THE BELGIAN CHILDREN

Press, Volume L, Issue 15158, 23 December 1914, Page 8

THE BELGIAN CHILDREN

TO-MORROWS OLD ENGLISH FAIR.

Underlying all religions -hat have made a permanent, appeal to human hearts and minds, and at- the very base of civilised society itself, is found insistence on the duty and privilege of giving. Possessors of much of this •world's goods are exhorted to lighten the burdens and brighten the lot of their less fortunate brethren. Each and all, rich and poor, have it in their power to fulfil the religious law and the social law by giving money or goods or service. And Christrnastide is, of all seasons of the year, noteworthy for the opportunities it offers for the exercise of this great privilege of giving. This year ihe people of Christchurch will have an opportunity of a unique character to give generously to an undoubtedly worthy cause —-he fund being raised to bring Christmas cheer and happiness i« the- thousands of exiled Belgian chjldren in England. Tomorrow (Christmas Eve,*, from half-past ten in the morning till ten o'clock at night, an Old English Fair will bo held in front of the Cathedral, and iho proceeds from the sale of the goods will be.forwarded to the Belgian Minister in London for the relief of the Belgian children. On the same day a large body of children and young ladiee will seil flowers in aid of lOie fund. The appeal is one that cannot fall on unresnonsive ears. MEETING OF COMMITTEE. A meeting of the General Committee of the Belgian Children's Chrietmas Fair was held yesterday afternoon, at the Council Chambers, the Mayor (Hr H. Holiand) in the chair. Iteports were received from the various eub-committcce to the •effect that all arrangements in connexion -.villi to-morrow's functions were complete. The Mayor announced a number of donations, all of which, he eaid, would bo acknowledged through the newspapers in due couree-. i'ho fi?cretttry reported that he had received a, donation of £9 13s from the cabmen and taxi-drivers of the city. Mr John Beveridge and Mr Kastgate were appointed to lake charge of the centra! supply depot at the Chamber of Commerce, whore, all contributions of flowers, fruit, and produce will be received tit 9 o'clock to-morrow morning. GENEROUS SCHOOL CHILDREN. The Mayor (Mr U. Holland) has received the following letter, headed "Infant Department, Addington School, December 21st, 191 i: —Your Worship, cJcur .sir: Will you p!ease accept this self-denial offering from our iittlc infants to the- Children's Belgian CtiTisiiuae Oift Fund. We tried to cajole them into having their usual Christmas tree, but they would have none of it. Then we tried it they would send £S to tae fund, and have the reei {or lollka ar.d gairifa on breaking-up uay, but they all cried out, 'No, i:o; we wuut to send it to the Dolgians, for they are starving, and we have plenty.' You would have been proud to have heard the unanimous roar of the little once, and i-ecn the fervent look depicted on their earnest facee. They wouid like tho enclosed loiter to accompany their gift cf £7 lie Id.—With Chrietinue greetings to Mrs Holland, yours truly, Mary ShirtcliCc, Infant Mistress."

The following letter, addressed to tho Belgian chiklren, was enclosed:- "Dear Belgian Children: Christmas greetings and a happy New Year to you all. Father Christmas is still aJivo, and is making lo;« of toys for you next vc-bt. *hi« year wo are just sharing alike." You cannot have a Christmas tree, co we wiil not here, and are very glad and proud to send you tho money, £7 6s -Id, intend. With nni<4i love from some of your Now Zealand friends.—(Signed) Olive West, Myrtlo 80-lwrteon (for tho girla), and Owen Juiseph, Alfred uilcliff (.for the boys;."