CHRISTMAS TREE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 20, 20 December 1932, Page 4

CHRISTMAS TREE.

300 CHILDREN TREATED. Dating back over a period of 14 | years, (luring wh.cli time the scheme has grown from small beginnings to latge annual gatherings, the entertaining of the children ot members of the Alanchester Unity, 1.0.0. F., to mark the approach of Christmas is an event very much looked forward to bv the children. This year’s gathering was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall in Cuba Street on Saturday afternoon, when some 300 children, including forty under the age of 12 months, attended. Under the direction of Brother H. Scroggs, who had carried out the duties of organiser, and aided by a band of willing members as assistants, there was not a dull moment for the little ones, games and competitions keeping them fully engaged. At a suitable juncture Father Christmas made his appeara.nce, but as he was confronted with a task of no mean magnitude in delivering a gilt to each child, the services of a brother Father Christmas were called on to assist him, both being properly attired in flowing robes of red and beards of snowy white complete. Festivities were entered upon at about 2.30 o’clock and it was a very happy band of children who made their way homewards some three hours later laden with gifts, balloons, sweets, etc., the presents of the lodge. At a suitable juncture Brother T. Bruce made an appeal to members, urging the desirability for the children to link up with the Juvenile Lodge at an early age. while thanks were also extended to Air B. H. Just for the gift of the Christmas tree whereon had been hung 500 toys. Gifts which were not collected during the afternoon will be posted out where the members are resident in the country, while some will go as far afield as Australia-