FOR COUNTRY CHILDREN

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 151, 23 December 1929, Page 15

FOR COUNTRY CHILDREN

The Wellington Sunday School Union annually remembers at Christmas time the scholars of "Extension Schools"— those in the out-country where nothing of a public nature is to be found, except perhaps a school and a dairy factory. At this time of the year there comes a strong appeal to those interested, and knowing that there are many children who have not yet seen a shop, let_ alone the sea or a tram car, the union endeavours to send a little to cheer these children. This year some 300 children will receive a gift. Toys, sweets, books, dolls, caTds, etc., comprise the gifts. In addition to these articles 136 sets of cigarette pictures (numbering 5217) and 434 magazines of various kinds have been sent. This all means much work, and Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Howe have been kept busy for some time preparing ana getting the things away. Letters have already come to hc-md expressing thanks. One teacher asked "if you could manage a doll for a girl about 11 years old and some marbles for a boy—he got some last year and has treasured them like gold." Naturally the request was granted. The fact that all these things are delivered free of expense at the door of the teacher or school has this year been made possible by help from Miss A. Stevenson (Lower Hutt Methodist School), Captain Hutingdon, of Ist Company, Wellington Port Guides, and Mrs. Eodda (Johnsonville Methodist School). The assistance given to these outlying schools during the year is highly appreciated, arid during the year scores of letters have arrived expressing the thanks of.teachers.