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Efficiency in Pleasure Giving
Production Methods Applied to Hutt Workshops Christmas Party Plans.

Never surely was a happier application of modern efficiency methods made than that at the great demonstration and festival (on the Saturday before Christmas) for the children of Hutt Valley Workshops men.

From the moment when the Workshops Special pulled out from Lambton Station to the sweet strains of the Workshops Ukelele Band, to the last item on the programme, when the versatile Chung Tai juggled his most fascinating jugglery, the afternoon was one long series of thrills for the children and parents who composed the several thousands making up the Christmas party.

Father Christmas himself joined the train at Woburn, to the intense excitement and interest of the children who crowded the cars.

Mounted on a lorry at the entrance to the grounds, it was he who led the procession, beckoning the young to follow him towards the great wagon shop, where his Magic Cave was hidden.

Along the wide concrete-paved midway, a bunch of clowns cut capers as they rode the powerful overhead crane.

Then followed thrill upon thrill as the Workshops Band, the Orchestra, Punch and Judy, Aunt Sally, Skittle Alley, the programme of dancing and juggling, and the Magic Cave all got into real action—on schedule.

Eight hundred and forty children of Workshops men had the right to file through the race that led past the Magic Cave. Each child held a ticket, previously supplied, which indicated the age of the holder.

Father Christmas and his attendant fairies plunged for the various grottos containing appropriate presents for the sex and age of the child indicated, and a fine present was handed over. The child's card was nipped, and then the youngster passed along towards the outlet, but on the way was stopped, first by the fruit men, who handed over an apple or an orange, then by the “sweets” lady, who gave out a bag of chocolates, and once again by the “lucky dipper,” who produced for the already loaded child a surprise packet. Last punch of all on this wonder-producing ticket was for some of the 120 gallons of free drinks provided, and ice-cream at the children's stall.

Next came some great gymnastic and dancing efforts by the clever pupils of Miss Bartosh and Miss Wilton respectively, and then it was a case of lining up for trolley rides all round the workshops grounds, in the improvised electric trains fitted up for the children's amusement.

Altogether it was a great day for all the visitors. The function had an official opening by Mr. W. Nash, M.P., who was introduced by Mr. A. E. P. Walworth, the Works Manager.

The Christmas demonstration for the children is the outcome of weekly contributions by the employees at the shops, and is the work of a fine-spirited committee.

The official party was composed of Mr. Nash, M.P., and Mrs. Nash, Mr. and Mrs. Walworth, Mr. and Mrs. G. G. Stewart, Mr. Spidy, and all the foremen.