RED CROSS HOME

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 74, 20 December 1933, Page 5

RED CROSS HOME

Ex-Soldiers Entertained For many years past Mrs. F. Drake, of Khandallah, has, as the Christmas season approached, entertained the patients at the Red Cross Home to a special Christmas party. This took place at the home on .Saturday afternoon and evening last. Associated with Mrs. Drake in the work were other Khandallah ladies, Mesdames John Murray, Peterson, and Reid. All manner of delicacies had been prepared for the occasion by the ladies, and others had kindly made donations. The party arrived with cars well laden in the early afternoon, being received by the matron, Miss I. M. Mcßae, R.R.C., who conferred upon the visitors the freedom of the home.

Tables were all laden with delectable viands and rooms decorated, giving a most festive atmosphere. Promptly at 5 p.m. the patients sat down to their repast, after which thanks were expressed to Mrs. Drake and her coworkers for the renewal of their kindness.

Following the tea, the evening was devoted to an excellent concert arranged by Mr. F. Drake, in which the following well-known local artists participated Mrs. Amy W’oodward, songs and duets; Dlr. Herbert Wood, sougs and duets; Mrs. George Holloway, violin solos; Mr. Norman Aitken, recitations; and Masters lan and Jim Galloway, songs, duets, and recitations. To close the programme, Mr. Herbert Wood led those present in a community sing, including many of the popular war-time songs. Mrs. Galloway and Mr. George Holloway were accompanists.

In a happy speech, Captain Gillespie, one of the patients, thanked Mr. and Mrs. Drake and all the artists for the very excellent entertainment. His remarks were briefly supplemented by t<he secretary to the society, on behalf of the society, matron, and staff. The whole ceremony was along the lines of a similar function which was.being held at the Red Cross Hospital in Sydney for ex-soldiers, Miss Butchart, sister to Mrs. Drake, directing the work. Acting on a happy thought,, the patients dispatched a cablegram conveying fraternal greetings, timed to reach the men.in Sydney as they sat down to ten. The singing of “Auld Lang Syne’’ and “God Save the King” brought a memorable and happy occasion to conclusion.