CHRISTMAS CHEER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 304, 28 December 1907, Page 2

CHRISTMAS CHEER.

OLD FOLKS AT THE HOME. A representative of this paper visited the Oh] i'cople's Home during the Christmas vacation to wish the inmates the compliments of the season, and incidentally to hud out how the old foiKs spent their Christmas. Very few questions were needed to dispel any doubts as to whether they had enjoyed themselves. One old lady assured iiim Lli.it she "never spent a belter Christmas in my life, sir," and added that "they did us line." At the other end of the institution a couple of the old chaps were yarning. One of them reckoned that the King of England hadn't had a better Christmas dinner than the Home inmates, and he pointed with pride to the decorations. As usual, the whole of the building was spotlessly clean, and everything in its own appointed place. The verandah post's \vc.< decked with punga frouds, and the halls and passages were hung with colored I streamers and evergreens, with pretty Christmas bells in cut piper designs.

The men's dining-room was cjmtc the sight of the institution. On the sideboard at the head of the long centre table stood a grave-looking Father Christmas. On the walls, pictures, mottoes, ferns and llowers, nicely arranged; from corner to corner and side to side

iWoons in bright colors, brightened the room. The snowy table was nicely laid, a canary-eojored centre being enlivened by vases of red carnations and purple and yellow pansies; and a small Christmas tree occupied the centre of the table. The old people .sat down to a Christmas dinner of poultry, new potatoes and other vegetables from their own gardens, the historic plum pudding : and brandy sauce; with sweets, nuts", muscatels, oranges, pine apples, and bananas liberally provided. The chairman of the Board, Mr F. Bellringer, and the secretary, Mr C. M. Lcpper., were present, and the chairman wished tiie inmates "A Merry Christmas" before they fell to. it is pleasing indeed to know that these colonists now in the. Sere and yellow leaf of life, are so kindly and Suoughtfully cared for. Mr and Mrs Fanar and the stall' must have given many weary hours to obtain such effects in the dining and sitting rooms, and in the sick wards. It is still more gratifying to know that their work is appreciated by the inmates, as evident vi' by their remarks to visitors. .Several ' iownsjieople readily assisted ill providing the Home with tile Christmas cheer. '