CHRISTMAS PARTY.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 301, 19 December 1931, Page 11

CHRISTMAS PARTY.

Girls of Presbyterian Orphanage Entertained. For the past ten years Mrs William Balch has given a party each Christmas for the girls of the Presbyterian orphanages at her beautiful home in Warrington Street. This afternoon, this year’s Christmas party was held and the children delighted in romping in the garden, playing games and doing folk dances. Mrs Balch was assisted in the entertainment of her small guests by Mrs A. A. Hunt, Mrs Richard Harris, Mrs H. Dyer, Miss Dorothy Thompson and a number of other friends. The garden was looking beautiful with its gay flower beds of roses, delphiniums and peonies and is ideal for such a gathering. During the afternoon Mrs Balch presented each, child with a Christmas gift. A number of friends kindly.lent their cars to convey the children to and from the party. Afternoon tea out of doors concluded a pleasant afternoon. CHRISTCHURCH R.S.A. Annual Christmas Tree Party Held To-day. The annual Christmas tree party, organised by the Christchurch branch of the R.S.A. for the widows and orphans of deceased soldiers and the wives and children of those who are in hospitals or similar institutions, was held this afternoon in the Christ’s College grounds. A Punch and Judy show and a cx>conut shy were attractions specially put on for the children. In addition, the newly-formed R.S.A. orchestra under the baton of Mr H. Glaysher, made its first public appearance and played selections during the afternoon. A stall selling ice-

creams and soft drinks was soon beseiged by hordes of eager children. Inside the College gymnasium the Christmas tree, loaded with big red balloons and toys, drew every eye. In one corner was a huge heap of red and yellow balloons.

The Rev F. T. Read, president of the Christchurch branch, welcomed tije visitors among whom were Mr J. Monteath, acting headmaster of Christ’s College, and the Rev O. W. Williams, chaplain of the College. During the afternoon tea was served in the gymnasium for the adults, while the children played games. The following ladies assisted with the Christmas tree and the ice cream and refreshments: Mesdames F. T. Read, J. S. Chisholm, G. W. Lloyd, G. H. Hayden, W- E. Leadley, H. Fleck, E. Orchard, E. W: Smith, A. H. Myers and Misses Read and Fleck.

The R.S.A. orchestra played the following programme: March, “R.S.A.” dedicated to the association and composed by F. L. Woledge, a member of the orchestra; “Nautical Moments” (Dicker); overture, “ Tancredi ” (Rossini); “Danse Hongroise " (Brahms); selection from Offenbach: valse, “Die Fledermaus ” (Strauss); “ Immortellen ” (Gung’l); “Cinderella’s Bridal Procession” (Dicker).