PARTY IN WINTER GARDEN

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22274, 13 December 1937, Page 10

PARTY IN WINTER GARDEN

CRIPPLED CHILDREN ENTERTAINED FATHER CHRISTMAS ATTENDS More than 100 crippled children were treated to a party by P. Burke and Company, proprietors of the Winter Garden, on Saturday afternoon, under the auspices of the Crippled Children’s Society. A Christmas tree was in the middle of the floor, covered with scarlet and silver balloons, and more coloured balloons, streamers, and flags brightened the walls and alcoves, whore the children sat or lay. Dr. J. Leslie Will, president of the society, opening the afternoon, introduced the Mayor, Mr J. W. Beanland, saying that he was a real Father Christmas, for he had helped the crippled children of Christchurch in many ways. He referred also to the benefactions of Lord Nuffield.

Mr Beanland thanked the society for the city, wishing the children a merry Christmas and healthy Now Year. Mr Alan Brown then led both children and adults through a community sing, after which Miss Bessie Macdonald*s pupils presented a ballet in Russian style. Rousing cheers filled the hall when Santa Claus arrived on a small decorated bicycle and his cortege of fairies began to distribute presents. \ Miss Fleming’s dancing pupils performed, the Hyland duo gave a tapdance, and music was supplied by the Janett family orchestra, Messrs L. Marston (piano), L. McGee (vibraphone). and Mr David McGill (tenor). Aunt Pat of 3YA conducted her session from the Winter Garden at 5 p.m. Dr. Will afterwards expressed his thanks to Mr C.- Guy. Messrs Painter, C. Coates, and H. Otley. Mrs G. W. Bagiev, assistant secretary of the society, Mrs Mansef. and the staff of the Wnter Garden, Mrs L. Robinson, and Miss Jackson, all of whom had helped.