METHODIST HOME

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 December 1939, Page 4

METHODIST HOME

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER. ENJOYABLE GATHERING LAST NIGHT. Last night the Masterton Methodist Children's Home held its annual Christmas dinner before the boys and girls separated for the holidays. The Wellington Board was represented by Messrs F. Kellow, J. Kellow and Feltham, while Greytown and Carterton were represented by Messrs Harkness and Whyte. The Masterton members of the Managament Committee were also present. Mr J. Handyside, chairman of the local committee, welcomed the visitors, and said how glad he was to see so many old boys and old girls present. After the Christmas dinner, at which 75 sat down, the guests were shown over the building and the extensive grounds. The lawns and the kitchen garden are splendidly kept by the boys and girls under the able guidance of the Matron, Miss Allan. The gardens were the envy of every amateur gardener. who had the opportunity of inspecting them. A.t 7.30 o’clock a concert was presented by the children who had been taught by Miss Donald. The way the elder children looked after the younger children provided an object lesson for any private home, and this contributed very materially to the happy atmosphere which was a notable feature of the gathering. During the evening a moving picture film of the Home which had been donated by Mr W. H. Saunders was shown by Dr. N. H. Prior and the children were thrilled to see themselves digging in the garden, snowballing, or moving off to school.

The gathering concluded with a visit from Father Christmas, who in spite of "having came all the way from Lapland" yet managed to remember everyone. ' The visitors went away full of admiration for the sterling worth of Miss Allan, as the Matron and guiding spirit at the Home. Miss Allan has impressed her personality both on the establishment and on the boys and girls who are living there, and Masterton can well be proud of the excellent institution within its borders.