SOCIAL GATHERINGS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 305, 26 December 1929, Page 10

SOCIAL GATHERINGS.

The picture theatre at Katikati, Bay of Plenty, was gaily decorated on the evening of December 19, when some 350 children of the district were entertained t>y Lodge Katikati Xo. 295. On entering the hall each child received a balloon and carnival hat and this added greatly to the effect. A large Christmas tree, brilliant with coloured lights and laden with toys and gifts was arranged at one eide of the theatre. Greeted with cheers and clapping by the assembled children, Santa Claue arrived, bent beneath the weight of his traditional sack of toys. A short concert, arranged by the teachers of the various schools in the district, was givsn by the children, and much, enjoyed by all present. After this Father Christmae distributed his numerous gifts. Much credit is due to the teachers in whose hands part of the arrangements for the evening was placed. Light refreshments were partaken of, and the ehowing of moving picturee, kindly arranged , by the proprietor of the theatre, brought to a close a very pleasant and enjoyable evening.

On Monday .night a pantomime, "Revels in Toyland," written and produced by Mrs. P. Weston, was played by a juvenile company in the Foresters' Hall, Takapuna. The object was to raise funds to supply Christmas cheer to those unable t)b procure it for themselves. The Waitemata Women's Progressive League has this work in hand and 20 dinner orders for Christmas have already been distributed. The theme of the pantomime is the corning to life for a brief period of all the dolls in toyland, and when that takes place, at the command of the fairy queen, we meet many friends of our childhood, "Prince Charming," "Dolly Dimple," "Dick Whit tington and his cat," "Boy Blue" and the replicas of all our most cherished dolls.' For chorus work there were elves and fairies, Japs and Chinese, and as 'ballets an old-world minuet, a parody on "The Painted Doll" (which brought forth a roar of applause) and a Chinese song, chorus and dance. The children taking the principal parts were: Margie Hall, Kathleen Winter, Kaymond Winter, Nancy Richardson, Harry Cotterall, Jean, Paula and Dorothy Kestori, Louie Armitage, Peggie Crosher, Josie Mascelle, Peter Brown, Nola Best, Samuel Martin, Joy Corfe and Pixie Bestic. Chorus: v Winnie Ralka, Ada Mansen, Joan Swann, Ursula Martin, Bernice Baker, Cherry Nesbit, Doreen Bentley, Joan Madden, Joan Blackwell, Teddy Madden, Phyllis Gould, Tui Sparron, Ivan and Frank Hitchings, Frank and Roy Brinsden, Rowland and William Harrison, Clifton Jacka, Higson Sollett, Murray Reston, Bob Sparron, Dean Howard and Herbert Anderson. The children's work reflected great credit on the coaching of Mrs. Reston. Before the audience dispersed Dr. H. J. Wilkie, president of the league, thanked them and the mothers, for their help with costuntes, and Mr. Townsend for lighting effects, Mrs. Wickstead and Kathleen Winter ("Boy Blue"), for their help, also ihe executive of the league, and Mr. and Mrs. F. Hawes for ■donations." Patterson's Orchestra was in attendance.