TANEATUA HAD BRIGHT XMAS AND NEW YEAR

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 82, 6 January 1950, Page 5

TANEATUA HAD BRIGHT XMAS AND NEW YEAR

The Christmas and New Year celebrations held in Taneatua have each year gained in popularity and this year saw record crowds to join in the fun and games organised by the Taneatua War Memorial Committee. Visitors were present from all parts of the country. Bright music through a sound system contributed to the air of gaiety on the afternoon’s and evening’s on Xmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Proceedings commenced with a parade of children in fancy dress ranging from a bottle of wine to a broken-down footballerr There were also decorated bicycles and dolls prams. Each child was given an ice cream.

The visit of Santa Claus was the highlight of the evening entertainment and bags of sweets were distributed to the hundreds of kiddies who absolutely mobbed the truck on which he was travelling. After his departure a mad hatter’s parade was held.

A visit by the boys’ band from Whakatane was an added attraction to the hundreds who thronged the streets.

New Year’s Eve celebrations commenced with a wheelbarrow derby, a slow bicycle race and egg and spoon races for children and adults followed in quick succession, each event being well patronised and thoroughly enjoyed by the onlookers. The highlight of the evening undoubtedly was the talent quest. The singing contest drew many entries from tiny toas upwards and all entries were of a surprisingly high standard. Fancy dancing was excellent, although there were not many entries. Unfortunately, was only one entry in the jitterbug competition but that entry provided an excellent exhibition. At this stage the Melody Boys’ orchestra took over and provided tuneful and enjoyable music. Gradually the crowd dispersed to go their various ways, tired children home to bed, adults on to private parties to see the old year out and the new year in, but all were of the individual opinion< that the Taneatua celebrations were the best ever.