CHRISTMAS AT THE HOSPITAL

Otago Witness, Issue 3276, 27 December 1916, Page 24

CHRISTMAS AT THE HOSPITAL

To the patients in the various wards of the Dunedin Hospital, as is usually the case, Christmas carols and hymns were sung on Sunday evening by the Ladies Hospital Choir, conducted by Miss Dunlop. , Dur ing a brief interval in tho singing refreshments, kindly provided by Mr ind Mrs Gumming, were much appreciated y the choir. Mr W. T. Talboys on bcalf of tho Hospital Board, thanked the idics for their "mission of mercy. Early on Christmas morning tho nurses visited all the wards, and sang- a number of carols to the evident delight oi the listeners. The patients' Christmas dinner was, as usual, a feature of tho day's proceedings. The carving was done by a number of members of the honorary staff, and the repast ■was enjoyed by the participants. In the afternoon' Mrs Jackson, Messrs Talboys, Begg, and Knight visited tho Hospital. A Christmas tree was provided for the children, and at 4 p.m. each juvenile patient was delighted at receiving a present. Shortly after dinner tho following messages from the King, which had been received through tho Defence Department, •were read by Dr Bowie: I send you, my sailors and soldiers, hearty good wishes for Christmas and New Year. My grateful thanks are ever with Tou for victories gained, for hardships "endured, and for your unfailing cheeriness. Another Christmas has come round, and wo aro still at war, but the Empire is confident in you, and remains determined to win. May God bless and protect you. At this Christmastido the Queen and I are thinking more than ever of the sick and wounded among my sailors and soldiers. From our hearts wo wish them strength to (bear their sufferings, & speedy restoration to health, a peaceful Christmas, and many happy years to come.