NELSON MENTAL HOSPITAL.

Colonist, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11686, 23 July 1906, Page 2 (Supplement)

NELSON MENTAL HOSPITAL.

The patients annual fancy dress ball in connection with the above institution wa3 held on Thursday eyeing last, and was a great success in every respect. The stage was prettily decorated with flags, kindly lent by Messrs Buxton and Co., and several large Japanese fans gave a bright appearance to the recently renovated hall. The patients, to, the number of about sixty, were attired in a variety of costumes too numerous to mention, which the wearing of and the dignity of each, character gave them much pleasure in sustaining. There were several grand marches during the evening, which gave . those an opportunity who were unable to dance to show off his or her costume. The Clown was carried out by Mr McLean, whose comicalities caused great fun. Attendants Devanny, Inglis, IVTundy and Jones were each respectively very good in the characters of ' '"Country Bumpkin, ' " " Clerk of Course," "A Nigger," and a Japanese. Messrs Corby and Son were exceptionally good as "Father Christmas" and "Lord Nelson." Seven of the nurses wore sailor costumes from the opera of "H.M.S. Pinafore," and looked very smart and bewitching ; also Nurses Lincoln and Coyle had exceedingly pretty fancy dresses, A bountiful supply of good things in the way of jefreshments were handed round during the evening, which, it is needless to say, were done justice to by all present. Mr Hindley gave several good comic .songs, as well as other items, which were much appreciated. The women's corridor was utilised as a promenade, and looked very inviting with the colored lamps, curtains, flower stands, etc. A very jolly evening was brought to a close about 11 p.m. by the Superintendent returning thanks to all those who had so kindly lent costumes for the occasion. Mr Brown (Brown and Kerr), on behalf of the visitors, tendered a cordial vote of thanks to Mr Chapman and the staff for the successful manner in which the ball had been carried out. Dr. Hay, the DeputyInspector of Hospitals, was, unexpectedly, present, and congratulated the Superinendent and staff on theit efforts to give the patients such a happy time.