Abbotsford people say good-bye

Press, 1 October 1979, Page 1

Abbotsford people say good-bye

PA Dunedin The sorrow of losing friends and neighbours was felt at Green Island’s Civic Hall yesterday afternoon.

Abbotsford families who had their homes torn apart by the giant landslide in August gathered at the hall for a children’s party and final get-together before going their different ways. For the 107 children, the afternoon was full of fun and surprises. First they were entertained by a Maori concert party and a magician. Each child was then presented with an evelope containing $5O. For the 22 pre-school children, a $5 Post Office bonus

bond was thrown in as an extra.

The money was given by the International Year of the Child organisers ($5000) and the Mayoral Relief Fund Committee ($350). Toys made by members of a local St John Ambulance Brigade and residents of an old people’s home were given to the children, along with books and toys sent in by schoolchildren throughout New Zealand. About 20 posters made by a schoolteacher, Mr David Mills, were distributed to children aged from five to seven.

The party was organised by the children’s appeal committee, made up of local Plunket and Jaycee members.

Mrs Jennifer Stewart, the committee's convener, said most of the children were delighted with the gifts. “I didn’t know 107 kids could make so much noise. They were obviously very happy to be back together again,” she said. Although most of the children forgot that it was possibly the last time they would see many of their friends and neighbours, their parents did not. They sat in groups and talked all afternoon about the homes and community they once lived in, and their plans. It was with much reluctance, and a few tears, that they finally said farewell to one another.