SOLDIERS AND BASKETMAKING.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16150, 2 March 1918, Page 2

SOLDIERS AND BASKETMAKING.

ENJOYABLE VISIT TO AKAJROA

Nothing could excecd the warm welcome given by the people of Akaroa to the wounded soldiers of the Chalmers Ward, Christchurch Hospital, on Thursday, when they journeyed to the Peninsula with their three week s work, about four hundred baskets and travs. A procession of cars lent by Messrs A. Bovle, AV. Parkinson. J. Jamieson. W. A. Gray, and Mcsdames P. Overton and F. Anderson (Lytte.ton\ as well as the soldiers' car (laden with baskets), left the Christchurcn Hospital at 8.40 a.m.. reaching Akaroa at 11.40. The Mayor (Mr *>■ Armstrong) warmly welcomed the travellers, and spoke a few words, saying that the feeling in Akaroa was that the residents could not do enough tor the men who had offered their ' v( ; s and sacrificed their health for their country. That feeling was certain.v amply carried out later, when the residents of Akaroa not only bought every article taken there, but took up a collection for the Basket Fund on the ground, and gave the result of the tea provided for the public. The visitors were entertained at an excellent luncheon provided for them at. the different hotels. On returning to the recreation ground photographs were taken of the soldiers and the basket stall, while a brisk business was conducted by the Basket Committee —Alesdames Templer and Garbett. assisted by A 1 iss M. A itken. Later the soldiers were taken round the harbour in Mr Basil Henuing's motor launch, everything in the way of niaitrassos, cushions, etc., being provided for the comfort of the invalids, and a two hours' trip was most thoroughly enjoyed. On tl;eir return the ladies of Akaroa gave the visitors a delicious tea. Before leaving Sergeant Earnshaw thanked the Mayor and inhabitants for the royal welcome given the soldiers, and three cheers were given by the soldiers. The cars left for homo at 4.40 p.m., amidst cheers and good wishes and an invitation to icpcat the visit soon. The Basket Fund is now richer bv £112. On arrival at the Hill-Top Hotel. Mr and Mrs Coombs very kindly entertained the travellers with hot tea and cakes, and tliov reached Christchurch at 8 p.m. Only one thing marred the pleasure of the outing, and that was the thought of the seven disappointed invalid soldiers, who had risen early hoping that someone would respond to the public appeal, and send a car to enable them also to take a trip to Akaroa. KINDERGARTEN AFTERNOON. An afternoon delightful for children and teachers alike was spent at Mona Vale, Fendalton, yesterday, when Mrs Nicholls entertained the pupils of ihc three free kindergartens in Christchurch. Needless to say, every kiddie who could possibly go did so, with the result that over one hundred und thirty small children, some of them only two and a-half years old, nono of them above, the age of five, had a glorious afternoon on the _ pleasant lawns of. Mona Vale. The river, too, was a great attraction, and tne teachers were considerably harassed in watching their charges and seeing that no illicit paddling or accidental bathing took place. The party was j conveyed in three special cars, and on arrival the children gave one of their delightful kindergarten entertainments, going through several action songs, dances, aud some drill in the quaintly serious manner with which the kindergarten-trained child does everything. be it work or play. Afterwards refreshments were literally "rushed" by the kiddies, and each child received a bag of sweets and a toy; A number of short speeches followed. Mrs T. E. Taylor, president of the Free Kindergarten Association, commencing Ly thanking Mrs Nicholls on behalf of the Association. Then one of the tiniest children shook hands with Mrs Nicholls and gravely thanked her on behalf of the children. In responding, Mrs Nicholls said she fcit she had not done half enough for the kindergartens. Subsequently the children went over the conservatories and the lovely fernery while the grown-ups had tea. The whole party was photographed before breaking up, and then came the work of "sorting out'' the children and conveying them safely to their various kindergartens. Even when aided by the differentiating colours worn by the children this was a task of some magnitude, but eventually all was arranged satisfactorily, and the party proceeded to town having had a thoroughly enjoyable time. TO-DAY'i~RECIPE. Pear and Apple Jelly.—Pears and apples make a delicious jelly. Wash the fruit well and cut into quarters, and boil until all is; very soft, cover with water before boiling. Pour (lithe juice, and the pulp could bo added to a sauce of any kind. Add a few cloves in the first boiling, also the cup of sugar to two cups of the juice, ,md boil verv fast until it is a thick syrup. Screw down in glass jars when cold. The large green apples and pears are the best to use for jelly. The crown apples are good also.