WAIHI CHILDREN.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 302, 21 December 1928, Page 5

WAIHI CHILDREN.

CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT.

OVER ONE THOUSAND GIFTS.

SPECTACULAR CEREMONY.

(By Telegraph—Own Correspondent.) WAIHI, this day. The Christmas tree and party for children promoted by the Mayoress, Mrs. W. M. Wallnutt, assisted by Mr. H. W. Hopkins, acting-superintendent of the Waihi Gold Mining Company and a large band of others, was held last evening in the King's Hall. More than one thousand children of ten yeare of age dad under received gifts. A big Christmas tree was erected in a large marquee at the rear of the hall, and a smaller one on the stage in the hall. Coloured electric lights were strong across the street and the Christmas trees were similarly illuminated. Santa Claus, escorted by a retinue of over a dozen fairies and Esquimaux boys, arrived in a decorated sleigh and was received in the hall by the Mayor and Mayoress and Mr. A. M. Samuel, MJ , . Large crowds assembled to witness the ceremony, which presented a brilliant spectacle and had been splendidly organised by Mr. Lightbourne, headmaster of the district high school, who acted as chief marshal.

After the children had received their presents in a tent, a programme of music and comic turns, dancing by fair* ies, and other items, was staged in the hall, while the Federal Band played. Prizes were presented for the best fancy costumes.

Prior to his arrival at the King's Hall, Santa Clau 3 paid a visit to the hospital, where he presented gifts to juvenile patients, and the fairies gave an exhibition of dancing. Mr. Slevin, chairman of the hospital board, thanked the Mayoress for her thoughtfulness. The whole function, which was the first of its kind held in Waihi, was an unqualified success.