CHRISTMAS APPEAL

Matamata Record, Volume XIX, Issue 1790, 10 December 1936, Page 3

CHRISTMAS APPEAL

(To the Editor) ! 1 Sir, —As the season for giving approaches once more, we send forth our appeal, praying that all who are able will help to provide Christmas cheer for those in need. Keen disappointment is being felt by delicate folk who 1 through ill health and intermittent ' attacks of illness are unable to do hard work or even to keep regular light work. The invalid pension is granted to those only who are totally incapacitated. The pension for deserted wives is granted to those only who have children under 16 years. While many have benefited by the change in the residential clause, there still remain a great number of old folk who are ineligible for the old age pension. One day recently we called at a new home. There we found a patient mother suffering from general debility. The home, though spotlessly clean, was almost devoid of furniture. There were five children under 10 years, and little provision made for the wee babe soon to come. As we went through the home we found that the children’s bedding and mattresses must be replaced. As we were leaving we inquired if... the little ones expected a visit from Santa Claus. " No,” they replied wistfully, “he

always forgets us.” “Has he never come ? ” we inquired in assumed astonishment. It seems that when the aeroplane now passes over their cottage these children call out to those in the plane please to tell Santy where they live. Through the goodness of those who give, it has been possible for us to provide hundreds of mothers with parcels with which to fill their children’s stockings. Our children are grateful little souls, for little gives them pleasure.

Please help, us to be up and doing, taking joy and gladness to all who are in need, young and old. Our address is 11, Picton street, Ponsonby, Auckland. Your smallest gift in funds, food, toys, books, clothing or shoes for men women and children, will be thankfully received.—l am, etc.,. ... SISTER ESTHER.