Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Wednesday 14 November 1945, page 10


Children To Have Real Christmas

"Mummy, are Christmases always like this?" asked a round-eyed six- year-old in the top department of

a city store yesterday. She looked round at the big array of toys al- most unbelievingly. Then she caught

sight of Father Christmas, and her long, drawn-out "Oh" was expres-ive of all she was feeling.

This scene was an indication that Christmas this year will be the best children have had since war began, many under seven have known only wartime austerity Christmases.

With greater stocks of toys and a wider variety than has been avail-able for many years, city stores are making a big effort to introduce a

festive atmosphere into this first peacetime Christmas. Instead of the usual small section devoted to a meagre show, whole departments are lavishly filled with all kinds of toys. Father Christmas has arrived at some stores, where he is already taking orders, and is expected at the end of the week at others. Gay decora-tions and novelty attractions all add to the children's delight.

From the practical point of view, however, toys are mostly expensive and of inferior quality. Wooden toys are the most numerous. They are solid, but roughly made and highly priced. There are table and chair sets priced at 38/; small duck rock-ers at 39/11 (what did we pay for these in prewar days? Less than £ 1 probably).

Most attractive types of wooden toys are large size aeroplanes, on wheels, which could be pulled along

easily, priced at 19/. Wooden toys run to battle craft, too, destroyers at 9/6, corvettes 5/, and cruisers 12/9. For the domesticated little girl there are bedroom suites, comprising dress-ing table, bedstead, and wardrobe, for 39/11.

When will we see some really pretty dolls again? Those on view in most city shops are so unattrac-tive they would probably frighten most children, and certainly the price would shock their parents. Cuddly felt animals are on sale in dozens at reasonable prices. Stuffed

felt dolls with the ugliest faces imag-inable are 30/, £2, and more. Any little boy's heart would be delighted with the wigwam tents at 59/9. One of the most spectacular toys on show at the same store is a gymnasium set, comprising horizontal bar, tra-peze bar, Roman rings and swings, for £14/12/.

Today, 8: Shell Shocks Revue Company victory varieties at Col-lingwood Town Hall. Tickets, 2/.

Today: Kooroora Club luncheon at McEwan House. Speaker, ChiefOfficer Betty Samuel. WRNS.