WAIRATA NEWS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18284, 30 December 1933, Page 14

WAIRATA NEWS

HOME CLUB -FUNCTION

(Herald. Correspondent.)

Favored by brilliant sunshine, the Wnirata. Home Club recently field its first Christmas tree and picnic. Fully 200 guests attended, and spent an interesting time viewing the display ol club work, which was exhibited in the school-room.

Mrs A. E. Gibson, of Matavvai, judged the children’s hand-work and pronounced it wonderful work for such tiny pupils. Mrs, A. J. Macrae, president, of the club, exhibited some beautiful samples of Italian cut-work, pen-painting, leather work, colored embroidery, stencilling and knitted cuddly-toys. A dainty ffapa Maori luncheon was served, the wdd pork and kumaras, cooked in the Maori fashion, being much enjoyed. Long tables were laden with cold fruits, salads, jellies and cream, trifles and many such dainties dear to the hearts of the children. Prior to luncheon, Mrs. Macrae, in a happy speech, welcomed the guests on behalf of the club. Allan Beauioy gave a recitation, the theme of which was a humorous welcome from the children.

Races of every description took place, and were keenly contested, some causing much merriment. Tearful losers were consoled with a threepenny piece, and tiie tears were quickly changed to smiles. At 2.15 p.m. children and adults went to the iringe of the beautiful native bush to await the arrival of Santa Claus. Community singing and items by the children were much enjoyed, pending his arrival, and Santa Claus was espied coming up the school pathway and children and adults rushed to meet him. He was greeted right royally by the children, and little Shirley Beaufoy, in a pretty speech, thanked Santa for coming such a long way to visit the Christmas tree and make the children happy. Santa was then escorted to the Christmas tree, which was heavily laden with beautiful gifts and toy balloons. Personal gifts were also to be distributed from the tree. The guests and Santa were then entertained by club members, who presented a programme of song and elocutionary items, after which Santa Claus, assisted by Mrs. Macrae, Mrs. W. Beaufoy and Mr. Albrecht, distributed the gifts from the tree.

Mrs. Beaufoy, in a short speech, referred to the good work which Mrs. Macrae had accomplished among the children, and on behalf of her children and herself, asked Mrs. Macrae to accept a piece of Pyrex-ware and an antique sugar container as a token of their love and esteem for her. Little Nola Beaufoy presented Airs. Macrae with a beautiful bouquet. Mr. Hansen presented Mrs. Macrae with an inlaid cane as a mark of appreciation for her efforts on behalf of the children. Airs. Macrae suitably acknowledged the gifts. Great excitement was caused among tlie children by the arrival of “Bib” and “Bub,” the two clowns, who with a “whoopee” arrived, almost unseen, among the children. They were soon great favorites by their quaint patter, sweets scrambles, and queer antics. A dainty and much appreciated afternoon tea was served in the shade of the beautiful tree ferns. Ice cream was also dispensed by Mr. Priestley. At the conclusion of the festivities Mr. Hansen was called upon to propose a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs. Macrae, on behalf of the visitors, for the most enjoyable day which she had provided for them. Mr. Hansen’s remarks were received with acclamation, guests joining in the singing of “For She’s A Jolly Good Fellow.” Miss Phyllis Cooper, on behalf of the Alatawai guests, presented Mrs. Macrae with u bouquet of choice flowers.

In responding, Airs. Macrae expressed the pleasure the organising of the Christmas tree had given her, and 1 paid a tribute to those who had so willingly helped to make the gathering such a success. Thanks were especially due to Air. and Mrs. Tape, Airs. Rua, Mr. Kingi, and Air. John Tai for their efforts at the kapa Maori • to Mr. Beaufoy, Mr. Macrae and Mr. Albrecht for much valuable assistance; and to Mrs. W. Beauioy, who had always proved to be such an enthusiastic and optimistic member of the club. Messrs. Carruthers, Stephenson, Pipe, and Chilcote were also deserving of praise for their efforts on behalf of the children. Thanks were also expressed to Misses Carruthers, Macintosh and M. Pratt, who volunteered to assist at the tables. Mrs. Macrae expressed her appreciation of the kindness of the residents of Opotiki, who were so liberal with gifts for the tree, and who had journeyed so far in order to entertain the children. A hearty round of applause was then given for all helpers, Air. Tape responding with a haka. That widespread interest was taken in the proceedings was shown by tho fact that visitors journeyed from as far as Gisborne and Tauranga to be present. Mr. K. S. Williams, M.P., forwarded a telegram of congratulation upon the achievement of the Christmas tree, and hoped all would have lots of fun and enjoy the sunshine. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs. Braae, Stewart, W. Anderson and Alerry. The proceedings terminated with the singing of “Aula Lang Syne” and the National Anthem.