FOUNDATION FOR BLIND CHRISTMAS PARTY

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29383, 9 December 1960, Page 2

FOUNDATION FOR BLIND CHRISTMAS PARTY

"Put out your hand for a gift,” was the cherry greeting which met members of the Christchurch branch of the New Zealand Foundation for the Blind, as they arrived with their escorts for the foundation's Christmas party in the Caledonian Hall yesterday. Greetings were exchanged among old friends, and recorded carols provided background music. Guests were received by the manager of the Christchurch branch of the New Zealand Foundation for the Blind (Mr G. F. C. Ashdowne) and members of the staff of “Fernwood.” The outsanding feature of the party was a programme by 20 pupils of the Te Wai Pounamu College, compered by one of the teachers at the college (Miss K. Tahiwi). The programme included action songs and poi dances, and featured the traditional Maori welcome song, and a song in Maori extending Christmas greetings. The programme was doubly appreciated when it was announced that many of the girls performing had just sat University Entrance and School Certificate examinations, and were also travelling north on last evening’s steamerexpress. For the children present, however. the main event of the party was the arrival of Father Christmas to distribute their Christmas gifts. Tribute was paid to Mr Ashdowne. and to the chairman of the Canterbury advisory committee to the New "Zealand Foundation for the Blind (Mr I. D. Wood) by the member of Parliament for St Albans (Mr H. Walker). Mrs Walker was also present. Mr Ashdowne gave a short address. The Christmas cake was cut by Mrs Ashdowne. who extended greetings to those present. The chairman of the advisorv committee (Mr I. Wood), in an address in which he extended season's greetings to those present spoke of the opening of “Fernwood” as being the major work of the year. There was still a waiting list for “Fernwood.” but it is hoped that the opening of the new wing in the near future would provide accommodation for about 24. he said. During the afternoon presentations were made to Dorothy

Cowlishaw, one of the staff members of “Fernwood,” who will soon be married. They were made by Mr E. Tozer on behalf of blind members of the foundation, and Miss Eileen Goodchild on behalf of residents of "Fernwood.” Mr W. T. Woods moved a vote of thanks to the board of trustees, to which Mr A. Robertson replied. Banks of brilliantly-coloured flowers lined the stage, and flowers had also been used unstintingly to decorate the long tables set for a party tea. About 420 attended.