CHILDREN’S PARTY IN BARRACKS

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28158, 22 December 1956, Page 2

CHILDREN’S PARTY IN BARRACKS

FATHER CHRISTMAS COMES IN JEEP A jeep drove into the King Edward Barracks late yesterday afternoon carrying a red-coated, white-whiskered Father Christmas with a load of presents for between 130 and 140 children of members of the staff of headquarters of Southern Military District and Area 10. The presentation of the presents before a gaily-decorated Christmas tree was the climax of the party. Close by the scene of the celebrations was an imposing stack of bags of cement which have been stored in the barracks for months. Earlier, the children were entertained for 45 minutes with a film showing of cartoons and at the same time their parents took afternoon tea. After the films, the children were served with soft drinks and sweets. The party was organised by the Army Education Welfare Service, assisted by Area 10 and the civilian staff. The compere was Lieutenant J D. Joynt, of the Army Education Corps, and Lieutenant J. Swann, staff officer. New Zealand Medical Corps, at Southern Military District, was Father Christmas. The commander of the Southern Military District (Brigadier J. T. Burrows) spoke at the end of the party.