Ferry Christmas

Dec 1960 When Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer calls in sick, what's a Santa to do but hitch a boat ride? Here's Saint Nick landing at Clifford Pier in 1960, laden with gifts and a cloud of balloons that he would give out to children who had waited all morning waiting for him to appear. His visit was arranged by Robinsons, which was the biggest and fanciest department store in Singapore at the time. Before it burned down in 1972, its majestic premises in Empress Place was a magical land at Christmas, and a rite of passage for local children who would have their first encounter with Santa Claus in the toy department. But on this occasion, he ventured out of the store to Clifford Pier, where he entertained the spellbound children until it was time to leave - on a decorated galleon, no less - for a tour of the island.