BLIND CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY

Press, Volume CI, Issue 30007, 17 December 1962, Page 2

BLIND CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY

Santa Claus made more than his usual share of noise in the grounds of the Christchurch headquarters of the New Zealand Foundation for the Blind on Saturday afternoon. To the accompaniment of mucn hooting and honking he thrilled the 15 blind children present by visiting their annual Christmas party in a large “Wallie” train.

Later, after distributing presents with the assistance of a fur and tinsel-bedecked fairy princess, he offered free rides around the large grounds to all. With the emphasis on sound attractions, the afternoon’s programme included a fourman musical playette presented by a Christchurch ventriloquist, Mr Clanrie Day. Received with obvious glee by both blind and sighted children, the "performers" were afterwards carefully inspected and questioned at length by their perspicacious listeners.

"Do you smoke?” asked one boy of the chief character, “Charlie.” “No, I’m trying to give it up,” he replied quickly. “Thought you said before you were only 10 years old,” pestered the boy. “Oh they’re too quick for me,” muttered Mr Day to adults nearby. Other highlights of the programme included a treasure hunt where the children hunted in pairs for Objects around the grounds, the large

crackers presented to each child on leaving, and the Christmas carols relayed ouitside during the afternoon. Before the party tea was served inside, the Christchurch director of the foundation (Mr G. F. C. Ashdowne) introduced the president of the CanterburyWest Coast parents’ Committee of the foundation (Mr J Hoare), who spoke briefly It was now hoped to continue the new policy of holding separate Christinas functions for adults and children at the centre, he said. The chairman of the board of trustees of the foundation (Mr J. Robertson) thanked the staff of two Canterbury hotels, at Leeston and Lyttelton, and of the vessel, Holmlea. who had helped to make possible the celebration. Also present were parents, brothers, sisters and other relations of the guests of honour,, and staff members of the foundation.