A MERRY PARTY

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12622, 6 December 1926, Page 5

A MERRY PARTY

THE TRUE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS AN INFINITE VARIETY OF GOOD THINGS, Christmas! Magic time so eagerly awaited by everyone! That at last it has nearly arrived was very apparent on Saturday afternoon when the Town Hall was instinct with the true spirit of Christmas, the occasion being the annual party held by the Plunket Society. The hall was a gay sight indeed, with its rows of dainty stalls bearing tribute to the hours of loyal work accorded the worthy Plunket cause by a host of arden supporters, its festoons of leaves and flowers, and best of all, in the opinion of the wee folk, its wonderful Christmas tree, laden with gifts that brought untold pleasure to every lucky recipient. From the moment the doors opened! throngs of eager excitedly chattering kiddies, flushed flower-like little maidens and labouriously washed-up little boys, accompanied by their softly rustling mothers, sisters and: aunts fluttered round like rainbow rniste. Gleefully were their voices raised in community singing inspiring]y conducted by Will Mason, whilst Harry Wilson joyfully played all the test-beloved nursery rhymes .... Alien hush! What could be coming now? Oh,, pretty! The stage curtains parted to reveal several dainty little pupils of Miss Helen Gard’ner appearing in a charming interpretation of “Oranges and Demons.” What a gasp went up from tho enthralled little watchers when came the fearsome chopper to “chop off your head.” The little entertainment was rewarded with shouts of happy laughter and generous applause as it oame to an end.^

Then came some pupils of Miss Kathleen O’Brien to dance their way into the hearts of their delighted audience. Clever little people all of them, whose dainty frocking was thrown into gay relief by the black curtains before Which they danced. First a dreamy “Water Lily Ballet” was performed by Ada Mottram, Joan Raine, Eunice Scott, Thelma Bartholomew, Eileen Colgate, and Audrey Daniels. Joyce Bates followed with a pleasing toe dance; next Dorothy Daniels and Jimmie Lockwood amused with a Dutch duo. A Russian dance was smartly executed by Joan Raine • amc Eileen Colgate, then a graceful toe dance by Eunice Scott, a spirited nn i~ tary item by Dorothy Daniels, and m conclusion an eccentric dancing policeman was interpreted by Thelma Bartholomew.

When sure that no more dances were forthcoming the little folk scattered hack to the other attractions of tho party . . . and how many and how interesting they were! A walk round the stalls showed such an infinite variety of good things. . . toys, can there be any that were not shown there P Dolls ranging from dear little babies presented by a dignified stork to the most intriguing French ladies dressed in bouffant gowns of silk with pert little hats tilted ooquettislily over ono eye. Even the Dutch doll of grandmama’s nursery days was there, flaunting her rosy cheeks and raven hair among her modern pale cheeked sister dolls. Possession was the only thing to lie desired of such an alluring array of festive things, and that was soon an accomplished fact, to judge by the keen purchasing that continued all the afternoon. The many helpere at the various stalls were kept particularly busy, SO attractive were their wares.

A great measure of appreciation is due to the ladies who so willingly gave their services as stall attendants, lhe baby linen stall was in the charge ot Lady Hosking, Mesdames Alpers Wilkie, MoClabburn, MacGowan, and others; Christmas gift stall for adults, Mesdames Morice, Mac Ewan, and Herbert; cake and flower stall, Mesdames Joseph, Richardson, M.cKibbon Elliott, and Miss Barnett; boys toys and dolls’ beds, Mrs G. Johnson the plunket stork, Nurse Mitchell. Novelty dolls, Mesdames Nathan, Miller (2), Symons, Hyams, Molntyre, ana others. Christmas tree, Miss Cameron and others. #

A very dainty home-made afternoon tea was served continuously, and a special word of praise is deserved hv Mrs W. A. Parton and her many helpers who managed tho catering so successfully throughout the afternoon party and dance at night. During the afternoon Mr W. Mason took the opportunity of reading out two wires regretting their inability to attend the function that had been receivd from Mrs Hanna and Albert Russell, who were to assist in leading the community singing. Regret was generally expressed at the pleasure of Mrs Hanna’s and Mr Russell’s presence being unavoidably denied the party, hut a pleasing little touch was noticed in the young folk’s spontaneous singing of “For They aro Jolly Good Fellows,” followed by three ringing cheers for the absentees. Throughout the afternoon Miss Ward was kept extremely busy in the oapa city of secretary, and to her able management may lie attributed a great deal of the success that so marked a. distinctly pleasing function. Tt is to lie hoped that the funds of the Plunket Society were considerably augmented as a result of the party.