CHRISTMAS TREE

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11023, 20 December 1928, Page 5

CHRISTMAS TREE

SANTA CLAUS AT HAMUA THE CHILDREN’S NIGHT OUT. By aeroplane, from Japan, the children of Hamua were told last evening that Santa Claus would come to see them. In preparation, the H amua Public Hall was elaborately and gaily decorated with coloured paper streamers fanning out from the centr e of the ceiling to the four walls. In the middle of the floor stood a perfectly-shaped Christmas tree, loaded with gifts and toys and big balloons, a sight to gladden the hearts of old as well as young. It was th e children’s night out and to be sure they made the most of it. At midnight even, very few had been tucked between th e sheets. They danced and romped the evening through to their hearts’ content, and longing eyes were cast in the direction of the Christinas tree. On the stage there was a cleverly-de-signed, huge chimney and fireplace waiting invitingly for the patronage of Father Christmas. A little after nine o’clock the children gathered in a half-moon before the stage and cast expectant eyes towards the fireplace. Sure enough they heard what might have been th© sound of Santa Claus landing on the roof. A charm-ingly-attired fairy. Miss Iris Hawkes. heralded his approach, and with a great clatter down tumbled his bag of toys and balloons, to be followed by the old gentleman himself, flowing beard and robes complete. Eyes bulged wonderingly from the heads of fhe tiny tots wh 0 could scarcely credit the privilege afforded them of acquiring a nodding acquaintance with this Supreme Being. Something of the reality of the occurrence, however, began to sink in when they each received a bag of sweets from Santa and h e had a cheery word with them.

There followed the equally interesting performance °f distributing the host of lovely gifts from the tree. Each child had a number corresponding with a toy attached to the branches and nearly a hundred gifts, over £2O worth, were handed out. At orte stage all the lights were extinguished and the flares attached to the branches of the tree were lit simultaneously, presenting a sparkling sight. Before the departure °f Father Christmas oranges, and a bag of nuts, sweets, and a large stick of chocolate was given to the children who joined in heartily in the singing of “For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow.” As Santa made his way up the chimney again he was given a rousing farewell of cheers.

Though only at very short notice, in the early part of the evening the scholars, under the capable direction of the headmaster, Mr M. W. C. Clarice, treated the crowded gathering of parents and adults to a most entertaining programme comprising singing and elocution. The performers displayed more than ordinary talent and wer© enthusiastically appla tided for their efforts. Recitatious were given by the following: Ina Bavlev, “Likes and Dislikes” ; Owen Da vies, “Oh, Father Christmas” ; Hilary Russell, “The Christmas Pudding” ; Grace Fraser, “Fishing,” and Phyllis Davies, “Umbrellas.” Songs were given as under: Ken Hawkes, Phyllis Davies, Thelma Fraser, and Hilary Russell, “Sing a Song of Sixpence” ; Grace Fraser, “Pussy Willow”; Ina Bayley, Jean Ryan, .and Ngaire Russell, “1 am a Little Brownie” ; Sybil Fraser and Jim Fraser, “Lullaby”; Jim Fraser and Joe Scrimshaw, “Ye Gentle Warblers” ; the whol e school sang “Hearts of Oak,” “Dear Little Robin,” and “Till We Meet Again.” The accompaniments were played by Mrs B. Russell (piano) and Mr Cla rice (ocarina). Without a doubt the committee worked valiantly in providing the children with a full measure of entertainment and seldom has Hamua’s younger generation spent such a completely enjoyable night. The ladies, too, deserv© full praise for the part they played and for the abundant and appetising supper that was handed round. The adults afterwards took the floor to the tune of lively music played by Mir L. Nation. An extra was kindly rendered by Mr Grant Smith. The duties’ of M.C. were ably performed by Messrs P. Davies and J Galvin.

In the recent proficiency examination Sybil Fraser was successful from the Hamua school, while Helen Carter and Jean Davies obtained their competencies. Mr E. P. Badger’s medal for the. pupil doing the best term's work in the school was annexed by Jimmy Ryan, of Standard IT.