FATHER CHRISTMAS

Hokitika Guardian, 22 December 1932, Page 4

FATHER CHRISTMAS

VISIT TO HOKITIKA,

AT SOLDIERS’ HALL;

Tli© annual visit of Father Christmas to the Soldiers’ Hall took place yesterday afternoon, and proved a highly successful one. Tliei executive of the Returned Seedier s’ Association had made arrangements for a gathering of children of returned soldiers and that the proposal was a popular one could be gathered by the attendance of upwards of three hundred children and a number t(f parents. Promptly on 2.30 o’clock Father Christmas arrived by special! motor car and his advent caused a great stir among the juveniles, and he had a great reception. His appearance was too awe inspiring for one or two of the younger ones but the majority were eager enough to tak© his offerings. In the centre of the hall a large Christmas tree had! been arranged, and it was laden with toys and gifts, Father Christmas having a very busy time with a number of assistants in handing out the

presents. One special presentation was made to the ex-President of the Association (Mr D. J. Evans) consisting of a framed photograph of 'the Soldiers’ Hall, with the autographs of the executive thereon.

During and following the presentation of the gifts, the ladies’ committee entertained! the children at afternoon tea, and a-very plentiful supply met with a hearty demand. There were also- plenty of cool drinks and ice creams in evidence and the children enjoyed themselves thoroughly the gathering moving a great success from every point of view and reflecting every credit on 'those responsible for carrying it out.