New Plymouth Nurses' Home

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume XV, Issue 3, 1 July 1922, Page 115

New Plymouth Nurses' Home

A Dance in the Memorial Hall.

Shortly after the opening of the new Nurses' Home, New Plymouth Hospital, a small private dance was given by five nurses to the other members of the staff, the hostesses being those who were successful in passing their " State " in December last. The Home is an admirable place for a dance, with its pretty sitting-rooms and balconies. The sitting-rooms were charmingly decorated with pink chrysanthemums and asparagus fern, which trailed daintily across the Oregon pine mantelpieces and^ mouldings. Pretty bric-a-brac found their place on occasional tables, with chocolates and cigarettes. All the decorations were done by Mrs. E. A. Walker, the Medical Superintendent's wife. The mantelpiece in the Memorial Hall was relieved by long streamers of asparagus with beautiful dahlias and chrysan-

themums, and pieces of brass. The hall itself is unsuitable for further decoration, the beautiful leadlight windows being sufficient ornament in themselves. The floor was in splendid condition for dancing, and is well-sprung, a fact much appreciated by those of the light fantastic toe, of whom there were about sixty couples present. The beautiful entrance and handsome staircase had hanging baskets, filled with golden-brown chrysanthemums and autumn leaves, suspended from odd corners. This stairway leads to the balconies, of which two only were set aside for sitting out, the larger one running almost the full width of the Home. This was set with rattan chairs, the electric lights shaded with red Chinese lanterns, and seemed the breadth of a ship's deck. The effect of the red lights against the deep

creme background, combined with the brightly illuminated building; was distinctly Oriental, and lent the whole the aspect of a large Eastern hotel. The night was clear, inclined to be frosty, and dancing went with a swing. Soft drinks were served throughout the evening in the lecture-room, which had been turned into a buffet for the occasion, and was very well patronised. Supper was set in the dining-room. The small tables which are being used there seated eight, and were tastefully deeorated with yellow chrysanthemums and autumn-tinted leaves. The mantelpiece and sideboards carried out the same colour scheme, charming brass adding a

rich tone, whilst yellow-shaded lights cast a soft glow over the big room. The tables were loaded with all manner of pretty dishes, and cafe au lait was served with supper. A most enjoyable function was brought to an end about half-past-one, the hostesses being helped in their many duties throughout the evening by Miss Campbell, the Matron. Amongst the guests was Miss Browne, so well known in New Plymouth and to New Plymouth-trained nurses of the past, who, spending a holiday in the town, was able to give the present girls the honour and pleasure of her company at the first dance in the new Home.