Cirrus@Austlit

Quasi-Shakespearian exemplary fairy tale. A Christmas gathering in a Melbourne society household is visited by fairies who show them their failings in charity to the poor and care for their families and the impracticality of social pretension. Suggests concern for sufferings of others should be practically applied in their own homes. Includes a bachelor and spinster and suggests they should give up their selfishness and marry. The poor are depicted thus: homeless children, a poor governess; a Melbourne 'sweated' family; a fatherless family; and the Children's hospital. The women's/mothers' sins are: denying the household food and blankets etc to keep up social appearances; over-indulging children; giving short pay to governesses; over-spending on clothing; and neglect of children in the name of charity. (PB)