HOME OF COMPASSIQN

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 83, 5 October 1931, Page 11

HOME OF COMPASSIQN

A SUCCESSFUL TEA

All ways seemed to lead to the Home of Compassion on Saturday afternoon, judging by; the crowds that packed the grounds and corridors of the. home. Old friends and new seemed to be even more numerous than usual, much to the relief of the good Sisters, who were wondering if the present "hard times" were going to affect thoir annual effort, hoping sincerely that they would not, for their necessities fit the times, and are more pressing than usual. It was a very representative^. gathering, and the gifts were mostly in kind—they were most generous, and will smooth the path of the institution for a while at all events. It i« delightful to look in upon a well-filled store-room, even if the fact remains that.there are a.great many to bo fed and clothed, arid tho demand dally is so great. A pleasant feature was the. presence of the new friends, many of whom expressed sympathy with the work, this boing a feature which pleased the Sisters very greatly. The weather was perfect, so that the visitors wore able to appreciate the beauty of the situation of the home and hospital, while deep interest was shown in the, alterations, made necessary by many years of hard use. The patients had the pleasure of many friendly visitors, while the latter took great joy in the nurseries, with the many cheerful little occupants, who, always treated with gentle kindness, are quite "un-shy,"not looking for anything else but loving attentions. Afternoon tea, in charge of Mrs. Eyland and an energetic band of capable assistants, was a pleasant feature, and it was surprising how well people were served considering the great number present. An excellent programme of enjoyable music given by the Artillery Band, under Captain Herd, was part of the pleasure. Beautiful flowers, arum lilies, spring flowers, and Iceland poppies made an added brightness, well supported by the atmosphere of .true kind-. liness and welcome to the many visitors. It was quite a memorable afternoon, and the Sisters wish to cordiallythank all those who organised, helped, and gave donations and gifts in kind. They were so many that it would not be possible to thank all individually, and it is hoped that these collective thanks will be accepted by the generous and kindly people who helped the good cause. ,