CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS TREE PARTY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 17, 19 December 1927, Page 3

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS TREE PARTY.

A popular function to which the children of members of Loyal Manawatu Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., look forward with considerable pleasureable anticipation every year was the Christmas tree party held in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Cuba Street, last Saturday afternoon and evening. Although the party was timed to commence ot 3 p.m., quite a crowd of "children, the younger ones accompanied by their parents, assembled long before that hour, but as the committee had received word from Santa Claus to the effect that, owing to tho large number, of children to be catered for he would be obliged to bring another one to assist him at the huge Christm as tree, the children could not be admitted until the appointed hour. No doubt some, of the little ones marvelled .at the presence of two Santa Claus, but they were not slow in going forward wTien they were admitted, and tho fii'st point of interest, of course, was the huge Christmas tree with its bright array of toys and gifts, the glistening snow and other decorative matter bringing forth exclamations of delight from many small admirers. As the children entered, each one was taken under, the wing of one of tho brothers and presented to the secretary, who provided a card which, on presentation to Father Christmas, entitlad the bearer to one of the many gifts, also a great big balloon. Among the attractions provided for the entertainment of the youngsters were tug-o’-war, various games, and bun-eating competitions for bo.ys and girls of various ages. Owing to the amount of work entailed in keeping the children entertained, it was not convenient to record the names of prizewinners; this omission, however, is hardily likely to bother those concerned—they were amply • rewarded for their prowess in the various sections by being the happy recipients of excellent presente. Throughout the party, there was an abundant supply of sweets, soft drinks, cakes, etc., to which healthy .appetites did full justice, the parents behig served with afternoon tea by the ladies of the committee. At the close of the party several of the ladies of the committee, directed by)the secretary, attended to the packing of parcels’ to be posted to the children of members who were unavoidably absent. When this had been done, they were provided with a well-earned supper.