The file contains correspondence sent and received by Arthur Ernest Butterfield, acting in the capacity of Convenor for the Water Gala Committee of the Hull Rotary Club, connected with arrangements for Water Pageant and Gala held on 11 May 1929 at the East Park Boating Lake; the purpose of the event was to raise funds for Hull Royal Infirmary. The subjects covered include catering, ceremonies, entertainments, transport, publicity, and seating. The file also includes adverts for games and entertainment, letters from entertainers prospecting for work at the event, and invoices detailing some of the costs involved.

A list of the members of the Water Gala Committee can be found on the inside front cover.