Newspaper Article 1891 – Christmastide at Nelson Works

Warwick Advertiser – 3 Jan 1891

CHRISTMASTIDE AT NELSON WORKS.

The annual dance of the girls employed by Messrs. Nelson took place on Saturday evening last in the dining hall adjoining the Nelson Club. A party to the number of 200 and upwards consisting of the girls and their friends were present. The room was beautifully decorated with flowers and evergreens for the occasion. A motto “Health, wealth, and prosperity for the firm of George Nelson, Dale and Co., Limited,” worked in red letters on a white ground by the girls, was placed on one of walls, and a seasonable welcome “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” painted by William Spiers was placed over the west door. Above the refreshment room was the word “Welcome,” worked in red on a white background. From six o’clock in the evening to half-past eight the party amused themselves by dancing and with games. At that time Mr. and Mrs. E. Montague Nelson, Miss Ethel Nelson, Mr. H.M. Nelson, Mr. and Mrs. J.N. Williams, Mr E.W. Nelson, Mr. H.B. and A.B. Williams and Miss Williams (of New Zealand), Mr. Roger Bullock, the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Dickins, and Miss Dickins arrived, and directly afterwards the ball was opened by a country dance led off by Mrs. E.M. Nelson, Mr. J. Williams, Miss Hart, and Mr. E.W. Nelson. Mr. Rigg’s band was in attendance. Mr. John Mottram acted as M.C., and Messrs. Wallin and Colledge gave their services freely in various ways. Refreshments consisting of tea, coffee, bread and butter, cake, biscuits, jellies, and oranges, were supplied gratis during the evening, which passed off very pleasantly, the proceedings terminating at midnight. The firm generously bore the expenses.

On Tuesday an entertainment was given to the boys. At six o’clock tea was served in the dining hall, Mrs. E.M. Nelson, Mr E.W. Nelson, Mr. H.M. Nelson, and Mr. J Mottram kindly waiting at table. The meal was very much enjoyed. Afterwards Mrs. E.M. Nelson distributed useful presents from a large Christmas tree, supplied by Mr. G.H. Nelson, to the boys. The tree was decorated by Mr. Davis, of Smith-street, and was beautifully lighted up with innumerable candles. Games, including “The Musical Chairs,” for which Mrs. Nelson kindly performed on the pianoforte, were then indulged in. A capital negro minstrel entertainment was then given by Messrs. Saunderson, Joseph Wallington, James Wallington, James Edwards, A. Bassett, Cramp, and others, and in an interval a trapese performance was given by the Brothers Henri, of Leamington. At this entertainment the children of the workmen were kindly admitted. At the end each child was given an orange, and the boys cake, and three cheers for the firm terminated the gathering. The Rev. Herbert and Mrs. Dickins were present at the entertainment.

To-day (Saturday) the firm will make the annual distribution of meat to their employés. A quantity of New Zealand mutton, to the extent of 1,610 lbs. Is to be given away, each man, girl, and boy in the works receiving a portion.