Christmas Party Season In Full Swing

Press, Volume C, Issue 29691, 8 December 1961, Page 2

Christmas Party Season In Full Swing

Bright floral decorations, carol singing and entertainment were features of Christmas parties held by several Christchurch organisations yesterday. Christmas gifts were presented to children.

A new machine for making taped books for the blind would arrive in Christchurch early next year, said the director of the New Zealand Foundation for the Blind (Mr E. W. Christiansen) yesterday when speaking at the Christchurch branch of the foundation’s Christmas party in the Caledonian Hall. The last shipment of taped books received from Britain would be distributed in February or March, Mr Christiansen said. About 440 persons attended the party. Specially-invited guests included the Mayor (Mr G. Manning) and Mrs Manning, and the Dunedin branch manager of the foundation, Mr F. Mclntosh.

Guests were received by the Christchurch branch manager (Mr G. F. C. Ashdo wne) and Mrs Ashdowne, and welcomed by the chairman of the Canterbury advistory committee of the foundation (Mr I. D. Wood). Thanks to the foundation, and to those responsible for organising the party, were expressed by Mr S. Oakley. Items were given by the Santa Rosa Group. Mr Claude O’Hagan gave vocal items and led carol singing. Colourful floral arrangements were massed together on the stage, and flowers trailed across Hie front. Long trestle tables were bright with posies of flowers. Coronation Hospital. About 100 patients and staff members of the Coronation Hospital took part in the annual Christmas party last evening. Because of renovations it was not possible to invite the usual number of special guests. A feature of the evening was light musical entertainment provided by members of the Ace Harmonica Band. A short address was given by Dr. T. O. Enticott, medical director of the hospital who also introduced the programme. Decorations featured a

large Christmas tree and huge bowls of flowers, in blue, red and white tonings. All patients were presented with gifts of writing materials, toilet accessories, sweets and other Christmas fare. The guest of honour was Dr. lan Maclntyre, the hospital’s previous medical director. Children's Party.— Nearly 100 children attended a Christmas party at Wilding Park last evening organised by the Christchurch district of the Insurance Institute of New Zealand. Specially invited guests were 10 young crippled children, each of whom was sponsored by a member of an insurance company. After a Christmas tea, the children were entertained by films and party games, and Santas Claus distributed gifts to all the guests. Mr M. C. Healey was chairman of the organising committee. School Leavers’ Party.— The Christchurch High School Old Girls’ Association entertained a number of the girls leaving school this year at a Christmas party recently. The president (Mrs R. S. W. Owen) welcomed the members and girls, and the evening was spent in competitions, games, and the singing of carols. Accompaniments and incidental music were played by Mrs E. A. O’Connor. Australian Club.— Mr C. Lowden welcomed members and guests of the Australian club to their Christmas party in the Radiant Hall. Every guest was presented with a floral spray on arrival, and Mrs C. Lowden was given a floral tribute and gift. Miss R. Hewstone’s concert party provided entertainment for the evening. Mrs J. Hadley cut the Christmas cake, which had been presented by Mrs Lowden.