One hundred and thirty-one children, ranging from babies up to strapping youngsters, were lavishly feasted and entertained yesterday afternoon at the annual Christmas kiddies' party given at the Shanghai Municipal Police Club in Foochow Road. It was the third such function held at the- club and the attendance set a record: Owing to the hostilities, no party was given last year, and in 1936 the attendance was below the 100 mark.
Yesterday an elaborate programme of entertainment was presented through the afternoon and early evening. Sergeant J. Mills was Father Christmas and he also gave various comic sketches before the distribution of gifts. Others whose talents were displayed included Sergeant F. Ambrose and Probationary Sergeant Reece. Liberal gifts were handed to all the youngsters by Santa Claus, and a vast quantity of cakes, tea and lemonade was consumed.
The arrangements were in the hands of the House and Entertainments Committee, composed of Supt. V. Sharman, Chairman; Jailer E. Bouvier, Inspector E. G. Trodd, Sub-Inspectors: J. C. Dickson, G. J. B. Pryde and E. J. Harper, and Detective-Sergeant J. Bradley. This group was ably assisted by an energetic ladies' committee composed of Mesdames Bouvier, B.. B. Boddy, Dickson and Pryde.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.