GOODWILL MISSION

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 847, 16 December 1929, Page 11

GOODWILL MISSION

FATHER CHRISTMAS AT ORPHANAGES SHOP ASSISTANTS’ EFFORT Red, yellow, and purple streamers fluttered gaily from 10 crowded motorcars which ranged the city and suburban streets on Saturday, when members of the Auckland Retail Shop Assistants’ Fund Gift Chib carried out its mission of goodwill to the Manurewa and Papatoetoe orphanages. Father Christmas bestowed gifts on 200 delighted children in these institutions. The philanthropic round was the result of the shop assistants’ effort in conducting “charity” dances during the winter, which produced £925. Of this amount 75 per cent, was spent earlier in the year in providing food and clothing, the balance being expended in providing toys for orphan children. A well-laden motor-van containing 200 gifts, each parcel bearing the child’s name, preceded the party. Each child’s desire had been ascertained beforehand by the club secretary, Miss Lena Purcell, who was warmly thanked for her efforts at the conclusion of the mission by the club vice-president, Mr. W. P. Blackie. Father Christmas also received a gift as a token of esteem from his fellowworkers. The shop assistants’ party will also visit the other orphanages on four nights this week, it being their intention not to miss a single child in the city’s institutions. PARTY AT INFIRMARY OLD PEOPLE ENTERTAINED CHRISTMAS TREAT The spirit of Christmas penetrated the Auckland Infirmary on Saturday when 380 inmates were provided with the annual treat by Mrs. Lonsdale Pritt and women of the City and suburbs. Practically 300 inmates were assembled for tea in the dining hall, the tables of which were laden with delicacies including cakes and strawberries. Inmates who were bedridden were provided with strawberries and cream. Archbishop Averill, who presided, pronounced grace. An excellent concert programme, organised by Mrs. Montague, delighted the assemblage. Items were contributed by Miss M. Atkinson and Mr. C. Atkinson. songs; Mr. E. Maxwell, piano solo; Airs. Le Pettit and Airs. Scott, piano duet. Community singing led by Mr. T. T. Garland at the piano was a feature of the performance. Recitations were given by Miss Ft. AI. Lovell. Aliss Ida Tucker and Aliss Alerle Cox. At the conclusion of the function Air. Robert Foster, one of the inmates, briefly thanked those who had supplied the good things and contributed to the programme. Archbishop Averill replied and wished the inmates a happy j Christmas,