THE BELGIAN CHILDREN

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16741, 23 December 1914, Page 8

THE BELGIAN CHILDREN

CHRISTMAS EVE CAMPAIGN IN CHRISTCHURCH. During the early stages of the great European war there were somo who seemed inclined to doubt the accuracy of the reports published regarding the cruelties, tho barbarities and the atrocities of the German soldieiy in Bel* gium. The number of those who then talked of suspending judgment has decreased to vanishing point because the details that have since come to hand have substantiated in all essentials tho reports first published, horrifying accounts being given of the inhuman treatment a.nd the murder in many cases of Belgian women and children. To-morrow, Christmas Eve, from halfpast ten in the morning till ten in the evening, the people of Christchurch will havte an opportunity to show their practical sympathy with the poor little children of Belgium. At the Old English Fair in front of the Cathedral the Christchurch folk will be able to purchase many things, and will know that the whole of the proceeds will bo devoted to imparting ‘ into tho lives of the little ones of Belgium something of the Christmas cheer and happiness that their more fortunate little brothers and sisters in Christchurch will enjoy. It will be an occasion for unstinted, generous giving, and there is little doubt that the people of Christchurch will, as in the past, make the most of it. GENEROUS SCHOOL CHILDREN. The Mayor (Mr H. Holland) lias received the following letter, headed “ Infant Department, Addington School, December 21, 1914 ” : “Your Worship, dear sir, —Will you please accept this self-denial offering from our little infants to the Children’s Bolginn Christmas Gift Fund. We tried to cajole them into having their usual Christmas tree, but they would have none of it. Then we tried if they would send £5 to the fund, and have the rest for lollies and games on breaking-up day, but they all cried out, ‘ No, no; we want to send it, to the Belgians, for they are starving, aud we have plenty.’ You would have been proud to have heard the unanimous roar of the little ones, and seen the fervent look depicted on their earnest faces. They would like the enclosed letter to accompany their gift of £7 Gs 4d.—With Christmas greetings to Mrs Holland, yours truly, Mary Sliirteliffe, Infant Mistress.” The following letter, addressed to the Belgian children, was enclosed:—“ Dear Belgian Children,—Christmas greetings and a happy New Year to you all. Father Christmas is still alive, and is making lots of toys for you next year. This year we are just sharing alike. You cannot have a Christmas tree, so we will not here, and are very glad and proud to send you the money, £7 6s 4d, instead. With much love from some of your New Zealand friends.—(Signed) Olivo West, Myrtle Robertson (for the girls), and Owen Joseph, Alfred Bijcliff (for the boys).” MEETING OF COMMITTEE. A meeting of the General Committee of the Belgian Children’s Christmas Fair was held yesterday afternoon at the Council Chambers, the Mayor (Mr H. Holland) in the chair. Reports were received from the various sub-commit-tees to the effect that all arrangements in connection with to-morrow’s functions were complete. The Mayor announced a number of donations, all of which, he said, would be acknowledged through the newspapers in due course. The. secretary reported that he had received a donation of £9 13s from tho cabmen and taxi-drivers of the city. Mr John Beveridge and Mr East-gate were appointed to take charge of the central supply depots at the Chamber of Commerce, where all contributions of flowers, fruit and produce will be received at nine o’clock to-morrow morning. RANGIORA. As a result of an organised collection in •Kangiora and neighbourhood for ihe Belrian children s special Christinas gift the Mayor (Mr C. I. Jennings) forvyarded £4O to tho central secretary yesterday. Tho amount was modo up as follows:

SCARGILLI A collection made at ScargiD for tlio Belgium Children's Christmas Fund by the Misses Stewart and Mr Walter Blackey, resulted in a sum of £ll 8s 6d being raised. T'ho amount woa sent to Mr E. Nordon, the secretary of the North Canterbury Fund yesterday.

Collected by Mrs Barton . £ s. 11 0 d. 0 Collected by* Mr W. Cunningham 3 15 0 Collected by Mrs Will 2 1G 0 Collected by Miss Fear •1 11 0 Collected by" Miss L Scott 4 18 3 Collected by Mrs C. E. Bell 4 16 0 Collected bv the Misses Johnston Rnngiora Presbyterian Sunday 1 12 6 School . . .' 4 0 11 Rangiora Presbyterian Girls’ Bible Class .... District Sohool Primary Dc0 5 0 par talent Rangiora. Fire Brigade (in lieu 0 16 4 o! sending out Christmas cards) 1 5 0 Miscellaneous .... 0 4 0 Total . . . . . m o 0