Provision had been made for entertaining over 1000 children and their mothers, and there must have been between 600 and 700 children present and 300 or 400 elders. The party was treated first to a programme of kinematograph pictures, lent by Hayward’s Pictures (Ltd), in His Majesty’s Theatre, added enjoyment being lent by music supplied by the High Street School Band. Then those in the stalls and pit were taken into the Fuller Hall, the rest of the party remaining in the theatre and watching more pictures being screened. In the Fuller Hall — the theatre and annexes were lent free of charge — a large crowd of willing, smiling attendants saw that every one got a seat at the long tables laden with such cakes, fruit, etc., as could not fail to make an instant appeal to the appetites of the youngsters. After sufficient time had been allowed for a hearty meal the party made another journey — to the skating rink in the Brydone Hall. Here were four huge Christmas trees, presided over by Santa Claus — a real live fairy. Santa Claus fully realised the great importance of the occasion, and after solemnly presenting His Worship the Mayor (Mr Clark) with a sword and belt, taken from the tree, he had a busy time with his many assistants in seeing that every little one received his or her Christmas present. His Worship appeared to have a keen desire to flash his sword on somebody, and for some time after there was quite a rush to get out of his way as he made vigorous thrusts at imaginary enemies. The party then filed off down to the stairs, and each one received another present — a bag of sweets and a small bunch of flowers. In the meantime the many attendants had been busy tidying up the Fuller Hall and relaying the tables. Then the second half of the party came in from the theatre, and also had a good "tuck in". A visit to the Christmas trees followed, and the handing round of lollies, etc. The High Street School Band provided further music in the skating rink. The children had, indeed, a very happy day.
• A journey along the coast from Green Island to Taieri Mouth at the present time is most enjoyable, and the road is in fair trim for motoring. On the slopes of Saddle Hill, and in the country south of this landmark, many very promising crops are to be seen, and stock is in good condition.
The lupins, which are becoming quite plentiful on the sandhills, are flowering in a variety of colours, and the cabbage trees and flax are covered with bloom. It is asserted by some that such a wealth of bloom has not been seen for years on the cabbage trees.
Both at Brighton and Taieri Mouth additional cottages for summer visitors are in the course of erection. Unfortunately fires have destroyed a large portion of the manuka and small bush on the high promontory in Hull township, overlooking the bridge, and this gives the place a blackened appearance.
Already many visitors are in their summer quarters, and owners of houses and cribs at Taieri Mouth state that all available accommodation has been already booked for the holidays. — ODT, 11.12.1916.
• COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ
