CHEER FOR THE SICK

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIX, Issue 13, 29 December 1928, Page 7

CHEER FOR THE SICK

HASTINGS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL RADIO INSTALLATION. OFFICIAL CEREMONY. The official installation of the radio equipment recently established in the Hastings Memorial Hospital by the Hawke's Bay Radio .Society took place in the Nurse’s Home at the Hospital last evening, in the presence of about 35 people. Tfie vile weather prevailing was no doubt responsible for the limited attendance but, as it happened, the assemblage was just large enough to be accommodated in the nurses’ sitting-room, in which all were comfortably seated.

His Lordship, the Bishop of Ao-Tea-Roa, the Right Rev. F. A. Bennett, presided and apologised for the unavoidable absence of Messrs. C. O. Morse (acting chairman of the H.B. Hospital Board), H. M. Campbell, M.P, and F. B. Logan. In opening the meeting, His lordship said that he, as president of the Hawke’s Bay Radio Society, had pleasure in meeting them as people inter ;-d in both radio and in the ho-. : The society had beep activ, organising a fund for the pur, ... ,e of a radio set for the hospital and the present radio set would entertain the patients with worthwhile items, not only from New Zealand, but from all over the world. ?’he subscriptions to this fund came rom all classes. The Te Aute boys, who were represented on the present occasion by his son, and the Hukarere girls, both assisted and, of course, money was raised by subscriptions and entertainments in Hastings and through the district, so that the radio belonged to everybody and to both races alike. The subscriptions were made up of small amounts and the money, amounting to £162, was practically in hand and ready for payment. As they were all aware, the radio was often obstructed by static so. to meet this, they had a gramophone addition marie to the set and thus, when the static became too strong, the radio was switched on to gramophone records. "Just here,’’ he said, "I have to do a little more begging. If any people have records tn spare they will be welcomed at the hospital. A good selection of records, in addition to those we have already, will give a great amount of pleasure to the patients, each bed having a headphone.” His Lordship then addressed the Mayor of Hastings (Mr. G. A. Maddison) saying that, on behalf of the R.qdio Society, he had great plensnre in formally handing over the radio set tn him. as the representative of the Hawke’s Bay Hospital Board. MAYOR’S ADDRESS.

The Mayor said that he was sorry the weather was not more kind, because they would then have a much larger crowd, but, on the other hand, they would not have met under such pleasant circumstances, because the nurses' comfortable sitting room

would S' - * be able to hold them all, and the gathering would have to assemble in the open. He regretted that Mr. C. O. Morse and other members of the Board, were unable to be present, bpt he assured the meeting that the Board deeply predated the generous gift of the Hawke’s Bay Radio Society, which was only a further evidence of the splendid spirit and high character of the people, who were ever ready to assist in any philanthropic work and especially so with regard to their hospital. The people of Hastings and district had subscribed over £16,000 for the purchase of the grounds and the building of the hospital and it was proposed to erect a stone frontage along the Omahu road boundary, whilst, in addition, two permanent concrete paths were being laid down leading from the entrance gates to the main building. Owing to the kindly generosity of the Misses McHardy, of Havelock North, an antinatal clinic, so necessary to a maternity hospital, cotild now be attached. The funds necessary for the provision of two other beds were received from the Independent Order of Buffaloes and from the Masonic Lodge. Practically every bed in the hospitalhad been bestowed by some society or other, thus co-operating with the Radio Society in doing service for the benefit of the patients. It was a fine spirit and he again thanked the Radio Society for their most acceptable gift. Speaking of the hospital service, Mr. Maddison said that 52 babies had been born in the hospital since it was opened at the end of last August, and seven had been born since Christmas. TRIBUTE TO SISTER OWEN. The Hospital, he said, had been particularly fortunate in the appointment of Sister Owen as sub-matron. (Applause). She had endeared herself to all the patients, her services were invaluable and, altogether, she was the right person in the right place. (Applause). He asked His Lordship to convey to the Radio Society the thanks of the Board for their welcome gift, which would not only provide enjoyment for tho patients but would also give pleasure to the nurses, who desired all the recreation thev could get. (Applause). At 8 o’clock 2YA. Wellington, re- ■ corded tho chimes of the Wellington Post Office clock and the striking of the hour and. at 8.15, the announcer interrupted the programme, explaining to his audience throughout the Dominion that the reason for doing so was that tho Radio Service desired to congratulate their friends, the Hawke’s Bay Radio Society, at their meeting in the Hastings Hospital, where they were formally installing a radio set for the use of the patients. He congratulated the society and their helpers on the success of their enterprise, saying that they, desired the greatest credit for th* accomplishment of their selfimposed task, which would not only give joyousness and Igadness to the patients, but would assist in restoring them to health. He hoped the ceremony would be successful, and that, during the year, the hospital would enjoy the programmes from 2YA and from others outside. The set, which is complete in every respect, was installed by the Hector Jones Electrical Company, of Hastings, and was carried out-by their radio expert, Mr. Stewart hong,

The cabinet work is excellent and the equipment, which includes a gramophone attachment, is in every way complete. There are twq loud speakers. one of which is placed in the Nurses’ Home, whilst each patient is provided with a headphone, with an attachment, enabling the user to control the volume of sound. The whole installation constitutes a very fine piece of workmanship, which reflects the highest, credit on thp contractcors, the Hector Jones Electrical Company, and on their expert, Mr. Stewart Longley.