"THESE LITTLE ONES."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19827, 23 December 1927, Page 13

"THESE LITTLE ONES."

THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL. CHRISTMAS TREE NIGHT. GAY PARTY FOR PATIENTS, Santa Claus came to the' children's hospital last evening, and the celebration of the season by " these little ones " who suffer was very satisfying indeed, particularly when a medical gentleman, called by a gracious lady " Charlie," entered the ward in a wonderful boy-size motor shouting " Whoa " to the engine, which had rather the appearance of a junior doctor. Then the cheering broke out. "Charlie" thought of any amount of people who deserved a cheer, and then young Bill, a lad who will not be a patient much longer, one hopes, thought of someone else, and by the time the tumult and the shouting died, even the palest little faces had a flush, and all the grown-ups felt quite young—and a little tightness in the throat.

About 80 of the children patients were assembled in the ward with the Christmas tree. Many could not be brought, and, although they had to miss the fun, all were remembered by Father Christmas. He had a splendid red coat with white trimmings, and the sore of beard that birds might build in. He had silver spangles, too, and, of course, knew the names of everyone. His voice had a marked similarity to that of the Mayor of Newmarket, but that, of course, is another story. To unaccustomed eyes the gathering had its pathos. Some patients were fit enough to sit on forms or on the floor. Others came on stretchers, or in the arms of the many willing bearers. • Blue Eyes.

Ten mites lay prone on baby mattresses close to the Christmas tree. Big Bright Blue Eyes was nearest. Her right hand was swathed in bandages, and she confided the information that-'her hand had " whelled up," which is an awful nuisanco at Christmas time. However, she wore her red and yellow paper hat becomingly, and although too tired and weak to take very much interest in the proceedings, was made very happy by the gift of a doll with copper hair, and a green dress and the dinkiest kind of pink shoes. One Bhall not forget " Big Bright Blue Eyes " with the " whelled " hand.

Near her lay little Frank, a most diminutive individual, who watched tha strange apparition in red with intense solemnity. He had a particularly festive green hat almost hiding his red hair, but had forgotten all about it. By mistake he was given a doll, but he didn't protest. Anything could happen that evening, he thought. However, the mistake was corrected, and a bundle of toys, including a motor-car and monkey on a 6tring, fell to his lot. He had a trumpet, too, and it was a little difficult to sound its one call and at the same time make the monkey do his duly. But Frank, of the reflective frame of mind, was well satisfied with his Christmas, and his only worry was when the motor-car escaped on the polished floor. Myrtle Reveals Herself.

Myrtle was not a stretcher case, but .60 small was she that when she answered to her name no one could see her. She then did the sensible thing; she stood up on her chair. Myrtle may lead causes yet. On a table, room was found for no fewer than four patients, and they had a good view, but not better than that of the four small boys who sat crosslegged on the floor jusfc in front of Santa Claus. Among them was young Blue Shirt,, whose name was a terribly long time in being called. He became a trifle anxious, but, being a " stout fella, waited patiently. It was observed that little girls old enough to bandy words with little boys old enough to know all about it, were grouped next to th© sfctnio boys, and if they were too big for the make-believe, they still had a pleasant evening. " White Shirt " in the wheel chair was a great interest to them, and it is just as well the boys of his class did not see him enjoying the attention. The tree was lighted with coloured electric lights and Chinese lanterns with candles burning. All the presents hung on the branches, and also lots of crackers. The matron, Miss Taylor, and her staff had gone to a great deal of trouble with it. The medical superintendent, Dr. C. E. Maguire, and Mrs. Maguire assisted with the distribution, the doctor finally riding in on the fine motor-trolley, which is a gift to the hospital from Mrs Watson, of Sydney. .Before the function was over, it was in boisterous use.