CHRISTMAS PARTY

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 76, 23 December 1940, Page 4

CHRISTMAS PARTY

British Children Guests Of Sir Harry & Lady Batterbee

\ wlerfiil Chrisliims party for Briti'h children resilient in II"- Wellington district under lhe overseas reception scheme was given mi Saturday b\ Sir Harr.i Batterbee Hi"h Cmnmjssiimer for lhe Lulled Kingdom, and Lady Batterbee, al I heir home ••llaiichigli." Wellington Every detail of lhe parly wa< planned to'give the children enjoyment, ami they entered into the spirit of the event with a happiness which must have greatly gratified their host and hostess. A feature ol the bountiful Christmas lea. served in the dining-room, was a large cake decorated wilh a cleverly-executed Maori house made in icing. Each child received a paper hat and bon lions. After lea. everybody trooped io a large upstairs room to discover. a decorated Christmas tree. '-Father Christmas” then arrived with gilts tor each child, including 12 small New Zealanders who later took part m a ( liristmas play. Tile play was a specially enjoyable part of the parly. Called '•'Flic Lillie Briton.” il was written and produced by Mrs. Douglas liarpei and Miss Jan Sloman. Those who look part in it were: Shirley Allen. Jml.v Thorntmi. Wendy Cooke. Peggy Pritchard. Barbara Pearce. Margarei Newimi Peter Zwarlz. Diana I-ussell. luitli Leicester. Judy Shirer. Raymond Martin. Gay < 'astle, amt W inly Agar. After tliis ices were served, and lhe children took part in a community sing of carols and favourite songs. Before they left, the ehildien gave three rousing --British cheers" lor their host; and hostess.

Two spei-ial guests ai the party were Mrs. P. Fraser, wife of Hu- I‘rinu Minister, and the Minister in Clmrgi of tin- Reception Scheme, Mr. Nash. Foster Parents- Entertained.

On Sunday. Hie party was repeated, but. this time it was for Hie fosterparents of the British children. They were received by Sir Harry ami Eady Batterbee and entertained by the same play of the previous afternoon. After the performance a collection was taken up for a fund to benelit children affected by the war, and more than £2S was realized.

•■Ranelagli” was beautifully decorated for both occasions, large bowls and tubs of hydrangeas being used most effectively in lhe spacious rooms.