FEATHERSTON MILITARY HOSPITAL

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 248, 14 July 1919, Page 4

FEATHERSTON MILITARY HOSPITAL

WORK OF> THE RED CROSS. From a Correspondent. ' Featherston, July 12. In regard to the statement made by Mr. A. Curtayne as to the shortage of comforts at the Featherston Military Hospital, Mesdames W. J. Martin (chairwoman of the Red Cress Hospital Committee) and Quentin Donald (hon. secretary) authorise the following summary of efforts made by the committeo to assist the', soldiers undergoing treatment:— • ■

'"Great resentment is felt at the reflections cast upon the Red Cross workers and tho Wairarapa people generally, and makes it necessary that an explanation of the committee's endeavours during the past four months should be> given. A visiting committee was set up to attend at the hospital and ascertain from the matron what is required. If tablecloths, crockery, axes, saws, or any other Article had been mentioned as needed they would havo been procured. Crockery had been supplied some time back, and another lot would have been gladly provided. In the month of ■March the Red Cross supplied goods to the value of ,£7O ss. 3d., ..£69 2s. 6d. April, £148 May, and aBO June. A sum of ,£3O per mouth has been provided towards the above expenditure by the Wellington Centre. Motor hire for men who are permitted to indulge in motoring is arranged. ■ Fresh ( fruits, poultry, eggs, cakes, honey,, flour, jellies, tinned fruits, pickles, sauces, fish, sultanas, currants, etc., are supplied. Games and afternoon tea for patients out motoring are arranged. During the warmer weather picnics were arranged, which required that cars and lunch be provided. Now that the weather is cold, a social and gamesroom has been fitted up. The social room is furnished with fireplace, couches, rugs, and piano, as well as a regular supply of magazines, papers, writing materials, and all kinds of games. The games room has a fireplace, easy chairs," two full-sized billiard bibles surrounded with matting, ping-pong sets, quoits, etc. Card and billiard tournaments are often arranged. The furniture and billiard tables were given by the Wairarapa Patriotic Society. A number of ladies take as many as twelve patients to'their homes periodically, and provide amusements and tea. Cars are, of course, provided bv the committee. From time to time afternoon tea is dispensed in No. i Ward, the function being interspersed with music—the occupants of this ward are unable to move ■ around and participate in other entertainments. Afternoon ciu lertainmcnt is also afforded in the social room. Ladies from Featherston visit the hospital several days wekly. A largo hall has been fitted up as a. gymnasium ■ room, all the contents being supplied by 'the Red Cross Committee. Two boxes of games arrived lately for uso in the rooms, from the Wellington Centre. A supply of clothing has always been kept on hand, and can be had on application. Socks, balaclavas, mittens, and scarves' hnve been issued when required.

"Tho Y.M.CA. is also actively working in the interests of tho men in hospital. The secretary daily visits each ward and distributes literature, games, cigarettes, etc. In connection with the Y.M.CA. there is the large building known as the Soldiers' Club, and it is used by the orderlies and patients. Concerts are held whenever possible, and failing the presence of concert parties, "fun nights" are held, which bring many a smile to the' laces of the blue boys. In addition to the above are the previously-mentioned hospital patients' recreation rooms. These rooms, furnished by the Wtiu.irapa Bed Cross Society, are under tho control of the Y.M.CA. secretary, who organises weekly pleasant evenings, billiards, chess, draughts, and other tournaments, for which prizes are given by the Y.M.CA. It is also proposed to start a Y'.M.C.A. kinema show, hospital patients to be admilled free. ' Skates are provided for those' fit to indulge in that recreation. The field secretary would be alad to hear of more concert parties offering to como to entertain the blue bovs. Apparently many musical people fail to realise with what eagerness the hospital patients look forward to a concert, and how grateful thev are to those who so assist. •It will thus be seen that as far as lies in their power the Y.M.CA. is endeavouring to make the life of hospital patient" a little brighter; in this way supporting the lied Cross organisation's share."