CHRISTMAS CHEER

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 151, 23 December 1929, Page 15

CHRISTMAS CHEER

AT MOUNT CRAWFORD GAOL

The annual Christmas party at Mt. Crawford Gaol took place on Saturday afternoon, and proved a most successful function. The central hall " had been beautifully decorated with lycopodium, flowers, and flags, very tastefully disposed, the corridor, where tea was set, being also gaily adorned in the same fashion, reflecting much credit on the decorators. The tea was given and arranged as usual by members of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Presbyterian Orphanage Committee, under the direction of Mrs. Lowe. The assistants included. Miss Hume, Miss Williams Mrs K. Tait, Mrs. Webster, Mrs. Bcdgrave! Mrs. Purdy, Miss Sunderland, and Miss Shepherd. These ladies had provided an excellent tea, with pies, sandwiches, cakes, fruit salad, etc. The table decorations were very effective, consisting of strips of red' and blue paper across the white cloths, the flowers being to tone. Cigarettes and tobacco were handed round after tea, and completed the enjoyment which was apparent to everyone. Then followed a delightful concert given by Mr." Norman Aitken and party, and probably no establishment of the kind has ever echoed with laughter such as followed Mr. Albert Bussell in his comicalities. But every item was of the best and encores were the order of the afternoon. Mr. Aitken and his son, Mr. Hedley Aitken, gave excellent recitations, Mrs. Wilfred Andrews sang, Mr. Herbert Wood gave two songs, as also did Mr Wilbur Davies and Mr. Dan Folev while Mr. Harry Brusey was an artistic accompanist for. the whole afternoon. It was a delightful programme throughout. Mr. Dallard (Controller-Gcceral of Prisons) was present, with Mrs. Dallard, and thanked the performers, the Presbyterian Ladies' Guild, and all those who had helped to make such a happy afternoon for the men. Ho added his own kindly Christmas greetings ancl wishes-. The Bey. A. B. Todd also spoke, and thanks were extended to the Superintendent (Mr. Down) and to his staff for all the help they haa given so willingly and efficiently. The afternoon closed with the singing by the men of "For They are Jolly Good Fellows," anfi cheers for all donors of freshments and cigarettes. Then finally the National Anthem closed a memorable afternoon. Among those present were Mr. Salek, J.P., and Mrs. Salek Mr. and Mrs. G. H. P. Davidson, and Mrs. ana Mr. R. G. Chatfleld. Motorcars were provided by Mr. Herbert Wood, Mr. G. H. P. Davidson, Mr. Albert Russell, Mr. Norman Aitken, Mr Hueston, Mr. Dallard, and Mr. Chatfield. Those who contributed to the tobacco fund were Mrs. G. H. P. Davidson £1 Is, Mrs. J. J. Clarke 10s 6d Mrs. Coutts (collected) 10s Cd, Mrs. F. A Knight 5s (collected 8s), and Mrs. Chatfield (collected) £1 3s. Messrs. W D and H. O. Wills (per Mr. Hunt) gave very generous terms for the tobacco and a donation as well.