BELGIAN CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS GIFT.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 262, 9 December 1914, Page 4

BELGIAN CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS GIFT.

J • EXCELLENT PROGRESS REPORTED. The committee having in. hand the arrangements for the Christmas gift from the Christchurch children to those in Belgium met yesterday afternoon in the Council Chambers. The Mayor, Mill. Holland, presided, and there was a laige attendance. Excellent progress vas reported oy different sub-commit tees. The assistant-secretary, Mrs Solomon, reported that Messrs F. M. Isobuck and Co. had offered to give a donation of 10,000 Vanity Fair cigarettes, if the Minister for Customs would remit the duty on same. A telegram from the latter was read, consenting to do so, and the offer was gratefully accepted. Permission to hold a raffle was also reported, and arranger inents were left in the hands of an executive committee consisting of the convener of each sub-committee, also Messrs Sinclair and Gould, with permission to add to the number. A letter offering a donation of. flowers was read, and the offer accepted. The committee also decided to avail themselves of the offer of the Liedertafel Society to allow several dolls (donated to the fund) to be sold by auction during an interval at their concert next w r eek.

The offer of Mr Morrison, proprietor of the United Service Hotel, for the use of the hotel balcony on the date of the flower sale (Christmas Eve) was also accepted with thanks. Mr C. Sea-

ger announced that permission for the erection of stalls and decorations had been given by the City Council, and a decision was now being awaited from the church authorities, for the use of part of the Cathedral lawn. Miss Hawley stated that up to date .'JO adults and .150 children had promised their services, and asked members of the committee to let lier have the addresses of any others who would be willing to help. It was hoped to enrol the services of .'!00 children, at leasts The following were appointed a special committee to deal with the mat-, ter of obtaining flowers, arranging them, etc.:—Mesdames Baxter, M. Fletcher, A. Baxter, Hasty, Thompson, Denton, Gwatkin, C. Seager, and Mrs Gould. This committee also has power to add to its number.' The Press was asked to make known the fact that the result of the effort, whatever the amount may be, will be cabled Home immediately, so that it may be expended at once to the very best advantage of the Belgian children. It is to be sent as a Christmas gift from the Christehurch children.