HELP FOR SANTA CIAUS

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21970, 19 December 1936, Page 3 (Supplement)

HELP FOR SANTA CIAUS

PEOPLE IN THE PLAY Santa Claus. Mrs Santa Claus. Bobby, Santa's son. Lady Gay. SCENE I. A room of the castle in which Santa Ciaus lives. Toys are scattered on the table, while others are packed in cupbeards. The room is comfortably furnished and there is a log: fire burning in the grate. Santa Claim and his wife are in the room. You must remember that Santa Claus lives in a land of snow. . Santa Claus: (Turning over the leaves of a calendar on the wall.) One month 29 days, one month

28 days. Oh, goodness! You know my dear (addressing his wife) it is only about two months off Christmas. Mrs Santa Claus: Yes, Santa, I have been counting the days myself. Santa Claus: Yes, yes, but we haven't enough toys yet and you know yourself that we need hundreds for all the boys and girls living in Christchurch. Mrs Santa Claus: Of course we have two months to go yet, and you may be able to makc*or— Santa Claus: No, it's impossible. I cannot work any faster than I am at present. I am afraid I shall have to obtain assistance. Mrs Santa Claus: Assistance? Santa Claus: Yes, assistance of some sort. (Rests his head on his hands and thinks for a long time. Then he lifts his head suddenly and paces excitedly up and down the rcom.) I've got it! The very idea.' Lady Gay! She will help me! Mrs Santa Claus: Oh, of course! Why didn't we think of her before? She has so many Shipmates and Sunbeams who can make toys for her. Santa Claus: I shall visit her to-mor-row. It's a wonderful idea. Curtain. SCENE 11. "The Press Ship" Cabin Lady Gay is seen typing at her desk in her room. Presently there is a knock at the door. Lady Gay (rising from her chair): Come in. (The door opens and in steps Santa Claus.) Santa Claus: Good afternoon, Lady Gay. Lady Gay: Good afternoon, Santa Claus. Is there anything I can do i for you? Santa Claus: Well—yes. You see, it's about the Christmas toys for all the boys and girls. I am sorry

to say that I have not enough toys to go round. Lady Gay: Goodness, how terrible! Santa Claus: Yes, it is. I thought that you might be able to help me. Lady Gay: (talking eagerly.) Why, of course I can. I shall ask all my Sunbeams and Shipmates, who read "The Gay Gazette," to help me. (Lady Gay commences to type rapidly.) Is there anything else, Santa? Santa Claus: No, thank you, Lady Gay, but I must go now. I am very busy at the castle to-day. (Rises from the seat he has been occupying and prepares to go.) Thank you so much. Lady Gay. You have lifted a great load of care from my mind. Lady Gay: Oh, I do not mind that. Santa. You will really have to thank all my Sunbeams and Shipmates. Santa Claus: Yes. I shall. Good-bye. Lady Gay. Lady Gay: Good-bye, Santa, and remember that everyone on board "The Press Ship" is ready to help you. (Exit Santa Claus.) t Curtain. SCENE 111. Christmas Eve at Santa's heme. Santa is packing toys into a large sack. Enter Mrs Santa Claus. Mrs Santa Claus: Well. Santa, are you ready for your long Christmas round, yet? Santa Claus: Not quite, my dear. (A pause.) I am afraid I shall have to carry this bicycle separately, for I cannot get it into the sack. (Continues packing toys into his sack.) You know, my dear, lam so thankful for all these toys that the Sunbeams and Shipmates sent Lady Gay for me. They have given me one of the best Christmas presents that I could wish for. because I can now think freely. All the Christchurch boys and girls can have toys this Christmas. Mrs Santa Claus: Yes, "The Press Ship" members have been a great help. (Enter Bobby.)

Bobby: (Holding out a toy.) Daddy, you left this behind. It's a Peter Pig. Santa Claus: (Taking the little stuffed pig.) Thank you, son. Now. I must be off. All the girls and boys will be getting to bed now, and I must not fail them. Goodnight, my dear! Good-night, Bobby. _ , Mrs Santa Claus and Bobby: Goodnight, and good luck. • Curtain. —'MATE JAPONICA (aged 15 years), St. Albans.