CHRISTMAS JOYS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2653, 27 December 1915, Page 9

CHRISTMAS JOYS

* FOR 'THE SICK AND NEEDY YULETIDE AT THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL. Joy and merry laughter dispelled all pain and all thought of everything sad ; in the Children's Hospital 011 Ctoistmas Eve. The plight of sick children is ever one to stir humane people to pity, but often enough the pity finds no expression in deeds of mercy. Particularly is the lot of the little sufferers a sad one at Yuletide, when out of doors all is gaiety and joyful noise, when a mock Father Christmas in the llesh dispenses his bounty, and when all kinds of frolics and wonders coino tlio way of the hale and strong. But it must not he supposed that Christmas time at the Children's Hospital is over allowed to he just like any other tirnei There are always toys, and dainties, and, fun, and this year there was a generous allowance of all. This year it was chiefly owing to, the kind thought of Mr. Hugh Ward; of Sydney, that the children had such a happy Christmas Eve. It was Mr. Hunli Ward who' was largely responsible for raising the money to build tlio hospital, and as it happens the jollifications took place in the ward of the hospital which' bears his name. Mr. Ward, who is now executive head of the firm of J. 0. Williamson, Ltd., and a very busy man, had moments to spare 'for a thought of the little people in the cots in the Nospital, and he sent along a gift of £20 to purchase toys for them all. And so a glorious Christmas Tree was planted in the centre of tlio ward, and the children, from tiny babies to wellgrown boys and girls, watched its elevation and decoration with feelings lliat can only be imagined. All were in a state of wild' joy when Dr. Barclay began cutting down the delightful dolls, trains, sewing machines, story books, and mechanical toys, and handing them to the matron, who called out tlie names of the children to receive tile different gifts. Those were at once I handed over to their new ownei's_ by a ! party of smiling nurses. In ten minutes the toy symphony was in fidl blast. Quiet! Not a bit of it, a;ul no one wanted them to be._ The youngsters simply had a riotous time as far as they were _ able, but, alas, some of the little girls were only able to cuddle their dolls close and look blissfully happy without saying a word, hut their shining eyes spoke volumes. And when' every little one had received | not one, but three or four toys, the matron called for three cheers for Mr. Hligh Ward, which were given with childish enthusiasm. Other good folk had sent glorious clusters of roses, some bunches of delicate pink sweet peas, breathing the aroma of summer, to dccorate the ward. The visitors, who included Mr. H. Baldwin, the chairman of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and Dr. l'latts-Mills (a member of the board), were treated to afternoon tea. It was a joyful occasion. On Christmas Day specially luxurious fare was given to all the inmates of the Hospital, young and old, and few who participated will forget the Christmas of 1915. Christmas Day at Ohiro Home was celebrated 1 in a, right royal fashion by the old people resident there. Those in charge of the institution had decorated the wards, swej every peTson in the'home was-made the recipient of auseful present in the morning. A sumptuous feast had been provided, and full justice was done _to.it. During the afternoon an entertainment was provided by a number of visitors, and many of the inmates of the home contributed.