WHERE IS FATHER CHRISTMAS?

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 93, 13 January 1939, Page 13

WHERE IS FATHER CHRISTMAS?

Many Letters Written By

Children

“SANTA CLAUS, NORTH

POLL”

New Zealand fathers and mothers could spend a delightful hour if the General Post Office was able to give them the privilege of looking over the Christmas mail addressed to Santa Claus. It comes every year from all parts of New Zealand. The postmen, so busy delivering letters which have addresses they can find in their own locality, are not able to spare time to deal with the correspondence of Santa Claus, so it. goes to headquarters.

Every Christmas brings this highly interesting correspondence, varying in its nature from time to time."" For instance, a year ago there was a very general boyish demand for military equipment and aeroplanes. These seem to have gone out of fashion in the juvenile world, though the passion for trains and games for boys, and dolls and perambulators for the girls, is well maintained judging by the latest edition of the mail tor Father Christmas.

Some of Santa Claus’s little correspondents leave the selection for the Christmas stocking entirely to his good judgment, though there is usually an assurance that they have been good children. Most writers are quite specific about their needs and one little boy completed a list of 10 things that he wanted with a request for a watch. Equally impressive-, was another little boy’s demand'for a' .tractor, a steam roller and a farm. Quite unselfish was the missive from a little girl who simply notified Father Christmas “Aunty would like a hundred pounds.’’ Trust in Post Office. What is the child idea about the home address of Santa Claus? His Christmas mail gives many interesting clues. The majority of the children trust the Post Office to find it, simply addressing their letter to Father Christmas and rarely giving even the location of their own home'; though one helpful little girl provided the telephone number. Some children did show definite ideas about where to find Father Christinas, and here are the addresses kindly provided to assist the postmen:—“Santa Claus, North Poll”; “Christmas Workshop, Icy Cape”; “Father Christmas, care of Mrs. Christmas”; and “Dear Santa to Hevan.” Post Office officials are delighted over the confidence which many little children display in the department’s ability to reach Father Christmas in good time for the Christmas stocking, and they feel quite sure that Santa Claus not only receives every message, but does his best to comply with all the requests.