A CHRISTMAS TREAT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 291, 8 December 1928, Page 20 (Supplement)

A CHRISTMAS TREAT

2nd. Peggy sat with her father and mother at the table, which stood in front of a window. The room was poorly furnished, but nevertheless, everything was as clean and shining as a new pin, for although the Daynes were poor. Mri Dayne loved a bright and cheerful home.

It. was tea-time and Christmas Eve, so a much better tea lay on the table than on other nights. AH that day Peggy had been waiting for the letters to come, as one of them would contain the results of a scholarship for which Peggy had entered. She did not think she would receive anything, but. she wanted to know where she had come. Now night had come on and it. was very dark and cold outside. because it had been snowing, and Peggy had given up all hope of any letters coming. They had just about finished tea when a loud knock was heard on the door. Mr Dayne at once rose, and went to the door. There stood the boy with three letters in his hand. Mr Dayne took them, and went, back into the kitchen, where he discovered there were two letters containing business matters for him and one for Peggy, who guessed what it was.

She rapidly opened it. and so great wa* her surprise she nearly fainted, for there lay on the table a cheque for £3O which was the first prize for the scholarship. She was too stupefied to speak, and pushing the cheque and letter into her father’s hands she left the room. A few minutes later she returned and then arrangements were made as to how to •sjM*nd the money. They decided to keep £l5, and with the rest to give a party the next day to the poor children who lived roum. about.

After they had finished tea, they took the cheque to the bank, got it cashed and made arrangements for the party. They also bought a few things for themselves. They then went and invited the children, whose joy knew no bounds. Next day at three o’clock in came the children, all eager to be the first to see the pretty things. There was a Christmas tree all lit with candles ana k Father Christmas. Each guest received a present, and on top of all there was a huge Christmas tea such as the poor children, and their parents who had accompanied them, had never seen before. After tea came games dancing and competitions, but as nearly everybody was tired by nine o'clo?k, they all went home, tired and happy.

Not only were the Daynes happy that Christmas, but they had succeeded in making the poorer people happier, too. From “DOLLY VARDEN (13 years), Matarawa.

Dear Wendy,—Just a line once again to you and all the Wendyites. I was pleased to see my letter in the paper last Saturday. Fancy there is only three weeks to go until Christmas. I expect you will be kept busy getting the Relief Ship ready for her Christinas voyage. My word we will soon need the whole of the “Chronicle” if the memberihip of the Hut increases much more. From the | window I can see bales and bales of wool going past in lorries, which shows that the shearing season is nearly over. Well, Wendy, I cannot find any more news to relate, so I will close now, with best of wishes to you and all the Wendyites.—From your reader, “PAT,” Wanganui. How pleased I am you have written again this week. Yes, time is passing quickly now, and Christmas will be here with us before we realise it. The Hut continues to grow, and as you say soon we shall need all the “Chronicle” for our section. We would then have a Children’s Newspaper, indeed. I have also noticed the lorries carrying the wool to the stores, and I have often looked at them longingly wishing I had their value so that I might spend it among the children who need it so.—Wendy.

Dear Wenay.-j-I received a letter for Mary, and she says the Beautiful New Zealand cigarette cards are lovely. As I have not very much pocket money this year I am asking you if some of my Sunday School ticket* would do for some sick boy or girl in the hospital? I will send you one to see. Would comics be any good for sick children? If they are, I will send some. I won the first prize for attendance and highest marks at Sunday School. We had a small concert recently. It is nearly Christmas, isn’t it? I must close now, with love from.—“SLOW COACH,” Ohau.

I am pleased you have heard from Mary, my dear. The Sunday School tickets would do fine for the little children, also the comics. The comics would cheer them up wonderfully. I am ho‘glad to hear that you won first prize for attendance and highest marks at your Sunday School. I hope that all mf readers are so regular in attendance as ycu arc. 1 am very proud of you.—Wendy.