Spirit of Christmas

Christmas, 1969, saw the end of a most eventful year for Gisborne. Children mostly, though, enjoyed the festive season and our cameras caught a variety of expressions as well as the spirit of the occasion when others worked so that the more fortunate could enjoy themselves.

The pictures were taken at the Christmas party held for the children who attend the day nursery at the Heni Materoa Home. They show some of the delightful expressions to be caught by a camera.

Hard working Santa listens earnestly as a young girl makes her requests at Adairs Store.

David Bray brook enjoys the spoon as much as the food.

Julie Booth in her paper chapeau

"The food is terrific" – Debbie Daitas.

These three serious faces belong to Lance McClutchie, Tina Aspden and Earle Walker.

I hope Santa doesn't forget me!" – Vicki-Ann Aspden.

"You gotta shake a cracker first!" says mystified David McMurtrie.

Crippled Children Society committee member Mrs E. Cummings and Field Officer Mrs Olive Hale posted just on 200 Christmas presents to the crippled children in the Society's area, from Wairoa to East Cape. Postal officer Kim Proudfoot prepares to sort the pile of parcels.

In time for Christmas was this presentation made to the I.H.C. Hostel by the Rere preschool playcentre. A rotary see-saw and two wheelbarrows will provide much amusement for the hostel people. From left: I.H.C. matron Pam Swann, playcentre president Mrs Marilyn Matthews and secretary Mrs Jan Rogers. Young members of the playcentre visiting the hostel are Dean Bellerby, Andrew Matthews, Richard Smith, Ian Matthews and Paul Kirk. On the barrow is Barry Rogers.

Santa really had a busy time. He included visits to the children's parties held for the offspring of staff members of the United Empire Box Packaging

The kiddies belonging to the staff of the Economic Butchery who are pictured.

The youngies at the Elgin Playcentre had a great Christmas party and here they seen polishing off the last of a delectable feed.

Hard-working playcentre mothers and helpers who kept the food and the children under control are, from left, Mesdames Beverley Hughes (education officer), Mandy Apuwai (vice-president), Sylvia Wallen (liaison officer), Alice Robson (equipment officer), Raewyn Crawforth (president), Diana Davies (secretary), and Cynthia Williams (treasurer).

Christmas traffic is always heavy, particularly that of pedestrians. Here the mad rush takes place at the Gladstone Road-Peel Street intersection.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 187 : January 28, 1970

Spirit of Christmas