1200 cheers for Santa

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 34026, 15 December 1975, Page 1

1200 cheers for Santa

(By

TERRY McGOVERNE)

It will come as no surprise if Santa Claus is found drunk in charge of a team of reindeer on Christmas Eve.

Sources close to Santa at this time of the year say that 1200 children will each leave out a bottle of beer for the chimney climber. By the time the last mouthful from the 1200th bottle has been drunk the state of the presents, beard, sleigh, and all will be anybody’s guess. Up to yesterday, Santa had received 1324 letters from children in Christchurch, the country districts, and as far away as the Chatham Islands. Santa’s reindeer are not going to

miss out on the refreshments.

Victoria, a back country dweller, has the matter in hand.

“When you come through the Rakaia Gorge,” she wrote, “we will have some hay ready for the reindeer. Would you be able to bring a book about a lion. I saw one in Methven. Keep yourself warm.”

Nicola, also of the high country, was anxious about her mother getting something. “She would like some underpants."

Rachael, of Christchurch, asked nothing for herself but hoped that Santa would take good care of the poor children.

Bernice, of Te One School in the Chathams, made her letter appear to be a mayday call. “I have been good, I have been good. Please

bring me a bangle, please bring me a bangle.” Renee at Te One spoke of preparations for the big day. “We have been doing forward rolls for Christmas. I would like a bike.”

Danny’s letter introduced a note of what appeared to be juvenile permissiveness. “I wish I had hanky-panky for Christmas.” Other children also had something to say about hanky-panky, which must be an object of more innocent amusement than some would think. Richard told Santa about the family’s recent success at the race course. “A few days ago my father went to the races with our horse. He is called Commissioner. We won 4 and a half 000 dollars.”’ All Richard wanted was a “Maker shaker.” Brenda disclosed that her associations with Santa had

not been always happy. But she had now taken a happier view of him. “I now like sitting on your knee and hope you visit me on Christmas night.” Paul, of Windsor school, sensing that too much beer was going to be left out for Santa, told him: “There will be some cake and a bottle of orange on the bread tin.”

Tania wanted a balloon and some chocolate in her stocking. Speaking up for her brother, Samuel, she asked for another balloon but no chocolate, because Samuel didn’t like it.

The children are generally of the opinion that Santa lives either at the North Pole or the South Pole. The Post Office has intercepted all the mail and sent out replies to 1273 children. Another 51 have given no address.