HAPPY PATIENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 3000, 19 December 1935, Page 5

HAPPY PATIENTS.

AT MENTAL HOSPITAL

OPTIMISTS' CHRISTMAS FETE,

There were hundreds of happy patients at the Mental Hospital last evening. It was the occasion of the annual Christmas fete promoted as usual by the Auckland Optimists' Club and oilier interested people. The assembly hall at the institution had been transformed into a veritable fairyland with greenery, coloured electric iights, lanterns and streamers—all done by the patients. The scene which met the eye from the stage was the gayest of the gay —most of those present being in fancy dress —and balloons were everywhere. The joyousness and laughter did the heart good and everyone from the superintendent,and matron in charge down to the youngest nurse and patient entered into the spirit of the festivities. St. David's Presbyterian choir was present in full force to add to the enjoyment and sang several Christmas carols, much to the delight of the appreciative audience. Many other items by patients were .given between dancing and then there was community singing. Such community singing has seldom been heard in Auckland. -The song leader was Mr. Vernon Drew, general secretary of the Y.M.C.A., and the accompanist was Mrs. Barrington Snow, Mr. John Jones assisting with the violin. This 33 the tenth year the Optimists' Club has been responsible for giving Christmas cheer to the patients, and in returning thanks Dr. Buchanan, medical superintendent, remarked upon the fact and called for three cheers for the evening's entertainers. Cheers were lustily given and were repeated after Mr. E. E. Kitchiner had responded. Supper was an especial proceeding and in addition sweets and other dainties were distributed to the patients. Subsequently the guests and entertainers were entertained at supper by the superintendent and matron in charge and again compliments appropriate to the season were exchanged.