12

St. NICOLAAS EVE, 1907.

Children's Fete at Colombo.

THE arrival of St. Nicolaas Day (6th December), soon
after the Dutch Burghers of Ceylon had initiated mea-
sures to form a Union of themselves, was taken advantage,
of by those resident in Colombo to commemorate the event
by a children's fete on the Eve of St. Nicolaas (5th De-
cember), as the practice has been in Holland for ages past.
The readiness with which a large number of members con-
tributed towards the expenses of the entertainment, and the
eagerness with which all took part in the function, bid well
for this old national custom becoming a popular one among
the Dutch Burghers in future. The thanks of the com-
munity are due in a great measure to Mr. Maurits Wagenvoort,
our recent Dutch visitor, for the interest taken by him in
the movement. But for his active co-operation in the ar-
rangements the event would never perhaps have been un
fait accompli. Among the ladies who took a keen interest
in the arrangements, and to whose services the success of
the entertainment was also largely due, were Mrs. Prins,
Mrs. Edwin Joseph, Mrs. R. A. Brohier, Miss Pieters, and
Miss A. vanDort; while Dr. Prins and Mr. P. D. Siebel,
not to mention several other gentlemen, proved themselves
a most efficient and energetic committee of management.

The function took place at the Public Hall, which was
beautifully decorated for the occasion, on Thursday, the 5th
December, at 5 p. m.; and the gathering, including the
children, was one of the largest that ever assembled there.
Two long tables, laid out with a goodly array of toys, formed
an attractive feature of the display.

After all the children were placed in rows in front of
the stage, Miss Pieters, standing on the steps leading up to
it, explained to them the nature of the ceremony they were
to take part in. She addressed them in the following words:

My dear Children,

I would wish to explain to you briefly why you have been called
here today. This day in Holland is a very happy one to all children.
For a whole month and more beforehand every child in Holland is
very good, because on the 5th of December a great Bishop comes
flying through the air from Spain on his white horse, descends
through every chimney, and brings each child a present. He comes

        

11/30/98