GAY XMAS EVENING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 34, 21 December 1945, Page 5

GAY XMAS EVENING

AWAKERI CHILDREN ENTERTAINED (MKTS FOR ALL Saturday evening was a gala night for Awakeri residents when over 180 children participated in a special Christmas evening promoted by the local Welcome Home Committee. The feature of the event was naturally enough the arrival of Father Christmas traditionally garbed and bearing a brim-full bag of which he proceeded to deliver- to everyone of the children present. Cheers for Santa were given lustily as he finally moved off after a very memorable visit. Mr Rushbrook Headmaster of the Awakeri School, was responsible for a number of folk dances and the opening Grand March all of which were admirably executed by the children present. Mr Col McDonald, for the. Committee then expressed. Ms appreciation and thanks to all who had assisted particularly those who had so liberally contributed towards, the gifts handed over to the children. He then presented recognition prizes to tlie four children who had sold the greatest number of tickets over a given period. These were: Esnn. Jensen 1; Doug. Powley 2; Tony Haultain 3; Pain McDonald 4. Mr McDonald announced that as a result of these sales, a total of £30 had been collected. He thanked also Mr Thompson of the local school teaching stall' who had assisted the children to keep account of the moneys collected. Free ice creams and drinks were also made available to the children j who about 10.30 a.m. left the floor in order to allow the adult dance to proceed. Music was provided by Mr Reg Thompson (piano) and Mr Tom Eagleson (drums). An enjoyable supper was served by the ladies whilst Mr McDonald once again carried out his duties as a popular M.C. The. committee desire to express, their greatest thanks to the ladies and all others who assisted them in running the event.