FOR COUNTRY CHILDREN

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 153, 26 December 1931, Page 3

FOR COUNTRY CHILDREN

SUNDAY SCHOOL UNIONS EFFORT

Formed in 1880 for tho mutual help oE Sunday schools over a wide district, the Wellington Sunday School Union has for the past twelve years sponsored what aro known as "Extension Schools." These are eituated miles from the railway, in places whose only community centre w the public school or possibly a toy hall erected by the residents themselves. Into these districts the union's organiser baa penetrated to establish interdenominational Sunday 6chools, meeting without exception with a most cordial reception. Following the formation of these schools and the supply of essential equipment, there comes a regular policy of sustained assistance. Tho children in these schools, v transported to the city and introduced to the delights of one of the large establishments, would be overawed if not actually frightened by the thousands of toys and their presiding genius, Father Christmas. Realising what such kiddies are missing, the officers of tho union, through their president and his wife, endeavour to bring sunshine and happiness to them by sending them gifts. Sometimes articles of clothing and other useful things are m"eluded. , At this time of the year, without public announcement, an extra effort is made, and the work is done privately and quietly. This year the result is that some 500 children, most of whom would have received no presents at all, will now receive something. The things sent embrace 497 toys and goodii, 534 magazines, 37 books, 1000 cigarette cards, lollies and chocolates, and 26 articles of clothing, weighing in all 3011bs. During the year, magazines, reading matter, scrap-books, scribbling, pads, and other miscellanies • have been sent, their total alone since last December being about 2700. Letters of thanks come from grateful parents as well as from the children, and only those in close contact can realise how the work is appreciated.

This year the gathering and- packing have been done by Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Howe, who, with the other officers of the union, are deeply indebted to1 the following for helping to make thia season's effort a success: Misses Shepherd (Ngaio), Stevenson (Hutt), Hitcbings(2), Gibson, Oldfield, Mesdames Howan (Belmont), Rodda (Johnsonville), Foay, Messrs. Russell, U. J. Thompson, M' , ' Maranui Methodist Sunday . School, Girl's Friendship, Club ■• (Taranaki street Methodist Sunday School), per ■ Miss Jackson, and First Company, Welling ton Post Guide;, pet Mrs. Captain Huntington. - ■