BEAMING FACES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 December 1943, Page 4

BEAMING FACES

ROTARY CLUB’S CHRISTMAS

PARTY

BOYS FROM HOMES ENTERTAINED

BRIGHT & HAPPY GATHERING

The Masterton Rotary Club brought its 1943 session to a close today with an event which is regarded as the day of days in the club year—the annual Christmas party for boys. Boys from the Methodist. Whatman and Sedgley Homes and others were entertained in a royal manner. Two huge Christmas trees occupied pride of place in the Y.M.C.A. games hall and the children sat down to a sumptuous repast. Members of the club sat among the children and most hospitably entertained them. Gay paper hats added to the scene of festivity. The Christmas pudding was the highlight of the gathering and each boy probed and found silver to his delight. A willing band of workers distributed soft, drinks and ice cream to everyone. Under the able leadership of Captain Sutcliffe, Church Army, the children spent a happy half hour in community singing and games. For the community singing Mr C. W. Kerry was pianist. The president, Mr E. G. Coddington, thanked all members for their splendid work in connection with the party, particularly Mr E. M. Hodder. • Mr Coddington extended a welcome to the boys and said the gathering was a most pleasurable one for all. He hoped that the children were enjoying themselves and he also welcomed Major V. J. Dick, of the Whatman Home, Mr W. R. Nicol, secretary-manager of the Methodist Home, and Mr D. L. Hibbs,-of Sedgley Home. Mr Coddington wished all a merry Christmas.

Presentations were made to Mrs H. Reid and Misses J. Steel and R. Davey as an acknowledgment of their services in connection with the catering. All present were agreed that in, its endeavour to provide an additional ray of sunshine in the boys’ lives the club had admirably succeeded. Mr Coddington thanked Captain Sutcliffe for his services.

Major Dick thanked the club for the Christmas treat and the children showed their appreciation by prolonged applause.