MISS GRACE PALOTTA

Southland Times, Issue 16718, 25 April 1911, Page 2

MISS GRACE PALOTTA

IN NVBSE'S GUISE. in Christchurch on Saturday Un-re wort- many tales of great doings at the hospital on tin* preceding day. H was said with all circumstantial detail that the bonds of discipline had been loosed for a little while, and that there had been merry-making in the line institution which is sacred to tilings that are all 100 serious. i.isUming to many persons the reporter learnt that it all happened at lunchlime. The nurses and probationers at the tables in the nurses’ home were aware of a new probationer coming amongst them. She wore glasses and a uniform that was absolutely new. She whispered to the other probationers, she asked innumerable questions, she made it apparent that it was all very strange t'i her, and that she wished early to got on a good fooling with her comrades in the great work - of kindness. They liked her, but she set them wondering. Xo other new probationer hail been quite the same. She had little things to say, she was fearless of comment, she talked always, and those who had been there longer sighed. Those easy manners of hers were not lilted for a public institution. Some thought that they had seen her face before, only they could not remember where. When the meal was curled she laughed at someth ing and they knew her laugh. It was .Miss Grace I’alotla. .Miss T’alotta attempted to make a speech, but it was impossible. The nurses laughed at her, at the qnainlne<s of the incident, and at themselves. She had been so long a time with them and they had not known her. Presently sinmet the doctor, and lie did not know her either—not until she laughed. Still in her probationer's uniform of pink she went to the wards, A. few recognised her. but the great majority ■ did not. Glasses make a, great difference. Tin-re were petitions from patients to the matron: "Please let her work in our ward." An atmosphere of light and laughter had come in with her. At last her laughter rang down the long corridors —the deception was over. She sung to them "Oh, listen to the hand.” It was a different audience from that she meets every night, only the result was tinsame. The applause came quickly. .Miss Falottu did not forget the smaller sufferers. For them she had sweets and books. Already the patients are wondering whether she will come again. Paler on Miss Palotta was entertained hy the nurses at afternoon leu. In the evening many of the members of the nursing staff attended "Seven Days," being present at the invitation of Mill 'Ward and Miss Palotta.