PLUNKET ANNUAL PARTY

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 136, 6 December 1926, Page 13

PLUNKET ANNUAL PARTY

HAPPY CHILDREN AND MOTHERS

BUSY DAY AT THE TOWN HALL.

The most perfect day for a month past greeted tho preparations for the PJunkct annual party on Saturday, and, what was more to the purpose, the weather remained fine all day. Tho usual crowd of mothers with lovely healthy babies who have much to thank the society for in the way of modern ideas of good treatment for the little ones, as well _as .older ones who also bear tribute in- their healthy happy looks to the efficacy of tho system when properly carried out, were therefore able to visit the Town Hall in comfort. Inside there was the prettiest scene. The decorations were very charming, the -stage being backed with, black curtains edged with beautifully mado roses and tho front adorned with smaller roses. At cither side of the stage was a special stall. In o no the famous Plunket stork was in front, with a basket of babes on each Hide and a bundle of them hanging from his beak, and at the foot was a full-sized model baby, dressed in the latest modern fashion, as well as a couple in long clothes. Other storks were around, and the stall was filled with really beautiful baby dolls, all dressed so that the clothes would como off, giving the small owner tho joy _of dressing and undressing. The Christmas tree was on the other side of the stage, and was indeed a thing of beauty, laden with toys of all descriptions. Thero were some particularly fascinating dolls at another stall, unbreakable, with charmingly painted faces and quaint silk or satin frocks, whilo baby dolls wero a delightful feature at another.. Over the way there was furniture for the small beings, a selection of white wooden bedsteads, ' well made, and with original coloured designs painted' on each, and all made up in correct fashion;' One special bed was a "double" one, with lacy frills and an artistic coverlid of gold brocade lined with pale grey satin—a perfect joy to any child. A very 'stately lady in blue and gold shot silk, with a jupon of gold colour, was the effective centreing of another stall which boasted beautiful garments for children, nearby being a fancy stall with many tempting things for Christmas purchases. The flower stall was filled with lovely flowers and plants, and the cake stall in its way was equally complete with good things; in all these was a capital array of. " extras" to make money for the good object of tho afternoon. The great moment came when the doors wero opened. Thero was an inrush of happy little boys and girls, followed as soon as possible by anxious mothers, who had some difficulty in retrieving their own, so excited wero all tho children with the beautiful things. The "community sing" was a great success, tho many little voices doing their best, conducted by Will Mason, with. Harry Wilson at the piano producing the music for a number of nursery rhymes. Then came an. excellent entertainment for the small people. The stage curtains parted, and there appeared several dainty little pupils of Miss Helen Gardner appearing in a charminjr: interpretation of "Oranges and [Lemons," the most exciting moment being the production of the chopper to "chop off your head." This was greeted with shrieks of joy and tumultuous applause. Some pupils of Miss Kathleen O'Brien danced their way into the "hearts of tho happy audience. Clever little performers, whose dainty frocking was thrown into' relief by the black curtains of the stage. A "Water Lily Ballet" was performed by Ada Mottram, Joan , Baine, Eunice Scott, Thelma Bartholomew, Eileen Colgate, and Audrey Daniels. Joyce Bates followed with a pleasing toe dance; next Dorothy Daniels and Jinimie Lockwood gave a Dutch duo.. A Russian danco was executed by Joan Raine and Eileen Colgate, followed by a toe dance by Eunice Scott, a military item hy Dorothy Daniels, and in conclusion Thelma Bartholomew appeared as an eccentric dancing policeman. Throughout the afternoon everyone was, of course, kept terribly busy. Miss EJsmie Ward, the secretary, had to bo quite übiquitous, and members of the committee wero "here, there, and everywhere." One whoso cheery and efficient presence was much missed was Mrs. James Hannah, who has always

taken a leading part in tho Plunket annual afternoon, and who is still in Australia. Another who wa3 missed was Mr. Albert Russell. During the afternoon messages were read from both these workers, with expressions of goodwill nnd regret that they wero not able to bo present. This was followed by the singing of "For They aro Jolly Good Fellows" by all present, finishing up with hearty cheers. Tho stall-holders included Miss Cameron and Mrs. Clayton, with Mr. Downs as Father Christmas; Mesdames Gill, G. Johnson, M'Lean, and Miss-M'ln-tosh; Mesdames Joseph Joseph, Harvey, Edward Joseph, Misses Enid Smith, Alice Nathan, Mnrjorie Joseph, and Mota Hammond; Mesdames C. Richardson, J. S. Elliott, M'Kibbin, and Miss Bai-not; Lady Hosking, Mesdames Clabburn, Alpers, Hodson, Wilkie, and M'Gowan; Mesdames Morice, Herbert, MacEwan, and W. Luke; Mesdames G. Nathan, Miller, R. Miller, and Hyams; Nurse Chapman, Nurse Mitchell, and tho Plunket nurses; Mesdames G. Tripe, Fussell, Downs, Wynyard, and Miss Van Dadelszen. A dainty home-made afternoon tea was served continuously, well managed by Mrs. W. A. Parton and her assistants, who were on duty all the afternoon and for the dance at night, doing capital, service. "Toe II" was moat capable in managing the floor, Mr. Mason was in charge of the children's singing, and Mr. Major the finances. Over £400 was realised, and more is to come in. Hundreds of young people attended the dance which was held in tho Town Hall in tho evening, and from.B o'clock till midnight the hall was a riot of gaiety and colour. All the latest music was played ljy Rodney Pankhurst's orchestra, and the function went off with a swing. Great credit is duo to the secretary, Mr. W. A. Parton, and, to Mr. J. 11. Mills, for their management. Supper was served in a buffet conducted by Mrs Parton and other ladies, and a stall where ices and cooling drinks were supplied proved very popular.