Soldier Basketmakers visit Akaroa.

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 141, 4 March 1918, Page 3

Soldier Basketmakers visit Akaroa.

An interesting and profitable day was onjoycd by the wounded aud sick men in the Christchurch Hospital last week, when they were taken out to Akaroa to sell their baskets. Mrs. Tomple'r. Mrs. Garbett, and Miss Aitken were mainly responsible, for the outing, cars being kindly lent by several people. The big soldiers' ear went out, too, laden with baskets and trays, nearly four hundred, being'tho excellent result of three weeks' work. Everything was sold. The people of Akaroa did absolutely everything in their power to make the visit a memorable one. The Mayor and some of the prominent citizens of the township entertained tho visitors at luncheon at the hotels there, and in the afternoon the ladies of Akaroa entertained them at afternoon tea. A number of the soldiers were taken out on the harbour, special mattresses and cushions being arranged on the boats, so as to give every comfort to the men, seveiaJ of whom were cot cases. On the way back Mr. and Mrs. Coomb, of the Hill Top Hotel, gave the men a warm cup of tea to oiieer them on their way. Ail the men voted the day a most enjoyable one, and felt that it had done them a world of good. The only thing that marred the day was the fact that, in spite of the publio appeal, there were, not sufficient cars available,. and several soldiers' had to be left behind, though they were all in readiness till the last moment, hoping that a. car would turn up. The day's outing resulted in the sum of £112 being brought home. This inoluded the proceeds of a collection in Akaroa and the money gained through the afternoon tea.