CHRISTMAS CHEER AT HOSPITAL

Southland Times, Issue 24002, 18 December 1939, Page 6

CHRISTMAS CHEER AT HOSPITAL

LITTLE SOUTHLANDERS ON ANNUAL VISIT CULMINATION OF £ YEAR’S WORK Christmas came early this year.to the patients in the Dee street Hospital when Santa Claus, Cousm Betty, and her Little Southlanders visited the institution on Saturday afternoon to distribute gifts and bring the spirit ot Christmas to the wards. H° s P ltal T Is an annual event to which the Little Southlanders, contributors to the children’s supplement of The Southland Times, look forward all the year anticipating December’s treat in January, working and planning with this day in mind. Many of the childre travelled from the country by bus and train to be present, to help give presents and receive prizes. Miss D. Buchanan, matron of the hospital, welcomed the Mayor (Mr J. R. Hanan), and Mrs- Hanan, Cousm Betty, the children, and most important, Santa Claus. The visitors were conducted to the children’s ward where Mr Hanan presented prizes to successful writers for The Little Southlanders Chronicle, congratulating them on their efforts, and speaking of the value their work would be in the training for future careers. The principal awards were the gold medal, won by Raynor Huffaaine, and the silver cup, presented to the secretary of the Mayflower Clan, Vera Lake. PRESENTS DISTRIBUTED Youthful eyes then focused on the heavily-laden Christmas tree, as Santa Claus, with the assistance of the nurses and many willing helpers, cut the presents from its branches and gave them to the happy excited patients whose small faces were as cheerful as those of their visitors. Even the smallest baby seemed to take an interest in the proceedings, and not one was forgotten by Santa. The gifts were made by the Little Southlanders, or .bought with pennies which had been saved and sent in for the Hospital Fund, and a years work lay behind the happiness given the patients on this Saturday afternoon. A parcel of additional toys had also been received from the Toy-Making Club of the Winton District High School. A welcome advance gift of £5 for next year has been allotted to Cousin Betty from the Mayor’s Social Service Fund. A tour was then made of all the wards, and in each Santa Claus was welcomed with bright smiles. He had a cheerful word for each patient, and made many new friends, who, perhaps, had been visited by • him each year, but had never met him. . . When every inmate, including those in insolation, had received a gift wrapped in brightly coloured paper and garnished in the approved Christmas style with labels and seals, refreshments, soft drinks and biscuits, were provided by the nurses and greatly appreciated by the children. Miss Buchanan later entertained the older visitors to afternoon' tea.