CHRISTMAS AT THE HOSPITAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1832, 31 December 1886, Page 30

CHRISTMAS AT THE HOSPITAL.

On Saturday the hospital presented quite s lively appearenee on the occasion of the annual Christmas dinner to the inmates. The tables were placed in the large central hall, which the officers had very tastefully decorated with pictures, flowers, and evergreens. Whe Rev. Dr Stuart occupied the chair, and Messrs H. Houghton and R. Wilson represented the hospital trustees, the honorary medical staff being represented by Dr Maunsell, Mr Torrence, the chaplain of the institution, w«b also present. About 60 patients sat down to a substantial fare, those unable to take their place at the table being supplied in the wards. After full justice had been done to the good things, the Chairman in f elicitious terms referred to her Majesty the Queen in connection with her jubilee, and then called for votes of thanks to the trustees for their kindness in- providing the entertainment and to the hon. medical staff for the valuable assistance rendered by them to the institution. Mr Houghton responded on behalf of th© trustees, and Dr Maunsell on behalf of the medical staff. A hearty vote of thanks to the working staff was next carried by acclamation. Mr Burns responded, and, in the course of his remarks, said that throughout the year not a single complaint bad been made, and he expressed his gratification in being associated with a staff so devoted to the interests of the institution and who could work so harmoniously together. He also paid a high tribute to Mr Chambers, the hospital cook, which elicited a ringingcheer. A hearty vote of thanks was also accorded to Dr Roberts, who is absent on a well-earned holiday, whose devotion to the hospital, the chairman remarked, was so well known that if he died his spirit would hover over it ; and to Dr Christie, his locumtenens, who has the honour of being the first medical man qualified by the Otago University. Mr Torrance was also referred to in warm terms, and in reply he expressed the happiness he experienced in his work among the inmates, and his thankfulness for the kindly feeling shown and facilities afforded him by the officers at all times. ' After the dinner a number ef ladies and gentlemen favoured the patients with songs and musical selections in the hall, and in the grounds the Duneding Engineers' Band, under the leadership of Mr H. Benjamin, went through an excellent programme to the delight of the inmates and the largest number of the public ever assembled there. A very enjoyable day was spent; all the arrangements were carried out without a hitch, and it was altogether a most successful affair. Donations of fruit were received from Drs Brown and Maunsell, and Messrs A. and J. M'Farlane, M'Quaid, J. Couston; and Mr C. Bills lent several neat flower-stands for the decoration of the hall.

THE GAOL.

On Christmas Day divine service was, as usual, conducted in the gaol by Mr J. A. Torrance, and as yesterday was a holiday and the prisoners not at work, he delivered to them a lecture on the " Life of Dr Guthrie."