The humble silver threepenny bit is vindicated by the Royal Mint in pointing out that the parvenu nickel substitute cannot be wisely used for Christmas festivities. The nickel coin may be dropped into the plate at church provided that elastic consciences can be brought to overlook its incongruity with a "silver collection" but if inserted in the Christmas pudding with the customary buttons, wedding rings, and other symbols of future bliss it is liable to disturb the digestions of the festive season. This is good news for the eaters of such puddings for now the makers and stirrers thereof will have to review their policy. Should the silver threepenny bit which can be obtained with much difficulty, probably only by dint of an arduous search in the banks and braes of Aberdeen, be pressed again into service? Would it not be better to yield to the generous spirit of Christmas and make the plunge by using the sixpenny bit instead? Some might argue that the shilling would be a better choice; they come perhaps from the ranks of those experts who—usually shining lights of the Fourth Form—know exactly how to manipulate a future fork and ensure that the slice reaching their plates is most likely to contain coin of the realm. Their sordid materialism should be reproved. The nimble sixpence which Scotsmen love to bang and Woolworth to amass is a far better symbol of Christmas cheer. It betokens the prospect of eventually acquiring wealth and it may be accepted by the delighted finder without the oppressive feeling that the household finances have been unduly strained.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.