Festive Air At The Jubilee Home

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 December 1947, Page 9

Festive Air At The Jubilee Home

A festive air pervaded the Jubilee Home over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day when the inmates were happily entertained and gifts were provided from several quarters. On Wednesday afternoon one of the rooms was decorated with multicoloured hydrangeas, Christmas decorations and lanterns. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree, festooned with fairy lights and laden with parcels, held pride of place. Also prominently displayed were four Christmas cakes, one from the D.1.C., one from Kai Iwi W.1., one from Okoia W.D.F.F., and the Jubilee Home cake. About 75 per cent, of the inmates were present and they gave a warm welcome to Father Christmas, who greeted them and then cut the cake. While each received a cup of tea and a slice of cake Father Christmas handed round the parcels from the tree. He then went through the wards and distributed gifts to the inmates unable to leave their beds. The gifts on the tree were provided by the Farmers’ Meat and Delicatessen, Ltd., and the Hospital Board. The former sent tobacco for the pipe smokers, cigarette tobacco for those who smoked cigarettes and a generous supply of sweets for the womenfolk. The Hospital Board also supplied tobacco and cigarettes and a gift for each of the women inmates. The nursing staff and the Maori maids of the household staff (all dressed in white) sang carols, accompanied by Mrs. Sunderland. For Christmas Day the staff decorated the wards and the usual Christmas fare was enjoyed by all the inmates. A hundred and twenty caps had been beautifully made by Miss Chittenden, one for every inmate and every member of the staff. She was also responsible for the lampshades, roses and streamers used in the decorations. Miss Bruce and Miss Treadwell had made and brought to the home little posies of flowers and these were distributed by Miss Willcox (matron) on Christmas morning Everyone donned the carnival caps for Christmas dinner. Miss Willcox expresses thanks to all who helped to make the season so bright and happy, and also thanks the visitors from Okoia who brought sweets, the R.S.A. who sent peaches for the returned servicemen, the Salvation Army, who sent nuts and sweets, and Mr. Dixon who supplied ice-creams on Christmas Eve.