[December 16, 1940 – Auckland Star]. With a real Father Christmas in full regalia and a nine-foot high Christmas tree laden in every branch, a frolicsome Popeye-the-Sailorman, a sedate Mr. Jiggs, and a circus clown dispensing fun, over 120 children of men from Mount Albert who are serving overseas thoroughly enjoyed a party organised by the local Women’s Patriotic Committee in the spacious grounds of the residence of the Mayor, Mr. H. A. Anderson, on Saturday afternoon. The children were accompanied by their mothers or guardians.
Although a short shower of rain fell during the afternoon there was no dampening of the spirits, of the children, especially during a treasure hunt in the grounds, which had its climax in the discovery of the hiding place of Santa Claus, who was found concealed in a tent guarding the Christmas tree with its precious load. Excitement reigned while each child received his or her present with a cheery word from Father Christmas.
ln a large marquee the children were served with jellies, fruit, cakes and soft drinks, while ice cream was supplied at an open buffet which proved extremely popular with the young guests. Pretty paper hats were given during the repast, and the wearers created a colourful scene as they took part in the various amusements arranged in the grounds. A clever trick-cycling turn by Mr. Middlebrook was a feature of the afternoon’s programme. The mothers and guardians of the children were the guests of the committee at afternoon tea, which was served in the lounge, made gay with beautiful flowers.
The entertainment of the children was organised by Mr. Tait. During the proceedings the Mayor, Mr. H. A. Anderson, Mr. A. S. Richards, M.P., and Mr. H. Jenkin, president of the Mount Albert Ex-servicemen’s Club, attended. The unqualified success of the function and the appreciation of all who took part was a fitting reward for the great amount of work done by the ladies’ committee under Mrs. Anderson. Arrangements are being made by the ladies’ committee for a social function early in the New Year for the wives, without children, and the mothers of men serving overseas.