LATE SOCIAL NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17231, 24 December 1923, Page 7

LATE SOCIAL NEWS.

Mrs J. E. Fleming and Miss Brake have returned home after a holiday spent at ‘Haeremai, ,> Sumner. Mrs Maitland Rich is a visitor at “Haeremai/’ Sumner.

After Evensong last night the congregation of St Stephen's, Shirley, gathered in the parish room to make presentations to Mr Ward, the choir master, and to Mias Ranger, the organist. The Vicar said Christmas was a season when an opportunity is given to enable those who owe a debt of gratitude to make some small ackknowledgment of it, and what at ordinary times would bo ludicrously inadequate is at Christmas accepted as a token of affectionate thankfulneas. In that spirit he asked Miss Ranger and Mr Ward to accept the gifts from the congregation, which he handed them, via., a Kaiapoi exhibition rug to each : also, to Mr Ward, a fountain pen, and to Miss Ranger a handsome Sunshine puree. Mr Morgan warden, and Mr K. Matheson, Synodsman, also 6poke, voicing the gratitude of the parish. On December 19 the Hopo of St Albans, U.A.0.D.. held flheir first Christmas festival for the children of members, at the Druids’ Hall, 8t Albans Street, when about 130 children and seventy-five adults' attended. The Christmas tree was resplendent with balloons, toy« and illuminations. Father Christmas arrived at 8.15 p.m. amidst shouts of joy from the children, and proceeded with the distribution, of the presents, after which came cakes, drinks and sweats. Musical items were given by : —lrene and Lu Lu Dyer, songs; pianoforte solo, Miss Chamberlain ; violin solo, Master Chamberlain; song, Master Chappie ; duet, Misses M'Cleans, recitation, Rose Olds; song, Brother J. Jowsey; dances by the Misses George. Kelly, M’Clean and B els ten; pianoforte solo, Master G. Ford. The event, for which the committee had worked long and hard, jiroved a great success. Accompanists were Mies Emily Cox and Brother K. George. CHRISTMAS TREE PARTY.

The annual Christmas tree party organiaed by the Star of Lin wood and Golden Link Lodges, was held in the Rolleston Street Hall on Saturday evening. The hall was artistically decorated with streamers of balloons and with coloured lights for the tree gave a very pretty effect. About 200 children attended, and 100 adults. .Father Christmas arrived at 8.30 p.m., and distributed toys, balloons and sweets to every child present, they were also regaled with an unlimited supply of ice cream, sot drinks, cake and biscuits. Brother Jessiman, D.D G.M., addressed the gathering, wishing all the compliments of the season, and Mr D. bullivan, M.P., also addressed the gathering, complimenting the lodges for' providing the Christmas treat for the children. The committee had their bands full in their efforts to attend to the wants of all present., and Brother Perrymanr deserves special mention for presiding at the piano and providing an impromptu concert for the even* ing.