SOLDIERS' CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2874, 12 September 1916, Page 3

SOLDIERS' CHRISTMAS GIFTS

BIG SCHEME UNDER WAY, When tho sports bodies take an interest in a. movement it usually spells success. Last year they decjded that our "boys" in Egypt must noiTbe'without, some sort of Christmas cheer, and as the result of au effort between £4000 and £5000 ivent to London to purchase "goodio't" And how wore they enjoyed! This year the "sports" aro working in with Mrs. Luko and her committee of ladies, and great .things arc expected. Tho report of the subcommittee (Messrs A. D. Bayfield, Barry Keesing, and L. F. Watkins) on the best means for raising "tho necessary," adopted at tho last meeting, provided for the following activities : — . (1) That the _ executive grant this committee permission to commence its activities about September 16. (2) That a' sale of badges, flags, flowers, sweets, etc., tako place in the streets on September 16 or 23. (3J That the sale of badges continue until October 7. (4) That as an incentive to the' sale of badges the same be numbered, aiid three gift prizes be offered to the holders of the winning numbers. The winning numbers to be selected by art' union methods. (5) That the executive grant this committee permission for the badges to be placed on sale throughout the city (including hotels). (6) That the appl.v to tho Department of Internal Affairs for a permit for the above. (7) That the members of the executive form themselves into a working bee with this committee to bunch flowers, etc., on the evenings previous to day sales, and assist in obtaining flowers. (8) This committee would like the advice "f the executive as to the advisability of holding a produce sale in the Town Hall. (9) That a street collection with sound boxes with suitable labels be taken up by tho ladies on October 7 only (the final day). (10) That all assistants with collecting boxes wear a special armlet. (11) That the Mayor be requested to supply a permit for tho above sales and collections. The picture theatre proprietors have consented to assist in the effort being made by the Citizens' Christmas Gift Fund Committee. A fin© film, "Christmas Day in the Trenches," is to be included in programmes at the leading picture houses. This picture gives the public some idea of how the small presents sent from here please the recipients. Last year the Amateur Sports of New Zealand made a special and successful effort, the parcels bejng much appreciated at tho front, especially by the "sports," ivho could see that their old pals and friends were thinking of .them all the time. Now this year the Sports bodies are assisting the Mayoress in her effort to provide comforts for the 6oldiers who have gone away from here.