FOR THE CHILDREN.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 121, 27 June 1914, Page 13

FOR THE CHILDREN.

OPEN-AIR FUND.

SUPPORT OF COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS.

At the annual meeting of the Canterbury Commercial Travellers' axul Warehousemen's Association last evening, the secretary, Mr H. B. Gould, suggested that the association should consider ways and means of augmenting the fund in aid of the Open-Air Homes for children—by the holding of a burlesque procession for preference. There were many amongst their number, he intimated, who would make jolly fine druids, and probably more who would make better clowns. The movement would be supported by many firms in the city, who had given assurance that' they would be prepared to supply the necessary costumes for members of their firms who joined the procession. '' As we all have youngsters of our own," he concluded, amidst loud laughter, ''l think we ought to do all we can to further the project." Mr L. B. Hart, vice-president, in support of the suggestion, said that he had called upon his Worship the Mayor 1o ask if such a scheme wbuld be acceptable. The Mayor was in full accord with the proposal and expressed his belief that it could be carried out by no one better than by the travellers. The speaker was of : the opinion that an epen-air concert could be given in the evening after the procession. Mr Massey had received a pretty fair hearing in Victoria Square, but Mr Hart was of the opinion that the travellers could even eclipse him.

Mr F. Steans informed members that in Great Britain there was a scheme whereby at various hotels there was collected from commercial travellers the sum. of a penny a day for orphanages. By this.means alone three institutions were maintained. This reflected great credit on Great Britain and her travellers, and any such scheme was wjorthy of support. He would like to see the matter taken up by the incoming committee. *'

Mr S. Phillips also mentioned that the. Dunedin and Invercargill travellers held an annual football match. This year they had issued twopenny tickets, and from the sale of these they expected to realise about £fso. With this money it was proposed that they should donate a cot each to the Dunedin and Invercargill Hospitals. Something like this could probably be arranged in aid of the open-air fund.

It was decided to refer the matter to the incoming committee for consideration.