CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR EVACUEES

Evening Star, Issue 24082, 31 December 1941, Page 5

CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR EVACUEES

The High Commissioner for the United Kingdom, Sir Harry Batterbee. and Lady Batterbee gave a children’s party in Wellington last Saturday afternoon, when about 75 English and Scottish children won' present. It was very noticeable how well the children were, looking, and how much they had grown since last year. On their arrival tea, to which they did full justice, was served in the large dining room, the crackers, with the headdress and the beautiful Christmas cake being very much appreciated. After tea. the party adjourned to see a performance in the form of a Punch and Judy show, though in this instance Pinocchio the puppet co-starred with

Mr Pouch. The cheering and clapping showed how much the audience enjoyed it. Then came the great event of the afternoon, the arrival of Thither Christmas, who appeared on the balcony at the top of the house. There was a rush upstairs to the ballroom, where Father Christmas was found beside a beautifully decorated tree, gav 'with balloons, silver balls,-and other decorations, and loaded with presents. A happy halfhour followed, during which Father Christinas handed a present to each of the children and adults present. His three attendant fairies gave out charming little baskets and bundles of sweets. Downstairs several of the old Christinas carols were sung, and those, were followed by ‘ There’ll Always Be an England,’ the Scottish children substituting Scotland for England. Quite a competition ensued, but the Scottish children won by force of numbers. Tee cream and a final cake or two, and the hearty singing of ‘ God Save the King ’ brought, a very happy afternoon to a close.