season. But it is doubtful whether the most optimistic had foreseen a more perfect conclusion than the 1937 ball.

"Smad" arrived reasonably early to find a band of stalwarts entrenched in a strategic position on the stairs. We were not left long: in doubt as to their significance—they were the anti-gate crashing gang and from the fierce scrutiny they gave "Smnd's" complementary ticket and partner, it appeared that they were discharging their duties quite effectively. Such vigilance, "Smad" learned, was necessary owing to the fact that some "low-down" graduates had actually been "selling" their tickets—a crime for which it was apparent these of the portals considered death an altogether too mild penalty!

To describe the ball itself would be impossible. "Smad" thoroughly enjoyed the whole show and for this reason, any attempt at reproducing the scene on paper seems hopelessly inadequate. You might pet some faint idea of the affair if you take the following ingredients in the correct proportions and shake together appropriately—over everything the same delightful atmosphere of extravaganza that had characterized the undergrads' supper; the college's most charming women beautifully gowned and looking their loveliest; immaculately clad gentlemen ready with a bright remark for every minute of the evening and every woman in the hall, if necessary; an excellent floor; a jolly care-free crowd; an orchestra sufficiently bright to be enjoyable but greatly assisted by extrav. excerpts given by Dick Hutchens, John Carrad, Dick Simpson. Derek Christensen and their jolly lads. There was rather too large a crowd on the floor for successful dancing but that mattered not at all—and anyway if you didn't like it, there were comfortable seats in the gallery, delightfully dark, from which the spectacle below could be admired at ease. "Smad" was fortunate in being in the first supper sitting which was quite good.

No report of the capping ball, however meagre, could be complete without reference to the charming interlude when John Carrad, on behalf of extrav. performers, presented Sheila Fraser with a bouquet on the occasion of her engagement to Tom Innes. Both these young people have given much to Victoria and "Smad" felt that John voiced the sincere sentiments of everyone present when he wished them all the success and happiness possible for the future.

Talking of those present, did we remember to tell you that definitely everyone was there—oh, but you were there yourself weren't you? Naturally! Well you know what a jolly good show it was and how much you all enjoyed yourselves and what a deliciously healthy spirit animated proceedings. Perhaps, you were even one of those who were so successful in converting the lounge into such an hospitable spot for banishing that tired feeling—lucky weren't you!

But then you might not have overheard the following conversation on the floor; Graduate (male); "You know, you can always pick a fresher girl." His partner (female): "How?" He; "By the way she says 'Stop' with such an air of injured innocence." She: "You can tell a freshman the same way." He: "How?" She: "Because he stops."

And so another butch of graduates have been given to the world. To them the ball must have been doubly enjoyable—"Smad" thought it good enough fun for a mere undergrad.