CHRISTMAS PARTY

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27224, 16 December 1953, Page 2

CHRISTMAS PARTY

HOSPITAL SEWING GROUP The 14 members of Mrs V. J. Drake's sewing group Who undertake mending at the Christchurch Hospital have, during the last year, with one more meeting yet to be held, repaired 11.592 garments for the hospital—an average of 225 garments each Tuesday night by nine members, the number that generally attends. These figures were i given by Mrs Drake at the group's Christmas party held at the nurses old home at the hospital last evening, i and Were received with applause by the guests. The group has been working regularly on one evening a week ; for nearly eight years, and membets j ’ are still enthusiastic *about the work. At the party last evening specially! invited guests included the Mayoress (Mrs R. M. Macfarlane). Miss Mabel Howard. M. P.. Mr V. C. Lawn (chairman of the North Canterbury Hospital Board) and Mrs Lawn, Mrs J. E. MacKay. and Miss Mary McLean (president of the Friends of the Hospital). Mrs M. Chambers (lady superintendent of the hospital) and Sister A. Fleming also attended the gathering. Mr Lawn, on behalf of the hospital board, thanked the group for its splendid record of service to the hospital, and said that by its efficiency and prompt action it had saved the board much money. Mrs Maciarlane expressed admiration for those who voluntarily and cheerfully carried out for so many years, what she considered the very tiresome task of mending. “The work you are doing will bring its own reward, you are giving service to those who need it most—-the sick,” said Miss Howard. Mrs Mac Kay praised the group's members for the enthusiasm they brought to their work, and for not i growing weary in well doing. “We send you mountains of bags and garments every Week.” said Mrs Chambers. “and we rely, not only on your work, but on your unfailing support. You are well-named, ‘Friends of the

Hospital.”* All the speakers joined in offering good wishes to the sewing group. Mrs Drake said all members enjoyed their weekly meetings and the work they were doing. An interesting and varied programme, compered by Mrs H. Hill, a member of the sewing group, was enjoyed. The party sang choruses, Mesdames A. Hopkins and R. Ferris played piano duets, songs were sung by Mrs J. Spence, and duets by Mr Spence and Mr Hill recited, and Mr Ferris sang solos and played the Swannee whistle. Jew’s harp, and mouth organ, and made dolls dance with amazing rhythm and agility.