Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Seasonable Festivities With The Barnardo Boys.
SEASONABLE FESTIVITIES WITH THE BARNARDO BOYS .
^^^^^^^^
( SPECIALLY CONTRIBUTED ) .
A JOLLY time of it is the only adequate definition we can give of the festivities that have followed each other in such rapid succession since Christmas Ere till now in connection with Dr . Barnardo ' s " Homes" for destitute boys and girls . And yet , amidst the savoury fumes of ponderous joints , of Christmas plnm-puddings and mince-pies , amidst the ripple of glad laughter and grateful
thanks that have reverberated through the " Homes" during the festive season , the visitor cannot but have been impressed with the magnitude and value of the beneficent scheme which has been sot on foot for the care and training of poor little waifs and strays , literally plucked from the mire of our courts and alleys , and who bnt for this
truly philanthropic enterprise must have drifted—Heaven knows where ! Cynics are disposed to sneer and shrug their shoulders at many of the efforts that are put forth for the amelioration of human
distress ; but a dispassionate observer cannot fail to be impressed with the true and earnest spirit of Christian charity that underlies the whole system npon whioh Dr . Barnardo ' s " Homes" are conducted .
I was happy to be able to avail myself of the invitation issued by the committee to assist at the Christmas Day gathering of the past aud present inmates of the London " Homes , " held at the Edinburgh Castle , Limehouse , and a more cheering or inspiriting exemplification of practical benevolent work it has rarely been my good fortune to
witness . The happy family party , however , who clustered around the festive board on that occasion were but a section of the 1 , 600 destitute children now being fed , clothed , ancl educated in the various institutions that have been established through Dr . Barnardo ' s influence . They consisted only of tho boys and girls of the London
branches , for this Samaritan agency is by no means confined to the metropolis . Amongst the 31 institutions comprised in the scheme there is a Nursery Home for " very little boys at Trighmore , Jersey ; a village home for destitute boys and girls at Ilford ; a rescue home for
young girls in danger ; a convalescent sea-side home at Felixstowe , Suffolk ; a farm school at Bromyard ; and an emigration depot and distributing home in Toronto , and Pefcerboro ' , Ontario , Canada . Over 8 , 000 boys and girls have already , throngh the agency of these " Homes , " been removed from the life of the streets , from
the perils of orphanhood , or from positions of the gravest danger , often from tho custody of criminals and immoral people . These have all been educated , taught trades , or fitted for domestic service , and brought , during their stay in the ' * Homes , " within the kindly influence of genuine Christian feeling and instrnction . Of the largo
number already equipped for thoir life-work 2 , 405 have beon placed out in the Colonies , no less than 622 having gone ont during the past year to Canada . It will thus bo seen that the scope of this beneficent work is of vast breadth ; and its aim and object is so closely allied to that in which the Masonic Craft is engaged that we gladly
add our tribute of admiration to Dr . Barnardo ' s noble enterprise . In spite of the cold and dreary weather on Christmas Day , and quitting for a fow hours cosy firesides and the festivities in which private families are wont to indulge at the " merry " season of the year , a largo number of visitors accepted tho invitation of Dr .
Barnardo and tho Hon . A . Kinnaird ( Chairman of the Managers ) , to witness the gathering at the Edinbnrgh Castle ; and the impression left npon their minda could but be one of unanimous and unfeigned gratification and admiration of the grand scheme which is so rapidly rising in public favour . In befitting manner the day was commenced
with divine service , at St . Luke's Chnrch , South Hackney , where a suitable address was delivered by the Vicar , tho Rev . H . W . Langhome . At half-past one o ' clock the lads wore marshalled in the hall , which , with its stained-glass windows , and walls glitterin-r with Christmas decorations and scriptural mottos , presented an air of the
utmost cheerfulness and animation . In a trice the tables " groaned " nnder the weight of sumptuous Christmas faro , and the avidity with which tho children attacked the " creature comforts" provided , afforded no less pleasm * o to the many ladies and gentlemen seated in tho side galleries than to the stnrdy lads aud lasses , whose wants were
mjmstered to by kind and willing hands . Such a clatter of tongues , with knife and fork accompaniment , it has seldom been onr lot to hear ; whilst happiness and contentment were depicted on every countenance . No sooner were tho platters emptied than tho Doctor—who was here , there , ancl everywhere , encouraging and stimulating all
around him—called upon his gnests to be standing , and a charming Christmas carol , by Mr . Joseph Prouclmau , tho musical diroctor of the " Homes , " entitled " The Silver Stars are Shining , " was vigorously ancl heartily snng , with organ accompaniment , ancl aided by tho excellent brass br . nd of the Institution . As the cadences of the
carol subsided , tho cheery voice of tho Doctor was heard to exclaim , "You will sing better after the padding ; and I will ask Father Christmas to bring in his first dish , and perhaps Santa Clans will be here also . " Jnst then a side door opened , ancl a veritable Father
Christmas , attired in purple and gold , with traditionally ruddy visage and flowing beard , bis silver locks being decked with a crown * of holly , was ushered in , amidst such cheers from the boys as it is seldom our lot to listen to . Ho was closely followed by Santa Claus , robed
Seasonable Festivities With The Barnardo Boys.
in histrionic guise , the pair very much resembling Gog and Magog of old , though bent on a much moro pleasurable mission . The depositing of the huge Christmas pudding at the head of the festal scene was the signal for scores of others of equal quality and dimensions to be deftly cut up and distributed amongst the company , and
although it seemed incredulous to the onlooker that the tightened waistcoats of tbe lads could bear any further strain , yet the Doctor ' s inquiry as to whether they would like mince pies was answered by such a volley of cheers that left no room for any doubt whatever on the subject . In they came , in mountainous pyramids on the largest
of salvers , and sad havoc was played with the dainty morsels which capped tho bounteous feast . Then Santa Claus was trotted to the fore , and made to disgorge the contents of hia Christmas box : bufc before doing so the question was put to the guests , " Have you all finished ? " The lads were compelled to answer in a most
unmistakable "Yes , Sir ! " amidst a torrent of laughter and cheering , and the fragments that were removed from the tables fully sustained their voluntary confession of satisfaction . The organist then sang the well-known pathetic and appropriate song , " The Stowaway , " which was loudly applauded , and tho whole company devoutly united in
singing grace , "We thank Thee , Lord . " As an interlude several carols were sung , wifch oz * gan and band accompaniment , including "Hark ! the Herald Angels sing , " "The Bells , " "While Shepherds watched their Flocks , " and a new melody , " Come , my friends ^ and neighbours . " The lads sang with remarkable accuracy and precision ,
giving evidence of careful and efficient training , and tho Doctor , in wishing all present a " Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year , " was met with a thundering chorus , mingled with ejaculation of " Same to you , Sir , and many on ' em . " He then addressed the company , in a few happily chosen words , remarking that this was the first
Christmas dinner they had had at the Edinburgh Castle , but he hoped next year , if spared , to have the feast in a hall of their own —in the large building whioh is now in course of erection afc Stepney Canseway . Their existing premises were nofc large enough to accommodate all the boys and girls now present , but they were in course
of great extension . He was happy to say thafc during the pasfc year fche conduct of the boys afc the Labour House had been remarkably good , and there had been fewer causes of complaint than for many years past as to the performance of their duty . No doubt thafc was in a greafc measure due to the kindly supervision of the governor
( Mr . Cannon ) and his staff . The Doctor proceeded to describe Mr . Cannon as a " greafc gnn " who mighfc go off at any moment , only they all wanted to keep him there , a remark that was received wifch prolonged * laughter at the pun , and applause at the sentiment . A tribute of praise was accorded fco Captain Allen Fowler , without
whom this Christmas dinner would have been bufc a poor one ; and then followed loud hurrahs for the cook , and for Dr . Mills , who , after unusual festivity administered the necessary " beautiful stuff , " castor oil . Quoth the Doctor , you do not appreciate Dr . Mills sufficiently . Who is it that pulls out your teeth ? Who is ifc that
sticks a knife into you when needed ? But whose wise counsel and advice is it thafc is so serviceable to you and so beneficial to you in every respect ? There were lusty cheers for Dr . and Mrs . Mills , whom the Doctor was pleased to see present j and then Santa Claus produced his " lucky bag , " containing sundry brand new coins from
Her Majesty ' s Mint , which were to be distributed amongst the boys and girls who had distinguished themselves for good conduct during tho year . It was explained that through the kindness of a modest friend , who did not care to have his name mentioned ,
Santa Claus had orders to give to every lad and girl present one of these r . cw coins—some sixpences , some " threepences , " and others pennies . Thanks were vociferously accorded to the anonymous donor of these gifts , and then , at the word of command , the lads of the Labour House stood on forms ancl received , at the hands of the
Doctor , a well-deserved meed of praise for what they hacl done during the past year . They had never done moro good work heretofore , or showed a keener appreciation of what had been done for them ; this made Christmas happier for all the supporters of the Institution , and he hoped they would keep on in the same way in the future . This
wish was assured by the hearty cheers of the lads , whose widebrimmed , sailor-fashion hats twirled about in ecstatic joy , like so many miniature windmills . Some of these big lads would soon be saying good-bye ! for " Westward Ho ! "—meaning Canada—and he wished them God-speed . Other warm expressions of thanks and
appreciation of tho efforts of the officers of the Homes were then uttered . Then amidst a furore of seasonable compliments and cheers tho lads took their departure by the side doors , receiving thoir new coins as they passed out , and all blessing the kindly Doctor and his helpers for tho grand feast that they had founded . Later in the
evening the guests who had been invited to witness tho festivities were entertained in the iron hall adjoining the Edinburgh Castle , whero a pleasant social gathering took place , ancl speeches were delivered , describing the general scope , usefulness , and success of the various Institutions under Dr . Barnardo ' s care . Long after the
" company" had left , to rejoin their own family circles , the boys played merry pranks in tho large hall , and the Christinas Day of 1886 will bo long remembered , not only by thoso who partook of the hospitality of the Committee , but by the lads and lasses who , in
domestic service or in far-off lands , will have hfe-long reason to recollect the humano and philanthropic hands who , having rescued them from poverty , and perhaps crime , have placed them iu positions ai respectable members of society .
HOLLOWAV ' TILLS . —With the darkening days and changing temperatures tho digestion becomes impaired , tiie liver disordered , and tho mind despondent unless tho cause of the irregularity be expelled from the blood and body by an alterative like these Pills . They go directly to the source of tho evil , thrust out all impurities from tlio circulation , reduce distempsred organs to
their natural state , and correct all defective and contaminated secretions . Such easy moans of instituting health , strength , and cheerfulness should he in the possession of all whose stomachs are- weak , whose minda are much harassed , or whose brains are overworked . Holloway ' s is essentially a bloodtempering medicine , whereby its influence , reaching the remotest fibres of the frame , effects a universal good .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Seasonable Festivities With The Barnardo Boys.
SEASONABLE FESTIVITIES WITH THE BARNARDO BOYS .
^^^^^^^^
( SPECIALLY CONTRIBUTED ) .
A JOLLY time of it is the only adequate definition we can give of the festivities that have followed each other in such rapid succession since Christmas Ere till now in connection with Dr . Barnardo ' s " Homes" for destitute boys and girls . And yet , amidst the savoury fumes of ponderous joints , of Christmas plnm-puddings and mince-pies , amidst the ripple of glad laughter and grateful
thanks that have reverberated through the " Homes" during the festive season , the visitor cannot but have been impressed with the magnitude and value of the beneficent scheme which has been sot on foot for the care and training of poor little waifs and strays , literally plucked from the mire of our courts and alleys , and who bnt for this
truly philanthropic enterprise must have drifted—Heaven knows where ! Cynics are disposed to sneer and shrug their shoulders at many of the efforts that are put forth for the amelioration of human
distress ; but a dispassionate observer cannot fail to be impressed with the true and earnest spirit of Christian charity that underlies the whole system npon whioh Dr . Barnardo ' s " Homes" are conducted .
I was happy to be able to avail myself of the invitation issued by the committee to assist at the Christmas Day gathering of the past aud present inmates of the London " Homes , " held at the Edinburgh Castle , Limehouse , and a more cheering or inspiriting exemplification of practical benevolent work it has rarely been my good fortune to
witness . The happy family party , however , who clustered around the festive board on that occasion were but a section of the 1 , 600 destitute children now being fed , clothed , ancl educated in the various institutions that have been established through Dr . Barnardo ' s influence . They consisted only of tho boys and girls of the London
branches , for this Samaritan agency is by no means confined to the metropolis . Amongst the 31 institutions comprised in the scheme there is a Nursery Home for " very little boys at Trighmore , Jersey ; a village home for destitute boys and girls at Ilford ; a rescue home for
young girls in danger ; a convalescent sea-side home at Felixstowe , Suffolk ; a farm school at Bromyard ; and an emigration depot and distributing home in Toronto , and Pefcerboro ' , Ontario , Canada . Over 8 , 000 boys and girls have already , throngh the agency of these " Homes , " been removed from the life of the streets , from
the perils of orphanhood , or from positions of the gravest danger , often from tho custody of criminals and immoral people . These have all been educated , taught trades , or fitted for domestic service , and brought , during their stay in the ' * Homes , " within the kindly influence of genuine Christian feeling and instrnction . Of the largo
number already equipped for thoir life-work 2 , 405 have beon placed out in the Colonies , no less than 622 having gone ont during the past year to Canada . It will thus bo seen that the scope of this beneficent work is of vast breadth ; and its aim and object is so closely allied to that in which the Masonic Craft is engaged that we gladly
add our tribute of admiration to Dr . Barnardo ' s noble enterprise . In spite of the cold and dreary weather on Christmas Day , and quitting for a fow hours cosy firesides and the festivities in which private families are wont to indulge at the " merry " season of the year , a largo number of visitors accepted tho invitation of Dr .
Barnardo and tho Hon . A . Kinnaird ( Chairman of the Managers ) , to witness the gathering at the Edinbnrgh Castle ; and the impression left npon their minda could but be one of unanimous and unfeigned gratification and admiration of the grand scheme which is so rapidly rising in public favour . In befitting manner the day was commenced
with divine service , at St . Luke's Chnrch , South Hackney , where a suitable address was delivered by the Vicar , tho Rev . H . W . Langhome . At half-past one o ' clock the lads wore marshalled in the hall , which , with its stained-glass windows , and walls glitterin-r with Christmas decorations and scriptural mottos , presented an air of the
utmost cheerfulness and animation . In a trice the tables " groaned " nnder the weight of sumptuous Christmas faro , and the avidity with which tho children attacked the " creature comforts" provided , afforded no less pleasm * o to the many ladies and gentlemen seated in tho side galleries than to the stnrdy lads aud lasses , whose wants were
mjmstered to by kind and willing hands . Such a clatter of tongues , with knife and fork accompaniment , it has seldom been onr lot to hear ; whilst happiness and contentment were depicted on every countenance . No sooner were tho platters emptied than tho Doctor—who was here , there , ancl everywhere , encouraging and stimulating all
around him—called upon his gnests to be standing , and a charming Christmas carol , by Mr . Joseph Prouclmau , tho musical diroctor of the " Homes , " entitled " The Silver Stars are Shining , " was vigorously ancl heartily snng , with organ accompaniment , ancl aided by tho excellent brass br . nd of the Institution . As the cadences of the
carol subsided , tho cheery voice of tho Doctor was heard to exclaim , "You will sing better after the padding ; and I will ask Father Christmas to bring in his first dish , and perhaps Santa Clans will be here also . " Jnst then a side door opened , ancl a veritable Father
Christmas , attired in purple and gold , with traditionally ruddy visage and flowing beard , bis silver locks being decked with a crown * of holly , was ushered in , amidst such cheers from the boys as it is seldom our lot to listen to . Ho was closely followed by Santa Claus , robed
Seasonable Festivities With The Barnardo Boys.
in histrionic guise , the pair very much resembling Gog and Magog of old , though bent on a much moro pleasurable mission . The depositing of the huge Christmas pudding at the head of the festal scene was the signal for scores of others of equal quality and dimensions to be deftly cut up and distributed amongst the company , and
although it seemed incredulous to the onlooker that the tightened waistcoats of tbe lads could bear any further strain , yet the Doctor ' s inquiry as to whether they would like mince pies was answered by such a volley of cheers that left no room for any doubt whatever on the subject . In they came , in mountainous pyramids on the largest
of salvers , and sad havoc was played with the dainty morsels which capped tho bounteous feast . Then Santa Claus was trotted to the fore , and made to disgorge the contents of hia Christmas box : bufc before doing so the question was put to the guests , " Have you all finished ? " The lads were compelled to answer in a most
unmistakable "Yes , Sir ! " amidst a torrent of laughter and cheering , and the fragments that were removed from the tables fully sustained their voluntary confession of satisfaction . The organist then sang the well-known pathetic and appropriate song , " The Stowaway , " which was loudly applauded , and tho whole company devoutly united in
singing grace , "We thank Thee , Lord . " As an interlude several carols were sung , wifch oz * gan and band accompaniment , including "Hark ! the Herald Angels sing , " "The Bells , " "While Shepherds watched their Flocks , " and a new melody , " Come , my friends ^ and neighbours . " The lads sang with remarkable accuracy and precision ,
giving evidence of careful and efficient training , and tho Doctor , in wishing all present a " Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year , " was met with a thundering chorus , mingled with ejaculation of " Same to you , Sir , and many on ' em . " He then addressed the company , in a few happily chosen words , remarking that this was the first
Christmas dinner they had had at the Edinburgh Castle , but he hoped next year , if spared , to have the feast in a hall of their own —in the large building whioh is now in course of erection afc Stepney Canseway . Their existing premises were nofc large enough to accommodate all the boys and girls now present , but they were in course
of great extension . He was happy to say thafc during the pasfc year fche conduct of the boys afc the Labour House had been remarkably good , and there had been fewer causes of complaint than for many years past as to the performance of their duty . No doubt thafc was in a greafc measure due to the kindly supervision of the governor
( Mr . Cannon ) and his staff . The Doctor proceeded to describe Mr . Cannon as a " greafc gnn " who mighfc go off at any moment , only they all wanted to keep him there , a remark that was received wifch prolonged * laughter at the pun , and applause at the sentiment . A tribute of praise was accorded fco Captain Allen Fowler , without
whom this Christmas dinner would have been bufc a poor one ; and then followed loud hurrahs for the cook , and for Dr . Mills , who , after unusual festivity administered the necessary " beautiful stuff , " castor oil . Quoth the Doctor , you do not appreciate Dr . Mills sufficiently . Who is it that pulls out your teeth ? Who is ifc that
sticks a knife into you when needed ? But whose wise counsel and advice is it thafc is so serviceable to you and so beneficial to you in every respect ? There were lusty cheers for Dr . and Mrs . Mills , whom the Doctor was pleased to see present j and then Santa Claus produced his " lucky bag , " containing sundry brand new coins from
Her Majesty ' s Mint , which were to be distributed amongst the boys and girls who had distinguished themselves for good conduct during tho year . It was explained that through the kindness of a modest friend , who did not care to have his name mentioned ,
Santa Claus had orders to give to every lad and girl present one of these r . cw coins—some sixpences , some " threepences , " and others pennies . Thanks were vociferously accorded to the anonymous donor of these gifts , and then , at the word of command , the lads of the Labour House stood on forms ancl received , at the hands of the
Doctor , a well-deserved meed of praise for what they hacl done during the past year . They had never done moro good work heretofore , or showed a keener appreciation of what had been done for them ; this made Christmas happier for all the supporters of the Institution , and he hoped they would keep on in the same way in the future . This
wish was assured by the hearty cheers of the lads , whose widebrimmed , sailor-fashion hats twirled about in ecstatic joy , like so many miniature windmills . Some of these big lads would soon be saying good-bye ! for " Westward Ho ! "—meaning Canada—and he wished them God-speed . Other warm expressions of thanks and
appreciation of tho efforts of the officers of the Homes were then uttered . Then amidst a furore of seasonable compliments and cheers tho lads took their departure by the side doors , receiving thoir new coins as they passed out , and all blessing the kindly Doctor and his helpers for tho grand feast that they had founded . Later in the
evening the guests who had been invited to witness tho festivities were entertained in the iron hall adjoining the Edinburgh Castle , whero a pleasant social gathering took place , ancl speeches were delivered , describing the general scope , usefulness , and success of the various Institutions under Dr . Barnardo ' s care . Long after the
" company" had left , to rejoin their own family circles , the boys played merry pranks in tho large hall , and the Christinas Day of 1886 will bo long remembered , not only by thoso who partook of the hospitality of the Committee , but by the lads and lasses who , in
domestic service or in far-off lands , will have hfe-long reason to recollect the humano and philanthropic hands who , having rescued them from poverty , and perhaps crime , have placed them iu positions ai respectable members of society .
HOLLOWAV ' TILLS . —With the darkening days and changing temperatures tho digestion becomes impaired , tiie liver disordered , and tho mind despondent unless tho cause of the irregularity be expelled from the blood and body by an alterative like these Pills . They go directly to the source of tho evil , thrust out all impurities from tlio circulation , reduce distempsred organs to
their natural state , and correct all defective and contaminated secretions . Such easy moans of instituting health , strength , and cheerfulness should he in the possession of all whose stomachs are- weak , whose minda are much harassed , or whose brains are overworked . Holloway ' s is essentially a bloodtempering medicine , whereby its influence , reaching the remotest fibres of the frame , effects a universal good .