CHRISTMAS IN HOSPITAL

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16836, 27 December 1928, Page 6

CHRISTMAS IN HOSPITAL

PATIENTS AND STAFF CELEBRATE The Jot of the patients at the Cook Hospital was made as happy on Christmas Day as circumstances would allow. The wards were decorated attractively, and no restrictions were placed on the attendance of the public, who were asked to inspect all wards and vote for the decorations they considered the best. In all 250 votes were cast, and the competition was won by the women’s ward, the decorative design of which represented a Japanese scene. In addition, each patient and 1 member of the nursing staff received a present. Most signs of merriment were displayed in the children’s ward, where a Christmas tree was laden with gifts. Canon Packe, in the role of Santa Claus, distributed the presents among the children.

AT THE MEMORIAL HOME The inmates of the Memorial Home celebrated the Christmas festivals amidst quiet and peaceful surroundings. Nevertheless, with the combined efforts of the staff; of the institute and the public, their lot was made thoroughly enjoyable. A number of visitors attended the homo on Christmas Day, while Judge R. N. Jones presented a small gift to each resident. A splendid variety of special gifts for the occasion were received from the following: Mr. S. H. Phillips (apples), Mrs Jex-Blake (Christmas cakes), New Zealand Breweries Ltd. (.Gold Top ale), Messrs. D. J. Barry Ltd. (soft drinks), Rev. J. Aitken (ham), Father Murphy (tobacco), St. Vincent do Paul Society (Christmas cakes), and Mr. C. Morris (Christmas cards and handkerchief..). The gifts were greatly appreciated by the inmates, who expressed their gratitude to the donors.