“MYSTERY PARCEL” DAY

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 66, 10 December 1938, Page 18

“MYSTERY PARCEL” DAY

Funds For New Citizens’ Day Nursery

Yesterday was “mystery parcel" day, the Smith Family’s annual money-rais-ing day for carrying on the family’s welfare activities in and round Wellingtoi). Instituted in 1935, “mystery parcel” day has been the means of raising many hundreds of pounds, which in previous years have been utilized to provide Christmas cheer for those in need. With the improvement in conditions, however, there is not the same need this year for a heavy expenditure on Christmas cheer, and the directors of the family accordingly decided to allocate the total proceeds of the mystery parcel sales to the family’s latest activity—the _ provision of a new building for the Citizen’s Day Nurseries. This institution, which is maintained for the most part by volntary contributions, provides a properlyequipped and adequately-staffed nursery, where working mothers may leave their children during the day. For some years past the nursery has been situated in an old house in Cambridge Terrace. Apart from the fact that the building is unsuitable for the purpose for which if is used, the lease will expire in the near future, and those responsible for the carrying on of the nursery felt that the time had arrived when ne,w and adequate premises should be obtained. The Smith Family, which has materially assisted in the financing of the work carried on in the nursery, was approached for assistance in a campaign to raise funds and agreed to make the provision of a new and modern nursery one of its major activities. Various sites for the proposed new building were inspected and eventually it was decided tb purchase a building and section in Vivian Street adjoining the St. John Ambulance headquarters. The section is admirably suited for the purpose for which it is required, being central and adjacent to all tram routes. Ample sun will reach the new buildings and there is plenty of air space. The draft plans for the now building show a modern structure in concrete, which will bo an architectural asset to the city's buildings. The interior arrangements leave nothing to he desired. A commodious nursery will enable the children to pass the day in pleasant surroundings. with ample provision for games. An equally commodious dormitory will take care of the children’s sleeping needs, and an attractive diningroom will cater for their material needs. The staff quarters have been designed to give a maximum of comfort and efficiency, with ample accommodation for the matron and nurses. The Smith Family hopes to see the new building creeled early next year and handed over free of debt.

Yesterday's sale of mystery parcels was quite up to the record of last year. A limited number of parcels has boon retained for those who were unable to obtain them on the day of the sale, and these may be obtained at the Smith Family's office.