"FROM FIREWORKS TO GOOD WORKS."

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2625, 22 November 1915, Page 3

"FROM FIREWORKS TO GOOD WORKS."

At a meeting of schoolmasters and teachers on Saturday in connection with the : recent Fifth of November appeal by the schools for fluids for the Belgians, Mr. William Foster (Petone) said he thought it would bo an excellent idea if some philanthropic movement could be assisted every Fifth of November by tlie school children after the war, so that tho poor children of New Zealand in the hospitals and orphanages might benefit. Guy Fawkes Day had, he said, lost most of' its significance now, and the children could collect and spend money in a much hotter way than on iirmvorks.

Mr. J. H. Hopkirk (Brooklyn) said that tho Guy _ Fawkes idea had taken a very subordinate place in tho children's minds in this month's celebration, and it' could well be left so. Tlie idea of diverting the money from fireworks to good works was one that could be spread all over the country with advantage. The balance-sheet in connection with the schools appeal was presented, duly audited by Sir. H. I''. Allen. This showed in detail tho amounts collected by the various <chools in Wellington 'and district, the total being 'JSIOOS ,Bs. 10d., tlie whole of wliich will be oabled to London for the relief of Belgian children. There were no expenses in connection with the raising of this sum, so that there was only one sido to the balance-sheet.- The Mayor (Mr. J. i l . Luke), who presided, said that it was a splendid tribute to the children, not only of Wellington and suburbs, but of the country schools also, that they should forego their pleasure for such a worthy cause. It . was good, too, that the children should Team what self-sacrifice meant. Manx of them had been saving up their money iu order to have a good time on the, Fifth of November, but they had given it all up for the poor children of Belgium. Last year £700, and, later, £392 2s. 5d.,. was sent to the High Commissioner to be forwarded to the proper quarter. He mentioned tho work of the teachers in fostering the effort and referred to the cheerful manner in which tho City Treasurer (Mr. C. Collins) and other officers of tho council had helped in connection with the handling of the money.

Mr. ■W. Foster, president of tho Headmasters' Association,, moved that they could riot do better than send tho money forward to the High Commissioner, as'.was done last year. This was carried. He also moved a vote of thanks to the Mayor and the officers of the council for the good work thoy had done. .