IN HOSPITAL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 198, 31 December 1941, Page 5

IN HOSPITAL

HOW CHRISTMAS WAS SPENT

CHEERFUL LOCAL PICTURE

Christmas morning ! The first light of the early morning sun broke into the ward as the night nurse flung up the blinds at 4.30 a.m. The Avhole building was flooded with light and we patientscaught the glorious sight of old King Sol rising in a welter of .silver and gold clouds above Hillcrest. Some lay still and snoring, others yawning, others' in the process of the morning's 'sponge.' Ugh! Evea in midsummer its pretty chilly. So it was Christmas morning once again. Thoughts of those at home, of those far away overseas, and of those since departed ... But here comes the tea-waggon. Everybody is awake. "Hullo Jack. Had a good night?" "Too right. But fancy waking a chap at this time of night." Morning Bill. You were drivin' a good team last night by the sound of things." "Oh, good morning sister. Merry Christmas nurse. Hullo everybody. Great day for the race." "What race?" "The human race, mug." Washing done. The sisters appeal for assistance to decorate the ward. Everybody is keen to help. Streamers, balloons, flowers, Jerns. Soon it is hard to' believe that the place is in any way connected with, a hospital. The" corridor is a picture. All the archwaj'S are picked out with greenery. There are flowers every where., The women's ward is a real picture. Everybody is smiling —even the serious cases. Now for the Christmas tree. This is a veritable sight to cure all sore eyes. Loaded with presents, bright with tinsel and shining Avith all the colours of the rainbow it is the centre of attraction of the entire hospital. Enter Father Christmas, beard correct, traditional gown and cape. Well! He is quite at a loss where to start, or Avho to> serve first. A tall sister assists him to get to the top of the tree, and he proceeds to snip.