CHRISTMAS TOYS

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23818, 11 December 1942, Page 6

CHRISTMAS TOYS

WORK OF HOSPITAL INVALIDS

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

It is customary for the occupational therapy patients in the Christchurch Hospital (and a number of them are returned soldiers) to retain the toys and other handicraft that they make. But. at Christmas time, each patient, at the suggestion of the sister who has inaugurated this work (Sister I. E. Murgatroyd), presents a gift to the children who will be forced to spend Christmas in the hospital. This year's collection provides an interesting collection of novelties. Topmaking is a particularly popular pastime among these people, many of whom have not been off their backs for months, or are unable to leave wheeled chairs. “I do not know what I would have done but for this work.” said a patient who had been in bed for two years. "One tiros of reading or listening to the radio. I like to use my hands. This occupational therapy work keeps both hands and mind employed. It certainly helps to pass the time.” This man began with basket weaving, went on to knitting, and now does excellent tapestry.

A young soldier from a neighbouring bed somewhat shyly produced his tapestry. "I never thought I would come at this,” he commented. Nevertheless, be took pride in his work. Girls, in the experience of Sister Murgatroyd. are as much attracted to toy-making as men and boys, and their animals are certainly admirably made. Jock the Aberdeen terrier, in pink or blue lamb’s wool, has pride of place in Sister Murgatroyd's opinion. A donkey and a rabbit are placed close seconds. Other dogs, rabbits, an elephant (one that is really pink), a monkey. a kangaroo replete with young, a duck in shades ot soft yellow, several varieties of mire, in addition to coloured balls, trays, baskets, and designs in tapestry, all make an attractive collection that will delight the hearts of the recipients shortly Both useful and attractive are the shopping baskets, banded with blue or pink cane, intended for small girls. Sister Murgatroyd explained that occupational therapy work had been extended with much success among the patients on hospital ships, and so the tedium ot the long voyage home was relieved for young soldier sufferers. On one occasion she had instructed a Maori soldier patient in Christchurch and he showed unusual dexterity with his fingers. As yet, however. Sister Murgatroyd has not had time to experiment with Maori designs for this work but she thinks it is a field that is veil worth a little research.