CHILDREN’S NIGHT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 December 1940, Page 8

CHILDREN’S NIGHT

METHODIST HOME PARTY AN OUTSTANDING SUCCESS. VISIT OF FATHER CHRISTMAS. There was a merry gathering at the Methodist Children’s Home in Herbert Street, Masterton, last night when the annual Christmas party was held. A large number of children and adults, including members of the Wellington Methodist Board and former inmates of the Home, sat down to an excellent repast, children and adults alike wearing paper hats and other emblems appropriate to the season of the year., Mr F. Wells, chairman of the Home Committee, presided, and extended a welcome to the visitors. It was, he said, indeed pleasing to see so many oi the Wellington Board present as well as former children of the Home whe had now grown to manhood and womanhood, thus showing that they had not forgotten the institution where they had spent so many happy years. One of the first inmates of the Home was among those present, while messages of goodwill were received from former inmates now scattered in various parts of New Zealand, and one from a soldier now on active service overseas with the New Zealanders. Brief addresses were delivered bj members of the Wellington Board. Presentations from the Wellington Board in appreciation of valuable services rendered during the year were made to Miss Allan (Matron), Misses Henderson, Hopkins and Malcolm. Adults and children adjourned outside where good use was made of the appliances in the playground and

game of “no man standing” indulged in, in which members of the Wellington Board and the local committee were overwhelmed by relays of the children. As the shades of night closed in an adjournment was made to the comfortable entertainment hall where a splendid programme of musical items etc.,, were given by the children and the junior choir, all of whom showed skilful training by Miss I. Donald, who played the accompaniments. Dr. ant Mrs Prior, who were made a presentation, were accorded musical honours. I The great event of the evening as i far as the children were concerned I was the arrival of Father Christmas who was given an uproarious welcome. After conveying the season’s greetings to all he proceeded to present each child, as well as several of the adults, with gifts from a wellladen Christmas tree. After having suitably crowned the Revs. H. S. Kings, P. Paris and F. J. Parker, as “Kings of the Christmas Carnival,” he proceeded to distribute gifts from “Father Christmas” and “Mother Christmas” to a number of the adults much to the delight of the children who obtained considerable enjoyment out of the jokes perpetrated on their elders. Handsome sweets bouquets made by “Mother Christmas” were handed to several ladies present who were closely associated with the work of the Home. Members of the Wellington Board expressed . their deep appreciation of the excellent manner in which the Home was conducted, and the happy conditions which surrounded the children. The arrangements in connection with the party were carried out in a manner which reflected the greatest credit on those responsible.