CHRISTMAS PARTY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 298, 18 December 1941, Page 2

CHRISTMAS PARTY

PUBLIC HOSPITAL SCHOOL CLASS. ENTERTAINED BY GONVILLE SCHOOL COMMITTEE. It has been the custom for several years for the Gonville School Committee to entertain the children of the Public Hospital class at a Christmas party and this took place yesterday afternoon in one of the childrens wards at the hospital. The party was officially opened by the Mayor (the Hon. W. J. Rogers), M.L.C., who paid a tribute to the committee for the happy thought in arranging the function. He said he was pleased to see Mr. Broderick and Mr. Coleman (Marton), two board members, present. After telling the children the origin of Christmas, he said he hoped they would enjoy the party and expressed the hope that the world would be a happier place next year. Mr. W. E. Broderick, chairman of the Hospital Board, voiced his pleasure in being present and said the board appreciated what the hospital class teachers (Miss O’Sullivan and Miss G. Aves) were doing, and also paid a tribute to the staff who were caring for the children. Mr. T. Montague, hon. secretary of the Gonville School Committee, apologised for the absence of the chairman. Mr. J. C. Batt, and read a letter conveying good wishes to the children and a message from the committee paying a tribute to the hospital class for the patience and courage shown in their afflictions and their attention to the schooling. The letter concluded with thanks to the teachers

for their work, also to the sisters and nurses who had done so much for the children under their care. A programme was given by the Gonville School choir and pupils as follows: Chorus. "Mill Wheel,” by the choir; trio. "School Days;”, recitations by Patsy Wright. Bob Hitchcock and Jim Mackay; a playette in character, "Selling a Dream. ’ by Standard 2 girls; carol. “The First Noel.” by the choir. The children were trained by Misses Webb and Shaw. The patients greatly enjoyed the programme provided for their entertainment and later were made doubly happy with a Christmas gift, ice creams and oranges. Mrs. K. Gould presented posies to the matron (Miss Hunter), the sisters and nurses in the ward, Mrs. J. J. Scott, Mrs. M. Neighbour, Mrs. J. C. Batt. Mrs. A. H. Lockett, and the teachers. Thanks to the committee, hospital teachers, sisters and nurses were expressed by Mr. T. Montague, the headmaster of the Gonville School (Mr. A. M. Laing) and Mrs. T. Anderson. The patients showed thair approval of the party by clapping their hands.