POOR CHILDREN.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 300, 18 December 1931, Page 10

POOR CHILDREN.

Over 100 Entertained to Tea. OPTIMISTS’ CLUB. If happiness can be expressed in lung-tearing “ hurrahs,” in vigorous clapping and stamping of feet, in bright, expectant smiles and unrestrained laughter, then the 130 children of the city whom the Optimists’ Club entertained last evening at the Y.M.C.A. experienced the sensation to the utmost. And in their enthusiasm the members of the club and their assistants found their best appreciation. It was the fourth annual tea given by the club to poor children, and in all wavs it was an unqualified success. The club had prepared for only 100 children, but it must have prepared on a large scale, for when they had been ‘‘filled to the brim with large assortments of sandwiches, cakes, jelly and cream, plum pudding, raisins, nuts, chocolates and soft drinks, there was enough left over for another large battalion. Cheers for the Mayor. “ Hurrah! ” they shouted when the Mayor (Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P.) and Mrs Sullivan paid a visit for a few minutes, and they gave Mr Sullivan thundering applause when in a happy speech he told them of the trouble which the members of the club had gone to in trying to make them happy. He knew what they were feeling, he said, for he had been as they were when he was a child and still remembered with delight the treats which kind people had provided. Father Christmas arrived shortly afterwards and an excited horde of children nearly submerged him as he opened his bag and distributed gifts. Were they happy? They were—and they gave full expression to their joy as they milled round the red-cloaked figure of plenty as he smiled on them, patting this one on the head and whispering a 'word to another. The Entertainment. The stage was now set for the entertainment, and the children and the Optimists joined with vigour in the singing of “ Pack up Your Troubles.” It was a well-arranged entertainment, with magicians, ventriloquist and the other types of artist that bring delight to small boys and girls; and they followed with interest while red drinks were poured from bottles containing only water, and balls were produced from soace. It was a happy gathering, and when Mr Mark A. Richards wished them, on behalf of the Optimists, a ‘‘Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” with prosperity for them and their parents, the deafening cheers and broad, beaming smiles conveyed more than words could have done the gratitude of the children, and the promise that they would take away what the Mayor had called “ the spirit of Christmas.”