A Touch of Real Christmas.

“It is ‘some’ year we have come through — a year carrying more strain than any that the Department of Railways has known,” said the General Manager (Mr. H. H. Sterling) at the annual pre-Christmas jubilation of the Railways Head Office staff.

As last year, the ladies of the staff, under the direction of Miss B. McQueen, had set tables for afternoon tea, and there were strings of gay balloons overhead. In due course these balloons were released, and for five minutes the staff of both sexes, and of all ages and stages, enjoyed themselves pushing balloons. The harder the year, the greater the need of the jubilation and vacation that came with Christmas.

“We perform a service,” said the General Manager, “comparable with that of any other section of the community. I knew that you would not let me down, and you have justified my confidence. I hope that 1931 will not be another such hard year, but, if it be, I know that you will face it and respond to the call.”

Addressing the girls particularly, Mr. Sterling said that, though their wishes might not agree with his, he hoped that the Department would retain each of them for at least another year, and that no external attraction would lead them into another sort of life. He would again express his confidence that the staff of both sexes would live up to its responsibilities.

A bright gathering terminated in congratulations to the ladies on the success of their efforts in breaking the monotony of a drab year with a touch of real Christmas.