WHY SANTA CLAUS WAS LATE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22593, 24 December 1938, Page 11 (Supplement)

WHY SANTA CLAUS WAS LATE

One Christmas Eve Santa Claus was struggling through the Greenland snow with a large bag of presents on his back. One of his reindeer had measles, and

the other had taken French leave to visit a girl friend in Alaska. So there was Santa Claus trudging along. Presently a big bag of toffee fell down his back. Soon he felt a trickle.. The toffee had melted and was running down his back. Poor Santa Claus! He sat down' to try some repairs, but, lo and behold, the toffee immediately froze into a ramrod down his back. (It is very cold ,in Greenland.) He had to stay there till the sun rose and the toffee melted. Then he trudged back sadly. He would hate to lose his job. Fancy Robin Goodfellow going down chimneys! He

would probably send the Norwegian children egg cups instead of mittens! Santa Claus pondered away as he walked, and soon formed a plan. Suddenly he heard a great wail from all the children. “Santa Claus! Our presents!*’ He summoned his courage and shouted back, “Why, what’s the matter? You shall have your presents in time for Christmas.” “But it is Christmas! Where are the presents?” Father Christmas gulped. “I rather think you have made a mistake. Surely to-morrow is Christmas Day.” “No! no! It’s to-day!” “Where is the Calendar Man?” asked Santa Claus sternly. “Here, sir!” “What have you been doing with these calendars?” Santa Claus gave the Calendar Man a Wink and an imploring look. The Calendar Man understood. “I—l’m very sorry, sir. It won’t happen again.” And so Father Christmas outwitted the children, kept his job, and gave out the presents on Boxing Day. —ALISON LUSH, L.B.H. (aged 13), 141 Rugby street.