Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Saturday 24 December 1921, page 9


CHRISTMAS CHEER,

Soldiers' Parcels Distributed.

More than 250 parcels were distributed at Anzac House, Collins street, yesterday to returned soldiers who are unemployed. The Federal Cabinet had voted £1,000 to the Returned Sailors and Soldiers' League to provide Christmas gifts for, unemployed soldiers throughout Australia, and the Victorian allocation from, that sum was £177/10/10. A further contribution of £250 by Mr. MacRobertson enabled the Victorian branch of the league to increase the number and value of the parcels. In threequarters of an hour 150 were distributed. Of the 450 available there still remain 200 for distribution, and these will be given out between 9 and 12, o'clock this morning. Applicants must produce a recommendation from a recognised body working in the interests of returned men. The parcels consist of 2lb. sugar, lb. tea, tin of fruit, tin of jam, lib. salt, 2lb. plum pudding, 2lb. hour, tin milk, and two packets of cigarettes. With each parcel there is also an order for the purchase of 40 worth of

meat.

Christmas 'Dinner. The

Australian League of Soldiers and Sailors' Womenfolk gave unemployed soldiers and sailors and their wives and children a Christmas dinner. Mrs. B. Johnston

(vice-president), in the absence of Mrs. Woodburn (president), welcomed the

guests.

Mr. Bent acted as Father Christmas, and distributed toys to about 100 children.

Caulfield Hospital.

The Christmas treat for the patients at the Caulfield Military Hospital has, since the establishment of the hospital, been one of the most satisfactory of the many celebrations of the season. Those who organise the entertainment are fully recompensed by the appreciation of the patients. The treat, which was organised by the sub-committee of the Caulfield branch of the Red Cross, was given on Thursday evening. The patients, of whom there are 250, were entertained at tea. State schools throughout Victoria sent poultry and other delicacies- Each patient received a Christmas gift of cigarettes and other comforts. In the evening a concert programme was given on the lawn by Miss K.. Cornwell, Miss Lorna Reid, Mrs. Sargent, Mr. E. Hook, and Mr. Sage, while the wards were visited by a concert party organised by

Mrs. Checchi.

1 . Orphan Children's Festival.

Rainbow hued wings, gliding up the drive to the Melbourne Orphan Asylum Cottage Homes at Middle Brighton yesterday afternoon, brought joy to 100 small seats, for upon the Luck of the motor dragon-fly rode Father Christmas, with a rifle. of presents. His welcome was gleeful, and the gifts quickly dwindled as the children, who had no home to go to for Christmas, crowded round. The superintendent (Mr. J. Russell Crowther) supervised the proceedings, which included afternoon tea, prepared by the girls, under the trees. Later the children were given a Christmas ten.