RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 305, 26 December 1930, Page 3

RETURNED SOLDIERS.

DISTRIBUTION OF.GIFTS

The Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association distributed many gifts to members on Christmas Eve. Ten motor cars were placed at the disposal of the association, and, laden with provisions, were sent throughout the various stiburbs. Every home visited received a joint of meat, a bag of rolled oats, butter, tins of jam, toys for the children and cigarettes for the head of the house. The undertaking was financed almost entirely by members of the association, although valuable assistance was received from others. Mr. E. H. Sharp, secretary of the association, said that although a wonderful response had been made to calls for assistance, widespread distress remained among returned soldiers.

CHRISTMAS AT MOUNT EDEN GAOL

The Christmas festival was observed in a fitting way at Mount Eden prison. The clay began with a celebration of Holy Communion at an early hour, followed by matins at ten o'clock, when suitable Christmas hymns were sung. Both services were conducted bv the Rev. G. E. Moreton, assisted by Mr. L. S. Hill. Gifts of flowers-made the altar and chapel beautiful.

During the morning Mass was celebrated for the Roman Catholic prisoners. The Rev. T. H. Ealliday conducted a service during the afternoon. Gifts of fruit, cake, cigarettes, and other extras were distributed by the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society by the Rev. G. E. Moreton, Staff Captain Holmes, and M.r. J. Stewart, visiting J.P. Major Annie Gordon and Sister Hannah attended to the wants of the women prisoners.