CHARITY DAY RAISES £350

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6543, 27 February 1928, Page 8

CHARITY DAY RAISES £350

COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS SUCCESSFUL “HOLD UP. -1 Saturday was a day of revelry in Palmerston North when strange and weird beings plied a busy trade in the streets, pouncing on the unsus-. pecting passer-by from street corners, and relieving him of his surplus small change. The Commercial Travellers —those indefatigable workers for charity—were abroad, using all the powers of persuasion for which they are so famed, in aid of the charitable institutions of the town. Needless to say, they were met in the same free and carnival spirit by the busy crowds that thronged the streets all day. The C.T.’s campaign started early on Saturday morning with a monster “bun drive” in which the whole of the borough was canvassed by a fleet of forty cars manned by an energetic band of 60 travellers. The whole of the huge stock of 15,000 buns was disposed of representing a total amount of £122.

Later in the morning, weirdly garbed figures made their appearance and commenced retailing all manner of commodities to the passers-by. The awe and majesty of the law sat enthroned on a lorry holding mock court before which the notables of the town were compelled to pay tribute. The first arrest took place shortly before 11 a.m, and from then on men walked, the. streets with bated breath like the traveller of old “and having once turned round, walks on, and turns no more his head, because he knows a frightful liend doth close behind him tread." A band of implacable and energetic “Johns” in summer garb kept the bewigged judge and counsel busily employed inventing new charges, many of which drew roars "of laughter from the appreciative crowds looking on. Concert parties, ■ strolling minstrels, country yokels, and pirates dodged here and there driving a busy trade, while street stalls and side shows, placed iii advantageous positions, contributed materially to the harvest- In the afternoon, a. decorated motor car and vehicle parade was held and mot with a fair measure of support. An exceptionally fine entry from Mr. P. Warren, of Palmerston North proved the winner of the Tucker Cup. The gross takings of the day amounted.-to £350 from which roughly £10() must bo deducted for expenses. Of the amount raised, the mock court contributed £S4 and the “bun drive £122. The C.T.’s of Palmerston North are to he congratulated upon the large amount raised as a result of their hard work and endeavour on behalf of a most deserving cause. The exact allocation of the £250 has not yet been decided but Palmerston North charitable institutions will undoubtedly benefit materially through the Travellers’ fine effort,