CHRISTMAS CHEER

Southland Times, Issue 21896, 23 December 1932, Page 6

CHRISTMAS CHEER

SANTA AT HOSPITAL LITTLE SOUTHLANDERS’ DAY ANNUAL FESTIVAL The Little Southlanders, under the guidance of Cousin Betty of the Southland Times, held their seventh annual Christmas Festival at the Southland Hospital yesterday afternoon. The sun was not more brilliant than the spectacle of the children’s arrival, flowerladen, and it was noticeable that more children were present than on any other occasion. Dr A. Owen-Johnston welcomed the visitors and presented the Little Southlanders’ yearly prizes to Cousins Constance Fox (gold medallist), Connie and Margaret Jellyman (Otautau) and Zoe Smith. Cousins Chrissie Ross (Ravensbourne) and Faith Campbell were absentees. After these awards Santa Claus, with the aid of nurses, distributed gifts from the Christmas tree that formed the central motif of each gaily decorated ward, while the children handed round flowers, books and magazines, and wandered amongst the patients. Before leaving each ward a Christmas carol was sung. The longest time was spent in the children’s ward, the high point of the children’s effort to help children less fortunate than themselves, and the beds of the little patients were practically covered with gifts. Before the party went over to the isolation ward with messages of cheer, Mr T. Pryde, secretary of the Hospital Board, addressed the patients and the large crowd of grown-ups present as well as children, and spoke at some length on the humanitarian work of the Little Southlanders who, he said, had become an important force in the life of the hospital. He referred to the deaths of Mr John Matheson last January and Mr Erskine Bowmar in November, two members of the board who had been the very good friends of the hospital. The former had been present at all the Little Southlanders’ Christmas festivals, and had taken a great interest in their work. Mr Pryde also drew attention to the fact that another member of the board, Mr J. Cockburn, of Wakatipu, was present yesterday in the new role of patient, and althougn he was making very satisfactory 1 progress he would remain there for Christmas. To all Mr Pryde wished the compliments of the season. . Later Matron Ross entertained Mrs John Miller (the Mayoress), Cousin Betty, members of the board and other visitors at afternoon tea.