CHILDREN VISITED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22300, 24 December 1935, Page 14

CHILDREN VISITED

TOUR BY ME. SAVAGE r 'ORPHANAGES AND HOSPITALS MESSAGE OF FRIENDSHIP Christmas greetings and a message of friendship for the future were conveyed to hundreds of sick and orphan children in Auckland yesterday by the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage. Early in the morning Mr. Savage left on a tour of orphanages and hospitals in the city and suburbs, and everywhere he went the smiles on the faces of children in sick beds or in the grounds of their homes and the cheers of people assembled in the streets left no doubt that his Christmas greetings were reciprocated.' Tho Mayor of Auckland, Mr. Ernest Davis, was unable, owing to indisposition, to accompany Mr. Savage. The most amazing demonstration of p.ublic goodwill was given when tho Prime Minister at noon broadcast from the steps of the Chief Post Office his Christmas message to the children of New Zealand. By that time Mr. Savage had already visited two orphanages on the North Shore, and tho children's wards at the Auckland Hospital. When he arrived at the Post Office thousands of people were almost blocking tho traffic in lowsr Queen Street, and as, ho stepped from his car and was piloted through the crowd by waiting policemen he received a welcome of cheer. l ). Appeal For Friendship Mr. Savage's speech, which was broadcast through the main national stations, wasi in essence an appeal for friendship. He invited the boys and girls' of New Zealand to look on him as a friend—not a fair weather friend, . but one 'who would always bo ready to extend a helping hand to those who needed it. Real friendship meant mutual aid and goodwill, and if the children of the Dominion accepted and returned his friendship in the spirit in which it was offered all would bo well. " My own passage through life has not been over a path strewn with roses," Mr. Savage said. " I understand the clifficulties and disappointments that those who are now children will meet in the years ahead of th«;m, but by friendship and a readiness to render mutual aid, those difficulties can be overcome. My simple appeal is that the children should accept the friendship oi ; one who has been lucky enough to become their Prime Minister. I wish them a very merry Christmas and prosperity throughout the new year." Visits to Orphanages Mr. Savage was cheered to the echo and, as he left to rejoin his car, hundreds of people pressed forward to shake hands with him. Mothers thrust their children before them and for these young people the Prime Minister had a special word of greeting. The Minister *of Internal Affairs, Hon. W. E. Parry, also delivered a broadcast address, in which he stated that the efforts of the Labour Government would be to maintain permanently the Christmas spirit of brotherhood and goodwill. The Primu Minister's first call during the mo:rning was at • St. Joseph's Orphanage, a Roman Catholic institution at Takapuna. On his way he had to stop to receive the good wishes of crowds gathered at Devonport and at Takapuna. At each place children gave him bouquets. When the Ministerial car arrived at St. Joseph's Orphanage, Mr. Savage was welcomed by Monsignor Holbrook and Mother Mary Josephine. A Maori lad, Don Hedges, read an address of welcome. Mr. Savage's reply was an appeal for the young people before him to recognise the value of friendship. The next call was at the Brett Home, an orphanage for girls conducted by the Church of England. Once again the children gave Mr. Savage an enthusiastic welcome. He shook hands and spoke with all the girls individually, and finally his photograph was taken surrounded by the children. Reception at Hospital 'After crossing the harbour, Mr. Savage made a brief halt outside the Y.M.O.A. building in Wellesley Street. There, the matron and a few children from the Baptist orphanage at Marnurewa were waiting to meet him. Mr. Savage also talked for a few minutes with officials of the Y.M.C.A., who presented him with the badge of their association. At the Auckland Hospital Mr. Savage had a memorable reception. He went through all the children's wards, accompanied by the medical superintendent, 'Dr. J. W. Craven, and members of the nursing staff, and had a kindly word for each little patient. Many of them were lying back with white faces that told of suffering, but their eyes brightened as Mr. Savage and Mr. ; Parry walked around, stopping at every bedside for a word of comfort and ' Other Visits Paid After his address from the Post Office steps Mr. Savage paid a brief visit to Newmarket, where he was welcomed in ' the Town Hall by the Mayor, Mr. S. Donaldson, and many local residents. His next call was at the Mater Misericordiae Hospital. Ho complimented Mother Mary Gonzaga and the sisters on their work of mercy, and their thanks for his visit were expressed by the Rev. Father J. Creagh. Finally the Prime Minister called at the Salvation Army'/Orphanage, only a few yardti distant from his home in Herne Bay, and there was welcomed by the children with a song written specially in his honour. Children from the Presbyterian orphanage at Papatoetoo were to have met Mr. Savage at the corner of Queen ' Street and Wakefield Street, but owing to a misunderstanding they waited for him in tho Town Hall concert chamber. Mr. Savage expressed his regret at having missed the opportunity of meet- J ing them. , |