WHATMAN HOME

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 September 1943, Page 2

WHATMAN HOME

OPTIMIST CLUB PJEMBERS ENTERTAINED. ITEMS BY THE CHILDREN. A happy time was spent last night at 'the Cecelia Whatman Home, Master,ton, when members of the Optimist Club were entertained by Major and Mrs Dick and their staff. Before tea the visitors were shown over the building and the neatness and the brightness of the interior brought forth favourable comment. An adjournment was made to the dining room where a particularly cheery atmosphere prevailed. Well over 75 children, visitors and staff members sat down to tea. Following tea Chief Smiler W. Gaze and Optimist E. Esler conducted an amusing and interesting sheriff’s session and from fines levied on “wayward” members the sum of £1 Is was raised to purchase ice cream for the children. Particularly enjoyable items were given by a well trained children’s choir. "Silent Night” and ’’Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes” were sweetly rendered. A number of junior children gave a chorus and Miss Joyce Alet played a pianoforte solo. Gwen Alet sang a solo following which a party of senior girls trained by Major Alet gave a splendid display of gymnastics. On behalf of the guests Mr Gaze thanked Major and Mrs Dick and the staff for their kind hospitality and referred to the splendid spirit of homeliness which existed. It was apparent, said Mr Gaze, that the children had a deep regard for Major and Mrs Dick and their staff. Mrs Dick said that it was their aim to provide a home and not an institution. By team work the home was kept spick and span and bright and the children, after they had grown up and left the home were always welcomed home again for holidays, etc. Mrs Dick said that members of her staff were carrying out splendid work at a sacrifice to themselves. One lady, a fully qualified maternity nurse was engaged solely in sewing for the 75 children, while the lady who was doing the cooking was carrying out wonderful work, too. Supper was served before the visitors left. Mesdames H. E. Pither, C. W. Gaze and G. L. Thomas were also present as guests.