Page 2 Advertisements Column 2

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 278, 24 November 1945, Page 2

Miss JUNE BENSON »» THE D.I.C. s MAIL ORDER SHOPPER SAYS— Good Morning, My Out-of-Town Friends, "Christmas comes but once a year” . . . My goodness me, I think it's just as well, for the arrival of Father Xmas at the D.I.C. more than once in fifty-two weeks would prove too much of a strain on my physical and mental powers. You see, somehow or other, at 3.15 p.m. yesterday, I inadvertantly found myself outside the main entrance of the D.1.C., securely wedged between three small children and the weighing machine —and no amount of persuasion would induce my young captors to move one fraction of an inch—oh, no! They had come to see Father Xmas arrive in his special carriage, and the desperate plight of a mere Mail-Order Shopper was of no consideration to them. They saw Santa arrive—and so did I—over the heads of scores of fascinated and highly excited kiddies, all eagerly anticipating their first glimpse of that grand old joygiver with his scarlet robe and white beard. Well, after eventually reaching the office in a somewhat exhausted state, I suddenly had a bright idea! Why not, in my Saturday morning column, give Father Xmas himself the opportunity of writing to his little country friends. After all, no one could describe better tian he the beauties of the Magic Cave, the ponds, the flowers, the . . . well, kiddies, here’s Santa’s very own letter to you—if youie not quite old enough to read it, I’m sure mummy will tell you what it’s all about. Hello, all my little Friends in the Country,— Isn’t it kind of Miss Benson* to let me write to you in her column this week? I didn’t expect an opportunity such as this, and needless to say, I’m ever so pleased. Now I can tell you all about my dear little fairy house at the D.I.C. —I know quite a number of you were lucky enough to visit me there yesterday, but I also realise that many more of you have to wait for another day or so until mummy or daddy come in to town. And then, of course, they're suie to bring you to the Magic Cave. This year, the cave is even more fascinating than before. The fairies have built me the sweetest house, with a real chimney—and wnat do you think is sitting on the chimney? Why, a little goblin man! Yes, he wal there to wave me welcome the very minute I entered my domain. In the front of the house, just by the door, are two big windows, where I can sit and watch a gloriously cool fountain bubbling water high into the air. Yes, it's real water—you just wait until you see it! And there, by the little pool, you’ll see all your favourite Nursery Rhyme characters playing. There’s the Little Old Man and, his pig, the Three Blind Mice, the Knave of Hearts. Higgledy-pig-gledy My Black Hen—oh, and lots more. I could sit and watch them for hours. But, of course, there are so many other things besides—a delightlul little rustic bridge that leads over a stream—yes, you can stand on it and look down into the water and there’s a see-saw on which are playing two Teddy Bears, both having such fun—and, then, of course, you can come right into my house —you’ll find the door wide open, and both my fairy and I will be waiting there to welcome you. Do you remember me saying in a previous letter that I was bringing a big sack of toys with me? Well, before you leave my home, you’ll each receive a lovely free gift from this bag! Isn’t that grand? And now, girls and boys, I’m afraid that if I write any more, Miss Benson won't even have enough space to say cheerio—so, bye-bye for now. I’ll see you all soon at the Magic Cave. Don’t forget to write to. me c/o Box 444. Your old friend, FATHER XMAS. My word, I think I ll ask Santa to write my Saturday letter every week. He certainly can do it much better than I. And seeing he’s left me a little space, here's a word to mother and father—Toyland at the D.I.C. is simply crowded with toys that will gladden every child’s heart. There's a definite air of festivity around—only the other day I became hopelessly entangled in a paper streamer with which an energetic youtli was endeavouring to festoon the staircase, and there's Xmas merchandise displayed at every department. "Christmas comes but once a year"—and it’s coming in only four weeks’ time' D.I.C.