ALICE’S GIFT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 400, 14 July 1928, Page 1

ALICE’S GIFT

Pennies in Slippers Given to “Charity Drive ” COMMERCIAL MEN’S APPEAL Just ordinary slippers. Slightly worn at the toes, maybe, but then children have a habit of doing that. Concealed in the toe of each was a small piece of paper. Inside the paper was a penny. “From Alice, aged three,” was the inscription. The gilt of Alice was only one among hundreds of thousands received this morning at the Auckland Drill Hall in conjunction with the “charity drive” of the Auckland Commercial Travellers’ and Warehousemen’s Association. Yet somehow the tuppence contained in Alice’s well-worn slippers was characteristic of the city’s response. All day long belongings of every description poured into the hall. The heap of packages assumed mountainous proportions. Inscribed on an envelope, containing two half-crowns—this also came from a poor part of Auckland—was: “God helps those who help others. Bless you for your noble work.” Many a needy family in the city will have good cause next week, when the gifts are distributed, to thank the commercial travellers and other friends who worked so unselfishly in “sweet Charity’s name.” Scanty wardrobes will be replenished. There will be food upon shelves that have known little these winter months. EFFECTIVE ORGANISATION A small army, numbering more than 1,500 workers, took part in to-day’s house-to-house canvass. Not even a single area In the suburbs was The organisation on the North Shore, in particular, was most effective. Four hundred motor-cars and at ieast 50 trucks were utilised in bringing the goods to the central depot at the Drill Hall. Excellent service was rendered by the Boy Scouts, who accomplished sufficient good deeds to last them for some time to come. The City Council, too, did its part by carrying them free on the trams. Ambulance stretchers were also used by the lads to transfer the extraordinary collections of clothing and goods of every description. Another small contingent was busily engaged spraying them as they lay piled In the centre of the hall. Not the least Important section was the millinery department. Fashions for the last 20 years were represented. Mr. W. J. Prentis, president of the Commercial Travellers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, who directed operations, was more than satisfied with the liberality of Auckland citizens toward the unfortunate of the city. The Travellers’ Club sent a telegram yesterday to the Prime Minister, the Lion. J. G. Coates, giving him details of the organisation and telling him of the collection being made, and asking if the Government would assist. It was also mentioned that the newspapers had given splendid assistance. A reply was received this morning as follows:—“Government will subsidise £1 for £1 up to £2OO toward your effort.—J. G. Coates.” Mr. R. Glover-Clark stated early this afternoon that he was sure the subsidy would be lifted as the money collected to date lead him to believe that well over £I,OOO would be realised.