SICK CHILDREN

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19765, 21 December 1935, Page 26 (Supplement)

SICK CHILDREN

DELIGHT IN ART WORK. AT A SYDNEY HOSPITAL. Next to reading and amusing themselves with their toys, the occupation that kiddies at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children enjoy most is the making of articles from raffia, says a Sydney paper. To them it brings the same pleasure that the creation of a fine painting or the construction of a grand symphony brings to the artist or composer. It is one of the few avenues of self-expression open to them during weary hours in bed, and they make the most of it.

Under the supervision of a teacher from the Department of Education, 10 of the 22 patients occupying the T.B. ward are assembled daily in the “open-air classroom” behind the hosj pital, and there, bathed in summer sunshine, they wrestle with the art of turning unpromising strips of straw-like substance intp objects of utility for the home. ' Variety of Articles. After a month or so of training, the kiddies become so skilful that they are able to finish three or four articles a week. The variety of their workmanship is shown in the quantity of things they produce—serviette rings, bangles, baskets, cigarette stands, j matchbox holders, and cake dishes. ! To stimulate their creative impulse, I the Education Department has provided for an exhibition of their work, which is held annually at the hospital. In a particularly productive year, as many as three or four hundred exhibits may be displayed, a large number of which are invariably purchaser] by visitors. The kiddies are allowed 10 per .cent, of the proceeds, which are put aside for them for the day when they leave hospital. Toys Are Scarce. In the hours between those devoted to raffiawork and study, the patients have little to do except talk and ( amuse themselves with their toys. , But, unfortunately, toys at the hos-1 pital are scarce, and to help provide j inmates of this and other hospitals j with a fresh supply for Christinas, “The Sydney Sun” Toy Fund has been J organised. I The value of the appeal will be re- j cognised when it is known that at j least eight hospitals in Sydney alone will benefit, comprising hundreds of children.