SALVATION ARMY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 December 1942, Page 4

SALVATION ARMY

WHATMAN CHILDREN'S HOME. 17th ANNIVERSARY. The dining hall of the Cecilia Whatman Children's Home was filled by many friends on the occasion of the 17th anniversary programme rendered by the children on Saturday qvening. Major Victor Dick, managing director, welcomed the visitors and introduced the territorial commanders, Commissioner and Mrs Evan Smith. Major Dick spoke in appreciation of the work of the Whatman school staff and their headteacher. Mr J. B. Johnstone. He said that he felt sure that the staff must feel that they had. been repaid by the success obtained by the children in their work during the year. He thanked the businessmen of Masterton for their co-operation and advice during the year. Commissioner Evan Smith referred to the patriotic efforts and work of the Salvation Army amongst the troops. He drew a vivid picture of the perils and experiences the fighting forces and citizens were going through in England and elsewhere.

The programme by the children included company songs by the children; pianoforte solos by Miss Joyce Allot! and Master Victor Dick; song by the primary children; a dialogue, "The Happy Heart,” by a company of small girls; playette, “Darkies Camp Fire Scene,” by the boys; recitations, Rosie Franklin and Lawrence Kell; pyramids display by the senior and junior girls and boys; rod drill and Egyptian balances by the small girls; dialogue, “Aunt Sarah’s Christmas Gift,” Jean Walls and Shirley Jones; vocal solo, Gwen Allott. Mrs Miller Hope played the accompaniments. The tableau “The Triumph of Light,” portrayed to youth some of the realities of life which they would be called upon to face. The distribution of the merit prizes for the year was conducted by Mrs Commissioner Smith. Commissioner and Mrs Smith conducted Sunday School services with the staff and children of the Home on Sunday morning. In the evening the Commissioners conducted divine service at the Salvation Army Citadel in Lincoln Road. Mrs Commissioner Smith spoke on the “Advantages and Disadvantages of the winds that blow upon the life of every Human Individual.” The Commissioner preached on “Light in Darkness.” . The 'Whatman Home children rendered an anthem, and the band played a selection.