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Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21575, 10 February 1940, Page 6

Welcome to

Eileen Marshall 29A Hassall Street Timaru Gain by Giving

Characters: Mr John Wilkens, His wife, Matilda, The vicar, Rev. Taylor, The maid, Letty. Scene An old-fashioned cottage in Devonshire, England. Mr and Mrs Wilkens are sitting by a fire. John, an old man of 64 years is described by the village folks as being a miser. He is counting his money on a small table placed to the right of the fire. The furniture consists of the table, a low couch and a few hard-backed chairs with a dresser. Matilda Is a homely person in about her 53rd year, and is sitting on the couch knitting. Matilda: I do think you might give even a little to the Christmas funds. John (angrily, his voice Is cracked): Give money to those begging fools! You’re as bad as the rest. Always asking for something. Matilda (gently): Now, John, there’s no need to get hasty. I do hope that some day you will learn that you gain by giving. John: Oh. be quiet, can’t you, Martha! What's that? (A knock at the do<jf makes him exclaim this. He mutters:) Another of those begging kids, I s’pose. (His wife sighs, rises up and opens the door to see the vicar standing there). Matilda (welcomingly): Oh! How do you do, sir? Come right in.

Vicar (looking round): Fine, thank you, Mrs Wilkens. Yes, thanks. (Ho steps in). Er—er, I’ve come to see your husband. How do you do, sir?

John (who takes no notice of this greeting! says loudly): Oh, beggln’ for money,’ I s’pose.

Vicar (quietly): On the contrary, sir, Just asking.

John (standing): Beggln’ or askin’ are both the same. Get out! Matilda: No, John, just sit down. John (wildly): You be quiet! Vicar: Now, Mr Wilkens, I am only asking a favour and it can be asked easier if you would sit. John (sitting): Well, hurry up and ask it.

Vicar: I came to ask if you would give a few pounds to our funds. Just think of the poor little girls and boys with no real Christmas. Think of those who are wishing for money. John: I just don’t intend to. Vicar:. Very well, but remember, you will gain by giving. John (agrily): Same as my wife, but that won’t shift my mind! Vicar (turning to go): I’m very sorry. Good evening, Mrs Wilkens. Good night. (Shakes hands and exits.) (Mr and Mrs Wilkens sit in silence for a few seconds.)

John (excitedly): Quick, Martha, ring the bell for Letty if she is still here, and tell her to fetch the vicar back.

Matilda (surprised): Yes, John. (The maid comes in.) John: Go and fetch the vicar. Letty: Yes, sir. John: Hurry up, girl, and don’t stand gaping. Letty: Oh, yes, sir! (Exits). (They sit awhile until Letty announces the vicar.)

John (standing up to greet him calls out excitedly): You can have the money! Five hundred pound! Vicar: Do you r-really mean it, s-sir?

John: Of course! (falls from excitement.) Every bit of it. I remember

my father was a charity man who, (raising his voice) gained by giving! Curtain. (Ruth Knox, age 12.)

SHE GAVE HER BLANKET For weeks a woman of 85 had been working on a beautiful blanket of coloured wool. When it was finished she took it to the Edinburgh women's voluntary service headquarters, asking them to accept it. She had heard that blankets were urgently required for evacuees, and wished to make a contribution towards the immediate need of the little folk.