Unknown Santa Glaus Cares for Orphans

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 77, 22 June 1927, Page 4

Unknown Santa Glaus Cares for Orphans

Donor “Forgets” His Name METHODIST HOME GIFTS The small inmates of the Methodist Children’s Homes at Mount Albert have a Santa Claus. They do not know his name. As a matter of fact, he refuses to give it. Every few months or so he approaches the matron, Mrs. Armitage, and thrusts a £5 note into his hand. “This is for the children,” he will say. VX/'HEN Mrs. Armitage at least asked if she might know to whom the children were indebted, the old man replied, “I do not know my name. The truth of the matter is—l have forgotten it!” Mrs. Armitage related these facts yesterday when addressing Methodist women at the annual.appeal in the Pitt Street schoolroom in aid of the

homes with which she has been connected for the past seven years. HEART IN WORK A pleasing and easy manner make Mrs. Armitage a delightful publicteacher. Formerly a school teacher, she believes that her experience in addressing children has helped her in public speaking. Besides, Mrs. Armitage’s heart is in her work, and she was talking of something very near and dear to her. But the old man who anonymously donates an occasional £5 for the small children under the matron’s care has not been to see her for some months. “I am afraid that I will not be coming to see you quite so often,” he explained when last he caljed. “This winter is going to be a very hard one for many boys and girls in Auckland. Your children have a comfortable home, and plenty to eat. There are others, I am sorry to say, who are not in that fortunate position.” Mrs. Armitage related with a good deal of pride how she never called on the general committee of the homes for any financial assistance for clothing, with the exception of one item. And that was boots. Just imagine what the boot bill for 70 children would be! Mothers with small families realise what a charge this is on the domestic exchequer. The girls all wear boots and shoes. The boys never do exc.ept on Sundays. THE BOOT BILL “And a healthier lot of lads you would not find anywhere,” is the proud

boast of the “mother” tjhat the" Church has given them. No missioner, Mrs. Armitage laughingly explained, ever failed to attend a missionary meeting without some exhibits. The matron produced several well-patched pairs of small boys’ pants. One had been patched no fewer than nine times. “That will show you that nothing is wasted,” she said. Mrs. Armitage also told how a roll of flannel which Mi'. Ben Caughey had sent out to the home had provided her small boys with singlets for two years. Six small boys, rosy-cheeked and bright of eye, were an excellent advertisement for the homes. With the exception of dropping an occasional penny they behaved themselves as little boys should, and seldom do. In fact, they were particularly good considering the prominent position they occupied on the platform. THE EPSOM HOME Mrs. Everiss, of the Epsom Home, had an equally interesting story to tell of her boys and girls. Mrs. A. J. Jouchin, in the absence of the president of the ladies’ committee, Mrs. A. C. Caughey, welcomed the president of the Conference, Rev. Dr. Ranston, and all agreed with him when he declared, "The work that these women are undertaking is magnificent!” Miss Agnes Mason, secretary, and the Rev. S. Griffith, secretary to the board of management, were particularly gratified with the result of this year’s appeal for clothing and money. peel is passed through a mincer the flavour of the cake will be greatly improved. .