ENTERTAINING HOSPITAL PATIENTS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3053, 14 April 1917, Page 5

ENTERTAINING HOSPITAL PATIENTS

It was a very thoughtful action on tho part of Mr. Robert Greig, Miss Beatrice Holloway, and the other members of the Williamson Comedy Company to visit the Newtown Hospital yesterday afternoon for the purpose of providing entertainment for the .patients, and probably few outside people realise how much pleasure and brightness is given to the inmates by such actions. To people laid aside by sickness life is rather apt to take upon itself a drab aspect, and breaks in the monotony of things are Greatly appreciated. The entertainment was civen in the Children's Ward of the Hospital, and there, was quite a crowded audience of children and adult patients, some of whom had come over from the Victoria Military Hospital. In addition, several of the nurses were present. The visitors were received by the matron, the medical superintendent of the Hospital (Dr. Barclay), and the president of the board, Mr. Baldwin. Miss Holloway had very kindly brought a large supply of flowers with her, and these she presented to the - patients so that in a short time the ward was quite gay with them. The programme of entertainment consisted of songs and' recitations, and was warmly appreciated. Mr. Greig, in addition to singing, told several stories, and Miss Yorke and "Mrs. A. Wilson sung several songs, the former playing the accompaniments. Miss Esther Mitchell gave some charming children's recitations, and Miss Marcus Clark, Mr. Lee and Mr. Lloyd also recited. Mr. Moran, in addition to reciting, also sang.. ■ At the end of the entertainment Mr. Baldwin thanked the visitors for the very eivjoyahleaftfrnoon they hnd provided the patients and everyone present, and said how greatly 'they had appreciated it. Miss Holloway present, ed the matron with a charming plaster cast of the head of a sleeping child, the work of Mr. Atholwoodf a member of the _ company, who had wished it •to bo given to. the children at the Hospital. The cast was much admired, and warm thanks were returned for it. Tho members of the company were afterwards entertained at afternoon tea on one of the Verandahs by the matron.