Page 2 Advertisements Column 2

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 302, 22 December 1945, Page 2

Miss JUNE BENSON ■fc* ■ At. ■■ g ■■ THE D.l.C.’s MAIL ORDER SHOPPER SAYS—pHRISTMAS Greetings, Everyone—lots of luck for the coming year—and thank you. first of all, for the many encouraging and, friendly letters that you have written to me since this column began. And thank you, too, for helping to make this column the success that it has been. Quite frankly, I was a little dubious at first as to how a mail-order shopping letter would be received by those out-of-town — you know how one is so often sceptical of a new idea—but you have proved, by your replies each week, that you welcomed the opportunity of shopping from your own home. No doubt it is an asset, and I would like you to know just how much I have enjoyed helping you. Well, here we are almost on the eve of another Christmas —for so many homes, the brightest and cheeriest Christmas for several years. No longer is the world overshadowed by the grim spectre of war—no longer are husbands, sons, and brothers separated from their loved ones by distance made greater by uncertainty and anxiety. At least we know that if they have not already returned, they will do so in safety and peace, with the full knowledge that their sacrifices, and the even greater sacrifices of those who gave their very lives, have not been in vain. At a time when we are about to enter into a new year, it is doubtless natural for us to become a little introspective—the outcome, of course, is invariably a host of “New Year resolutions.” However, I am not about to suggest to you that you reform your characters on New Year’s Day—probably I would be deluged by letters reminding me that charity—and other things—begin at home. But in the autobiography of Madame Curie, I came across two lines that have impressed me greatly. Henri Poincare, in his tribute to Pierre Curie, said: “It matters little what God one believes in; it is the faith, and not the god, that makes miracles.” I do not propose that you accept this doctrine as infallible—you may, or may not, be in agreement with its principle. But it is surely faith—faith in our ideals, our actions and faith in mankind—that will give the world the enduring peace it is seeking. Suspicion can give birth only to hatred and bitterness—faith is the basis of understanding, solid and durable. In the midst of festivity, perhaps we could each spare a thought as to how we could help to make a dearly-won peace gloriously everlasting.

And now—enough of my soliloquizing—outside the office I can hear the excited chatter of dozens of kiddies, revelling in the delights of Toyland. Christmas is indeed a wonderful time for the children, isn’t it—remember the thrill, on Christmas morning of opening those intriguingly gay parcels—the crackle of paper, the snap of string ,the ohs and ahs of elation as the precious gilt was disclosed. Time cannot entirely erase that pleasure, can it? No matter how old one may be, there is always some indefinable delight in the receiving—and the giving—of a gift. I dare say that that is part of the spirit of Christmas. Did you see Santa in the Magic Cave this year? No doubt lhe children did, and I’m sure they loved every minute of it. I think the cave was prettier than ever, exactly like a fairy garden, with the little bridge and the pond and the sparkling fountain. And everyone looks forward to meeting dear old Santa, don’t they? He’s a tradition itself, a part of all the happiness and frivolity and gaiety.

By the way, I almost forgot to tell you—during the next month you won t be reading my letters on this page. The Manager thinks I need a rest- whether it is deserved or otherwise I know not —so I am leaving my very capable understudy in command while I enjoy the luxury of a holiday. Now, please wxite in just the same if you are wanting anything by mail—your orders will receive exactly the same prompt consideration as previously -and I’l] forward to being with you all again in a few weeks. On behalf of the •J.C. A VERY JOYOUS CHRISTMAS AND HAPPINESS THROUGHOUT THE COMING YEAR and again, thank you, one and all. Your sincere friend,