ASHBURTON.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 873, 27 November 1916, Page 11

ASHBURTON.

BELGIAN CHILDREN. FUND TO BE RAISED. A well attended meeting of those interested in the relief of Belgian children (more, especially in the sending of n Christmas offering) was held on Saturday, Mr H. P. Nicoll presiding. Mr Nicoll explained that the Lord Mayor of London had made world-wide appeal for a Christinas offering to the Belgian children, tens of thousands of whom were suffering through lack of food. One scheme suggested was the envelope system. Mr Ferrimari said the need was patent to all, and he advised, as a quick and ready means of raising money that a church collection should take place, it would be an example of practical Christianity on the pari, of church-goers. The speaker moved in that direction. Mr Galbraith seconded the motion. Mr W. Harding preferred the envelope system. By this means it would be possible to reach every home. It would mean much work, but success would be assured. Mr .1. Farrell favoured the direct appeal, and offered £lO to start the fund. Mr Nicoll said the church system was but an addition. Mr i'Vrrinian argued that the envelope system would entail a large amount of work on the part of the collectors. The census oflicials had found their work very heavy, and the same would apply to this scheme. The motion was carried. The idea of holding a Christinas Eve Fete then came in for consideration, but several of those present objected to it on the grounds that it was not, a fair ileal to worry shopkeepers who had been preparing for Christmas Eve. The matter was finally left to the committee for consideration. The original Belgian Belief Committee was reappointed, with the addition of the ladies present, and the Mayor and the clergymen of the country. NEWS AND" NOTES. .Mr .John Osborne, Allenton, has received cable advice that his sons, Privates David Studleigh and Samuel Kingsbury Osborne, have rejoined their regiments in France. At the New Zealand Farmers' Cooperative Association's land sale on Saturday. 11(52 acres, situated on Sealield-eum-Seaview, and offered on account of '■ Sergt. A. P. Bruce, was passed in at auction at £9 5/- per acre.