CEMENTING THE BONDS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 43, 15 November 1926, Page 10

CEMENTING THE BONDS

SOUVENIRS FROM HOME TWO THOUSAND GIFTS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN On Saturdav morning the Mayor (My.-C. J. ,B. Norwood) brought under the attention of a representative of the Dominion a letter he had received from Mr. J. Reeve, of Island Bay, which, lie felt sure, would interest citizens, ; and will certainly interest many of the school children of Wellington. The letter, which is selfexplanatory, is as follows: — . ... “To His Worship the Mayor. “Dear Sir, —1 have received from the Homeland a consignment of artistic souvenirs of merit, such as the youth of England love to cherish The subjects were varied, e.g., our future King,.' the Princess Royal,' views of London and En dand, etc. Used as gifts to scholars in the primary schools, 17 they would help to strengthen the bonds which unite New. Zealand to the Motherland. I was gratified to learn from our interview to-day that vou were willing to assist me in their distribution. . . “In, a similar spirit, and to awaken an interest in'New Zealand’, I made a gift six months ago’ of one hundred copies of that excellent book, “Maori and Pakeha,” to the Public Libraries of Middlesex’. England. The reception accorded to the.se books has. been most gratifying. Thanking you for your courtesy, “I am, < " . “Respectfully votirs, ■. ••• “JAMES REEVE.” Tn referring to the. letter the Mayor said it was exceedingly ' gratifying to him to learn of the unselfish action; of Mr. Reeve in. thinking and carrying into effect an idea that could only make for .a better understanding between tlie people of New Zealand and those of the Old Country, particularly at the present time, when so many were arriving by every steamer to make their homes iji the Dominion Mr. Reeve's action was a fine evidence of well-directed patriotism of the right sort, and he had great pleasure 'in affording him the assistance he desired in . distributing the souvenirs. To that end he had ■ summoned to his aid some of the local primary school authorities, who are to meet to-day and decide the method of distribution. There • are two thousand- »of the souvenirs, which take.the form of tinted photographs or pictures (6 inches bv 4 inches) on firm cardboard, with the image in low relief, which gives the -picture a lifelike appearance. Each souvenir has a silken tag, by which it can be attached to a wall. As soon as the -plan of distribution is, decided upon the headmasters of the schools will be advised.