FLOWER DAY.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 September 1916, Page 4

FLOWER DAY.

FOR THE BLTXU New Plymouth people, and country folk also, who throng the business part of the town on Saturdays, would ilnd themselves in "Queer Street" were they not asked to buy a dainty button-hale or a charming posy of spring blossoms, so customary is it now to see the many willing vendors of these every week end. Not in vain do the people of New Plymouth gladly ransack their gardens and despoil them of their choicest blooms, and not in vain do the untiring sellers offer their wares to an unsatiated public, whose patriotic generosity seems to expand the more calls that are made upon it. "Flower Day" on Saturday is now an established institution, and thanks to the energy of the Mayoress (Mrs. Burgess) and 'her coterie of workers (not forgetting the generous growers of flowers) it is likely to continue for many moons. During the last few weeks £175 has been raised by this method for the Belgian Children Fund, and it has been decided that the proceeds from last Saturday and those from next Saturday nhall be devoted to the fund for blind iioldievs and sailors, an object that friiould commend itself to every person. !?or surely we who are and remain blessed with sight do, and should, practically, commiserate with those' heroes who have by the misfortune of war been deprived of one of the greatest of the Creator's gifts. Saturday's takings amounted to £ll 13s 4d, and this was an excellent result, considering that the quantity of flowers available was not so large as usual, owing to the demand created by other functions during the week. Next Saturday it is hoped tliat the fund will be swelled to £SO, especially as Mrs. Burgess has 'been promised the 'Whole of the exhibits at the Whitclcy Spring Flower Show, which concludes on Friday evening. The amount realised will be sent Home direct to Mr. C. A. Pearson, the well-known newspaper proprietor, who, (himself blind, is an indefatigable worker for those similarly afflicted. At the depot on Saturday Mrs Burgess was assisted by Mesdames Eamson, 'R. White, Bowden, and Miss Fabian, and Misses Roy and Warren were in charge of the Patriotic Flower Cart. "The ladies wore assisted by numerous girls and hoys, who worked unceasingly in extracting small silver coins from the purses and pockets of passers-by.