XMAS AT THE HOSPITAL

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2960, 26 December 1916, Page 6

XMAS AT THE HOSPITAL

PATIENTS WELL CATERED FOR

Christmas was celebrated at the Hospital in much the same manner' as in former years. On Sunday evening a band of nurses sang carols in one ward after another, and on Christmas morning the wards were decorated (chmily with flowers) and thrown open to visitors for the day. The decorations, which had been ■ carried out "under tho direction, of the Sisters in charge of each ward, were exceedingly 1 ' tasteful and showed great variety of colour. In one ward the Belgian national colours formed the basis of tho decoration, while in the Military Hospital red, white, and blue were most in evidence; In every case the schemes were harmoniously carried out, and 1 presented a very, attractive appearance that was the subject of much enthusiastic comment by the visitors. The patients, as usual, enjoyed a Christmas dinner,_ and all received gift parcels. The soldiers in' Victoria Ward were particularly fortunate in this kt-' ter respect,_ for they not only received parcels - similar to those presented In' the main hospital, but .also parcels from Mrs. Coull (the Bay), the Red Cross Committee and _ the Solvation Army. Many were, incidentally, invited out to dine at priva'te houses. The distribution of gifts from the usual Christmas tree in the Children's Ward' toek\place about seven in the evening, in the presence of a' number of visitors, including members of the Hsopital Board and their wives. After the function, tea and coffee were provided 'by the Acting-Matron, Miss Stott.

It is estimated that the visitors in the course of the day must have numbered between 1000 and 1200.

At tho Home for , Chronic Invalids the wards we're also decorated, 'and a Christmas dinner provided. Tho patients received) numbers of gifts and had the pleasure of hearing some excellent singing by a visitor in the afternoon. .<