RELIEF WORKERS' CHILDREN

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21355, 24 December 1934, Page 9

RELIEF WORKERS' CHILDREN

o PARTY AT LINWOOD PARK

GIFTS AND SWEETS FOR 5000 The eastern corner of Linwood Park was very gay on Saturday afternoon, when nearly 5000 children of relief workers in Christchurch had a Christmas party there. The children were given toys, buns, ice creams, soft drinks, and sweets, and were visited by the Mayor, Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P., and Father Christmas. They had a happy time. The party was sponsored by the Mayor, and the arrangements were made by a committee consisting of Messrs L. R. Moore (chairman), C. C. Scott (organiser), and C. Bowden (secretary). The employees of the Christchurch City Council and the Christchurch Tramway Board assisted with donations, and the Mayor made a grant from his Relief of Distress Fund. The Women's Auxiliary of the St. John Ambulance Association and many other persons gave their aid in the difficult task of conducting the party. Father Christmas arrived on the ground in a decorated lorry. Some fairies were seated round him, and before the lorry marched the Christchurch Municipal Band. In a brief speech, the Mayor said that his fund had been in such a bad way about a month ago that he had not known whether the party could be held this year. He had asked the employees of the Christchurch City Council and the Christchurch Tramway Board and other people for money. He thanked the committee which had arranged the party at short notice, the Women's Auxiliary of the St. John Ambulance Association, and all who had contributed or assisted. He had hoped a year ago that relief work would have been ended by now, but as it was still here he had done his best for the unemployed and their children. Mrs Hugh Williams, president of the Women's Auxiliary of the St. John Ambulance Association, was in charge of the toy tents, Mrs W. Hobbs was in charge of the ice cream, and Mrs A. J. Jones of the tea. The Christchuroh Municipal Band played music. The children were admitted to the various tents by tickets.