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This newspaper page contains 11 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Ashburton Guardian
Location
Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand
Date
Dec 19, 1913
Page
6
The piece reflects on Christmas gift giving from ancient origins to modern practice. It notes Genesis references to purchase of land and gifts, then satirically critiques a shop catalogue that overgeneralized presents for every relation, highlighting the mismatch between gifts and receiver character.
A critique of gift choosing and etiquette writing argues that shopkeepers and etiquette writers reduce life’s graces to formulas. It asserts sincerity over ready made letters and notes that presents should reflect refined manners and genuine connection rather than standardized phrases.
The text discusses gift giving etiquette highlighting that accepting presents can create pressure. It cites European and Spanish manners, noting hosts urge restraint and the offer of a shared meal is common. It implies a cultural norm where declining or modestly accepting avoids obligation.
The piece argues that personal taste governs gift choice and often misleads us. It notes the struggle to part with cherished items like curios, pictures, or old furniture and uses an anecdote about a French woman preferring to keep a perfect tutor for herself.
A compact civic meditation notes knowledge cand courage as essential to citizenship and comments on belief in the invisible world. It quotes Hovey Leigh Hunt and Gerald Stan dey as sources of guidance for moral and spiritual development.
A humorous exchange features a tenant complaining about a rain filled cellar and a landlord joking about 58 a week white mice. A passenger aboard a ship asks about the vessel's stability while a steward responds with a morale boosting line.
Sacred Heart High School conducted by Notre Dame des Missions held its annual prize presentation in the convent. Rev. Father J J O'Donnell presided as students performed a drama St Philomena Child and Martyr and musicians displayed instrumental pieces.
The Misses Claridge s Kindergarten School and School of Music held their annual break up at St Stephen s schoolroom on Wednesday. Parents attended as pupils performed pianoforte solos duets violin items and kindergarten numbers. Each child received a basket of lollies on departure.
Eight years ago I suffered brass poisoning causing liver trouble and sleeplessness. After taking Chamberlain's Tablets I improved and regained health with no return of trouble. I credit Chamberlain's Tablets for my current good health. Sold by all chemists and storekeepers.
The public is invited to inspect the new Tweeds and Worsteds for the season at Superior Gentlemen's Tailoring. All garments are cut by a certificated cutter from London and made up by efficient workers with hand finishing by tailors, not machinists.
A reader asks for another bottle of Hean's Essence cough mixture. The note claims great benefit from a pint made after a previous battle and lists Airs, Serle, Fartngamaty as sources.
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