CHILDREN ENTERTAINED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 August 1943, Page 2

CHILDREN ENTERTAINED

BY UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS.

HAPPY GATHERING HELD ON SATURDAY. Scores of happy contented children, wended their way homeward on Saturday afternoon after an entertainment, followed by bountious refreshments, provided for them by the United States Marine Corps. The party was organised by Lieutenant Commander Huitz, and it was attended by the children of the three local orphanages and all State boarded children. The American Red Cross Service rooms were kindly made available for the gathering.

The entertainment was provided by a party of skilled child entertainers brought from Wellington by Mrs Miller. The programmes consisted of band items by the children’s band, songs, ballet and fancy dances and conjuring. Every item was loudly applauded and encores demanded generally at least twice. The Master of Ceremonies was Staff Sergeant John F. Magner, who was an entertainment in himself, especially when he told stories in the style of a Scandinavian not very well versed in American.

At the conclusion of the entertainment Mr E. G. Coddington, on behalf of the children, thanked the Marines, the party of entertainers and the American Red Cross, calling for three cheers which the children gave very heartily. Plentiful refreshments were served which were done ample justice to by the youngsters, who later sang “For They are Jolly Good Fellows” and departed happily. About 200 children were present.