CHRISTMAS CHEER AT WI-TAKO

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 80, 28 December 1928, Page 3

CHRISTMAS CHEER AT WI-TAKO

GIFTS FOR MEN IN PRISON. The spirit of goodwill to all men, which is characteristic of Christmas-tide, included in its scope the inmates of WiTako prison camp, and the Rev. G. W. Hunt, Presbyterian chaplain, working in co-operation with the Trentham Y.M.C.A., organised a Christmas treat for the inmates. A benefit concert, organised by the Y'.M.C.A., and the chaplain’s appeal to sympathisers, resulted in sufficient funds being raised. A motor-car. loaded with 74 parcels, was received at the prison camp with marked demonstrations of approval. Each parcel contained several articles of diet not on the usual menu, and a quantity of cigarettes. The workers responsible proceeded to distribute personally a parcel in each man’s quarters. On Friday evening, the inmates were treated ,to a moving picture entertainment, and at the close, one of the men, in a brief and appropriate speech, conveyed the hearty appreciation of the men for the generous gifts.

Such efforts as these are considered to be abundantly worth while, and bear fruit in many ways. The Rev. G. W. Hunt has taken up the work so well done by the late Rev. J. Holmes. Regular visits are paid to the institution, and the unfailing courtesy and active sympathy of the superintendent and all the prison officials, enables the work to be carried out under the most favourable circumstances. Advice in many matters is freely sought and as freely given. It has been found possible to find employment for some men on their release, and letters subsequently received give ample testimony to the sincere desire to make good. It is mentioned that any friends who can assist by offers of employment, gifts of magazines, or books, etc., for the library, may rest assured that their efforts will be amply repaid. Any donors of such parcels, etc., are asked to communicate with Rev. G. W. Hunt, St. David’s Mapse, Upper Hutt, and arrangements can be made for the parcels to be forwarded.