CHRISTMAS CHEER

Hutt News, Volume 20, Issue 3, 19 December 1945, Page 9

CHRISTMAS CHEER

GAIETY AT HUTT HOSPITAL. ENTERTAINED BY MINSTRELS Father Christmas made his appearance at the Hutt Hospital on Wednesday night and distributed gifts to patients. This was one of the highlights of a very happy night, when members of the Valley Merry Minstrels entertained patients and nurses with a bright revue and afterwards provided chocolates, gifts and The function took place in the Y.M.C.A. hut, which was crowded, among the guests being Matron Armstrong and the Mayor and Mayoress. A feature of the decorations was a big Christmas tree, hung with coloured lights and glittering stars. After Miss Finlay, programme organiser for the Y.M.C.A. had welcomed those present the Merry Minstrels gave a delightful programme, commencing with bright choruses and closing with some of the lovelyold carols. Solo and concerted items were given by Margaret and Winifred Pirie, Beatrice Taylor, Bessie Anderson (whose radio versions of the lady and the tiger convulsed the audience), Joan Akers, Margaret Richmond, Enid Wood, Neil Norris, and Lockyer and Fox. i Mr. S. Wood was at the piano and Mrs. Noel Taylor was director. Thanks for Generosity. Mr. H. Brasted, New Zealand national secretary of the Y.M.C.A., thanked the Minstrels for their very pleasant entertainment and their generosity in providing the Christmas'gifts and the supper. The Mayor, Mr. J. W. Andrews, expressed cordial thanks to those responsible for the very happy evening. He mentioned that three big iced cakes had been made and presented by Mr. Taylor, while Mr. Griffin had given the chocolate which had been distributed. Mr. Andrews gave a special greeting to the exprisoners of war and internees, and said that the people of Lower Hutt were particularly interested in them. "If you want anything, just" let us know.' he concluded. Mrs. Noel Taylor assured the audience that the Merry Minstrels, had enjoyed giving the performance. They intended going on with the hospital concerts. Mr. W. Toomath, a representative of the Lower Hutt Hospital Board, said that those present might be interested to learn that the Hutt Valley was the most historical part of New Zealand, for it was -there that the first systematised colonisation of the Dominion took place, no one but the settlers in the Hutt Valley having the legal right to sign papers with the Maoris at that time. A pleasant social hour, with the exchange of cheery Christmas greetings, brought the happy evening to a close.