A MERRY CHRISTMAS

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 586, 27 December 1915, Page 8

A MERRY CHRISTMAS

COLONIALS IN ENGLAND.

ELABORATE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SEASON OF FESTIVITY.

(Received December 26, 10.15 a.m.)

LONDON, December 26. Every Australian and New Zealander in Britain spent his 1 Christmas merrily. Anglo-Australians liad been diligently preparing for months to ensure that none would be overlooked. This necessitated the most elaborate organisation, in order to • C over the men in isolated provincial hospitals, but the Australian i and New Zealand Red Cross, the War Contingent Associations, and the Natives' Association arranged that the Australians in English hospitals should be given special comforts. The principal functions were at London, Plymouth, Bostall Heath, Harefield, and "Walton. Invalids, convalescent men, and recovered men were made to feel that Christmas, without the southern sun, and far from their homes, in a war atmosphere, can still be merry. A dinner of Australians at the Hotel Cecil was largely attended, and was a splendid success. There were many jovial Australians and New Zealand parties '' <at the Carlton, Piccadilly, Criterion, and other hotels, and lavish festivities. Soldiers thronged the "Anzac Butfet all day long, and there ; was a continuous and lively entertainment. 1 Two hundred and fifty New Zealanders dined at the Midland i Hotel. The Hon. Thomas Mackenzie, who presided, said he was v proud of New Zealand's heroes. He read Mr Massey's greetings, . also General Bird wood's message, as follows: — "Good cheer, boys, from all your comrades in the firing line, v Return soon, and we will see this through together." The Hon. T. Mackenzie presented Madam Ada Crossley with the New Zealand coat of arms. Lord Plunket, who received an ovation, congratulated the New Zealanders on their gallant exploits, and wished them good luck. Mr Cecil Wray, formerly of Wanganui, distributed cigars from the residents of Kakatahi, and the boys cheered, shouting, "Good old Kakatahi." The Hon. T. Mackenzie and his daughter, with Lord Plunket, visited Acton and'Walton, where 40 Maoris were the guests of Mrs Scott, where they cooked pork, pigeons, eels, and kumeras in a Maori oven in the back garden. Acton suburbanites anxiously rushed to the windows at the sound of the war whoops signalling the Hon. T. Mackenzie's arrival. Crowds gathered in wonderment at the hakas, ferocious contortions, and hunting and love songs. They sampled the Maoris' turkey, and pronounced it excel--4 lent, and marvelled at such a. result from a heap of earth and hot stones. The Maoris continue the feasting to-morrow, and there will be a dance in the evening. There were lively scenes in the festooned wards at Walton, where the patients cheered ,the Hon. T. Mackenzie and his son, who visited every bed. A concert party df New Zealanders entertained the patients.