WORKING MEN’S CLUB

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8612, 24 December 1913, Page 11

WORKING MEN’S CLUB

SANTA CLAUS PAYS ANNUAL VISIT. It was a pretty scene that met the eye of the casual onlooker yesterday afternoon at the W ellington Working Aien s Club. The spacious social hall was like a bee-hive; children of -all sorts wore in evidence in their numbers, and advanced their claims to certain articles on tho great “tree” with la persistency .that ultimatelv led to success. Every year tho Working Men’s Club of this city aims to carry out the true Christmas spirit. For one day in the year the private portions of the club are thrown open to tho wives, mothers, and children of the members, and, needless to say, this thoughtfulness is fully appreciated by the latter. Yesterday, the function of celebrating the glad season took an even better turn than that of last year. There was not much to differentiate between the Sags that festooned the hall of 1912 and those of 1913. but tho general arrangements of the decorations were infinitely better. There was a freshness very pleasing to tho eye about the whole scene that ’ ga,ve general pleasure to parents and friends. The social hall was gaily decorated for the occasion, and a huge Christmas tree, -laden with all the good things that delight the infant mind, filled the entire stage. There was plenty of seating accommodation for the thousand or more children and mothers wno attended, and an energetic committee dispensed afternoon ten. The proceedings were opened by Mr .1 Graham, vice-president, who, after a short address of welcome, introduced Father Christmas to the youngsters and their guardians. From “hence on the lot of the visitor was not an enviable one. He was surrounded for the rest of the afternoon. by an insistent and ever-increasing host of juveniles, and had hard work to give satisfaction to everyone, but his imperturbable good humour prevailed, and every small youth and maid in the joyous throng went home happy. Great credit is due to the entertainment committee —Messrs J. Andrews (chairman), P. H. Wood, and W. J. Smith—for the efforts they put forth to ensure the success of the gathering, and they were ably supported bv a host of willing assistants. As Santa Claus, Air George I)e La Roche looked and acted the character admirably, and the little ones who were fortunate enough to meet him will not soon forget the occasion. Messrs Gordon and Gotch generously donated one thousand coloured comic papers and two hundred picture toy-t>ooks for distribution amongst the children, a kindly act which the officials of the club greatly appreciated.