MENTAL HOSPITAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23828, 2 December 1940, Page 12

MENTAL HOSPITAL

ANNUAL SALE OF WORK OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ARTICLES MADE BY PATIENTS The keen interest shown by the public in the occupational therapy scheme which is in operation at the Auckland Mental Hospital was amply proved by the large attendance at the annual sale of work at the hospital on Saturday afternoon. The exe-neut display ol handcraft done by the patients showed the great advantage of creative work for their betterment. The (unction was officially opened by the DirectorGeneral of Mental Hospitals, Dr. 'J'. G. Gray, who was introduced by the medical superintendent, Dr. H. M. Buchanan, Dr. Gray said he was quite satisfied that the progress made by the patients in their work was good. The main object of the scheme, he continued, was not a large production of work, but to stimulate interest in an occupation. 'Die scheme, had made tremendous progress since the appointment of Miss M M. Hunan, who, with the help of her assistant, Miss A. Trottor, was directing the work Several stalls were needed to display the wide range of articles, and it was at this centre that most business was done. 11l the needlework section was a floor-rug made of wool in a colourlul design, as well as daintily embroidered articles and knitted and crocheted ones Some charmingly dressed dolls, complete in every detail, and animals made of fur and velvet were included in the toy stall. Jn the men's section was an interesting collection of gaily painted large wooden toys, which included rocking horses, cradles and deck-chairs. The proceeds of the sale, which is held annually, will he used to augment the patients' creative work fund.