KEEN ON HANDICRAFTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24944, 17 June 1942, Page 4

KEEN ON HANDICRAFTS

HOSPITAL SHIP PATIENTS (Special) WELLINGTON, June 16. Reporting to the Joint Council of the Order of St. John and the New land Red Cross, its representative on the hospital ship Oranje, Sergeant Margaret Webb, says that when the ship left a port in the Middle East there were embarked 156 New Zealanders and 515 Australians, of whom fewer than 100 were cot cases. "During the embarkation, she reports, "everyone had their special duties. Mine was to give out sweets and cigarettes on the sports deck. On the following day I went the round of the wards to inquire from the sisters which of the bed patients were in need of something to do. I made a list and chatted with the men to ascertain where their interests lay with regara to handicraft. " I soon found that many men were keen to do work of some kind, and as there were 15 looms already threaded up and about two dozen cushion covers ready with their cottons, I gave tnem out straight away, with good results. I have given out more than two dozen rugs some of which are now finished, and macrame twine for knotting belts and lanyards. ' , "Other handicrafts they have done are leather work, such as writing cases, photograph frames, tobacco pouches, purses, basketry, tapestry, and tno making of felt and leather toys Most of the men are keen, which makes the work seem worth while." The officer commanding the hospital ship has sent a letter to the Joint Council conveving the thanks and appreciation of all ranks, sick and who had benefited by its Sifts. The articles sent by you have all been suitable to the needs of the patients, he wrote. ,