Christmas Parties

Press, Volume C, Issue 29701, 20 December 1961, Page 7

Christmas Parties

Sir,—Many will feel thankful for your editorial of test Thursday. As you say. “the aim at Christmas parties should be to increase every one's enjoyment by encouraging regard for others’ welfare.” Total abstainers f-om alcoholic drinks can find little courtesy or regard for their welfare at a party where no temperance drinks are provided. Again, if undue social influence is used to persuade young people to start drinking intoxicants, it would be a wrong, which they might live to most keenly regret.— Yours, etc., • FRED T. MILES. Ashburton, Dec. 15, 1961. Sir.—Would it not be a wonderful gesture and example to others if the employees of some firms and departments requested that the money usually spent on drink should be given to the Rice Bowl? Just think for a moment of the millions of men, women, and children who are suffering untold torment through starvation and' cold. How would we feel if we had no food to give a starving child? This is happening to millions, not just hundreds. In the crypt of St. Martins in the Field. London, there is a “World in Want Exhibition.” Perhaps

we should have one in Christchurch. It would be a harrowing experience to see it; and I think that any who did so would be very willing to give up their drink at the parties if the money went to the Rice Bowl.—Yours, etc., NEW ZEALANDER. December 15, 1961.