Sydney Alderton Christmas was born in Timaru in 1879. His parents were John (Jack) Christmas and his wife Annie nee Woods. He was one of six Christmas children. In 1907 he was made bankrupt while working as a fruiterer. At the outbreak of WWI, he was living in Timaru and working as a labourer, as were his brothers. In 1916 he was added to the Reserve Roll but was not called up.
In 1925, Sydney was charged with assault. His Honour said that drink was the cause of the trouble. Sydney had a series of convictions for drunkenness and had breached his prohibition order. He was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment.
By 1928 he was still working as a labourer but was living at Fernhill Post Office, Hastings. From 1932 until at least 1943 he was living in May Street, Wellington and working as a news vendor. May Street no longer exists as it was entirely excavated out to form the Urban Motorway trench and the Molesworth Street north-bound on-ramp.
By 1946 Sydney is living in a hospital in Silverstream. He died in 1947 and was cremated at Karori Cemetery.
By Julia Kennedy
21 Aug 1914. Ref 1/2-049274-F. Courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.
Reference: 50006-301
Holding Institution: Wellington City Libraries