HAMPERS FOR SOLDIERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 October 1915, Page 4

HAMPERS FOR SOLDIERS.

OVBU £IOO AND MANY PARCELS. FUxN'D CLOSES TO-DAY. Over £IOO is assured for purcaaslag Christmas presents for the Taranaki troops at the front, and this sum, assisted by a large number of parcels of goods, which have been donated, will enable very generous hampers being sent to the soldiers. Mr. U. J. Chaney, the treasurer of the fund, stated last night that he had received £52 15s in contributions, while he had still to receive a further £lO which had been promised. In addition, he lias received ilfty-oae large parcels containing gifts of various descriptions, To this sum has to be added the generous gift of £2O, which has been made by the people of Okato, with probably more to follow. An entertainment waa held at this small township and produced the excellent sum of £SO. It was immediately decided to devote £2O to the Mayor's Christmas Presents Fund—an action which offers a magnificent example to Taranaki when appeals to help the soldiers are made in the future. Last night a sacred concert was held at the Theatre' Royal, in aid of the fund, and a crowded audience eontnouled to the collection, which realised over £4O, from which has to be deducted expenses to the amount of about £2 2s. An entertaining programme was presented at the Theatre, and it was thoroughly enjoyed by the large audience. The Citizens' Band opened the programme with the National Anthem of the Allies, and also gave several selections. Miss Maud Peart and Mils Rca contributed songs, while recitations were given by Captain Allen and Mr. Farmer. The National Anthem vlo9ed the programme. Captain Allen's spirited appeal o nhls last appearance resulted in nearly £ls being collected. If there is anyone who has not yet contributed to the fund, and desires to assist towards making Christmas a bright season for the soldiers, they will have a last opportunity to do so to-day, when Mr. Chaney will attend at his office in Brougham Street, next to Messrs. W. J. Shaw and Co., between ft.3o and noon. Thase who propose sending parcels for the hampers are asked to do so as early as possible this morning, as the hamper's are to be made up to-day, and will bo forwarded to Wellington to-morrow.