THIRD EDITION.

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 12, 13 July 1918, Page 8

THIRD EDITION.

A DAY FOR FRANCE

A SYMPATHETIC RESPONSE

The street sale and collections by boxes and flags as a tribute to our French Allies went with spirit and cheerfulness yesterday, showing that there was much real sympathy and affection for tho gallant nation which has suffered and accomplished so much. The arrangements had been carried out in a very short period of time, and reflected' much credit on the organisers, who included Mrs. Massey (president), Mrs. J. A. Hanan (hon. secretary), Mrs. Seville, who circularised and helped to organise the French Club, Mrs. J. R. Gibbons (hon. treasurer), and the head of each stall. Members* of the committee and those assisting at the various stalls worked splendidly, and the takings for the day amounted to £523, with a little more to come from various directions, including the stall provided by Mrs. Waters' in the French Club, who hope to increase their takings (£ll6 9s 4d), to £200 by means of their art union, which is promising favourably. The stalls were erected by the Public Works Department, and decorated uniformly in tricolour by the D.I.C. The badges were all characteristic of the Nation, and 1 post cards of some of the orphaned children of France, as well as pamphlets of New Zealand's tribute to France, helped to increase the takings. The depot at Kelburn-avenue, staffed 1 by Mrs. yon Haast (convener), Mesdames C. Earle, Darling, Phillips Turner, and assistants, had a splendid selection of goods and made £77 Is 9d. At Lindsay's corner was a good stall in charge of Mrs. Stewart, with Mesdames Richardson, Tully, and 1 Bliss Barnett. Eleven of the guinea badges -were sold at this stall—there being only forty altogether. Mrs. Burton, assisted by Mrs. 0. Ellis, Misses Yarrall and Sullivan were most successful with a flag colleclection, taking £24, and bringing the stall total to £91 3s ZS.4. The St. John Ambulance stall, in charge of Mrs. Preston, with Mrs. Gaby and others, was a popular stall, with many desirable goods and a supply of flowers, and took £51 17s 5Jd. At Kirkcaldie'fi, Mrs.' J. Myers was in charge of an excellent produce stall, and was assisted by Mrs. Scott, Mrs. Newton, and others. In connection with this stall Mrs. J. R. Gibbons and Mrs. Leicester obtained the loan of the well-known little coster cart with the white pony, and the owner kindly took it round wherever the ladies desired, and they did excellent business, the total of the stall and cart was £58 16s 3d. The French Circle and Mrs. A. IT. Waters had a stall at the Post Office, and had collected a wonderful amount of saleable goods. The Countess of Liverpool Fund' had a good stall at the Bank of New Zealand corner, Manners-street, and realised £16 _8s 9d. The N.Z.N.A., under Mrs. M'Vicar, made its effort at Courtenay-place and took £17 Is. The Soldiers' Mothers League at Boulcottstreet, was successful in making £37 Bs, and Mrs. Wallace's sale of badges at the depot amounted to £6.'

Among the helpers for the day who did good . service were Mrs. A. M. Myers, Mesdames Macintosh, Miss Van Staveren, and several visiting ladies who are staying in Wellington on account of relatives being iii camp. The committee wishes to express its gratitude to the many kind friends who helped either by donations in money or kind, and by their willing service; to Messrs. Bethuno and Co. and Messrs. Harcourt ajid (jo. for the loan of their marts as depots; to the New Zealand Express Company who did all the carrying free of charge; to the D.I.C. for the decorations of the stalls, and to Mr. Oarwell Cooke, who carried them out so effectively; Messrs. Kirkcaldie and Stains for a stall; the Public Works Department for loan of stalls; Mr. Brough, for so kindly lending the pony for the coster cart; the Harbour Board for loan of shed; and Mr. Macintosh for loan of flag. The fact that the "copper trail" ceased work for the day and that the Wellington Red Cross Shop and The Woodward-street shop did not open owing to_ the French Appeal was grea.tly appreciated by the committee. In reference to the- display of bunting to mark France's National Fete Day (to-morrow), tho Mayor now requests that this should be arranged for on Monday. Mr, Luke hopes that.there will be a goodly" show of bunting as befits the occasion.