PETERSFIELD.]—VOLUNTEER BALL.—Some four or five years ago a ball at Petersfield was not to be thought of, but on the establishment of the 12th Hants Rifle Volunteer Corps, the subject having been mooted, the proposal was so cordially supported and so efficiently carried out by all concerned in it, that the ‟Volunteer Ball” has come to be an ‟Institution,” and is looked forward to as a thing of course. The goodly array of lady patronesses gave far promises of as successful an affair this year as those which have preceded it. Nor did the hopes which were entertained fail of realisation—the absence, indeed, of many who would have been present but for recent domestic affliction was much to be deplored, but in this sublunary scene we expect to meet with occasional disappointments, and on the whole the ball on Monday night may be looked upon as a complete success. The arrangements at the Dolphin Hotel were carried out in excellent style, and nothing that taste could suggest and skill carry out was wanting to make them everything that could be desired; in fact, when we say that Mr. and Mrs. Crafts personally superintended the whole, and did their very best, our readers will fully understand how admirably it was done, the energy and tact which they bring to bear on everything they undertake being too well known and appreciated to need further comment. The decorations of the ball room were carried out by Mr. F. Henson, and did him much credit. At the upper end was a tasteful design in coloured and white cambrics, flowers and evergreens, surmounted by a crown, and the initials V.R.; at the lower end a similar device, with the Prince of Wales’ plume, and the initials A.E. The orchestra, chimney pieces, and cornices were also tastefully decorated with appropriate designs in evergreens and flowers, and the passages with arches of evergreens, interspersed with numerous Chinese lanterns; the refreshment, cloak, lounging, card, and supper rooms were replete with every comfort, and the whole brilliantly lighted with gas and wax candles inumerable. The band was from the establishment of Mr. Bishop, of Chichester. Sixty-six couples joined in the dance, and taken as a whole, the ball has never been surpassed by anything of the kind in this town.