RONGOTEA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 23, 23 December 1932, Page 11

RONGOTEA

(From Our Own Correspondent.) RONGOTEA, Dec. 21. Tho largo crowd that gathered last evening at tho Methodist Sunday School was another evidence of tho popularity of the annual visit of Father Christmas to the school. As usual, the event had been looked forward to for a long time, and much painstaking labour and preparation had been put into it. After two or threo hurried visits to sick folk, Father Christinas arrived on tho scene amidst much excitement. The proceedings opened in the usual way with praiso and thanksgiving, followed by a programme in which tho following took part: Scripture recitation, Alyce Hancox; solo, Miss Foster; quartette, Misses G. and J. Bennett, Messrs IT. and E. Bennott; dialogue, junior girls; recitations, Lily Glover, Ruth Bennett, Annie Fraser and Joan Hunt. On being called upon to speak, Father Christmas was greeted with rounds of applause. His advice was good and timely, and, while very happy and jovial in his romarks to the children, he did not forget the deeper side and emphasised the meaning of Christmas in commemoration of the corning of Christ, showing that underlying tho giving of gifts to one another was the greatest gift of all when God gave His well beloved Son to be the Saviour of sinful man. These things, he said, should fill us with gladness and joy, and call forth our best in return. At tho conclusion of the formal programme, nuts and sweets were distributed, and later from his “cave.” Father Christmas presented everyone w T ith a small token, adults as w T cll as children. Throughout tho evening members of the Feilding Salvation Army Band, who always put in an appearance, rendered several instrumental items, which helped brighten the proceedings and gave pleasure to all. To tho band a hearty vote of thanks was tendered; their great kindness in coming out year after year leavets a lasting impression. At a late hour the superintendent of the Sunday School called for order, tho Doxology w ? as sung, final farewells were said, and the happy evening closed.