GOVERNMENT HOUSE PARTY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 69, 6 January 1947, Page 4

GOVERNMENT HOUSE PARTY

FIRST JUVENILE GATHERING SINCE WAR PRIME MINISTER ALSO ATTENDS One of the gayest Christmas parties this season was held last week in Wellington, when approximately 300 children were entertained at Government House under the auspices of “Heritage” Inc. This was the first children’s party to be held at Government House since before the war. The children, accompanied by adults, drove up in buses and private cars and were led into the colourfully decorated ballroom where they were welcomed by the Gover-nor-General, Sir Bernard Freyberg, with Lady Freyberg. After the excitement of shaking hands -with their Excellencies had died down, the children then concentrated on the vast ballroom. One side was taken up by a stage decorated with a replica of Father Christmas equipped with sleigh and reindeer. Hanging from crystal chandeliers were huge tinsel-covered globes ' with festive trimmings. The main attraction, the Christmas tree, stood at the far end of the room, twinkling with coloured lights and laden with presents. Behind this was a dais with two gold satincovered chairs for their Excellencies. Punch and Judy ShowOne of the principal features of the party was the Punch and Judy show by the well-known Wellington, clown, Mr C. Lansdown,. better known to the children as Charlie. Games led by him also drew excited laughter, and sometimes screams, from the children. After this, - his Excellency led the children, Indian style, up to the second floor, where afternoon tea and ice cream Were served. The entertainment was capped by the arrival of Father Christmas, who, after greeting the. children, distributed the presents, each child receiving a gift with his name attached. The party finished about 5.30 p.m., and as the children climbed back into the buses and cars, many were heard chattering excitedly about “their big day at Government House.” The Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, accompanied by Mrs Kemp, the chiefs of the three services, and members of “Heritage” were among those- present.