At Convalescent Hospital

Rotorua Morning Post, Issue 5283, 20 December 1946, Page 5

At Convalescent Hospital

Miss Nola Luxford, well kiioWj^ a$ Mew Zealand 's No., 1 hostess in New York, who is paying a short visit to Rotorua, yesterday morning visited fche Soldiers' Convalescent Hospital, and spoke "to the patients'. Upon her arrival, Miss Luxford was entertained to morning tea by the -staff afid patients in the dining hall. A slight departure from th.e, normal presentation ceremonal oceurred when, ^ just before rising to speak, she presented one of the patients with a' large bouquet of roses, the reflection of which on his face doubtless caused the ruddy blush that suffused it. ; Miss Luxford briefly recbunted some of her wartime expei*ie"nces in the United States, particulai'ly as they affected New Zealand servicemen and women. ThroHghout the war years she hacl niaintained the Anzac Club in New Yorlc, and over 35,000 New Zealanders had passed through and had been entertained by the club. Shc said that most of these had been R.N.Z.A.F. persormel, and quite a i'ew, New Zealand nurseS. In addition to making possible the broadcasting of messages to parents and friends in New Zealand, Miss Luxford said that the club had also arranged a wide networlc of social contacts throughout many States to enable New 'Zealanders to ha\>e the best possible time during their stayi Miss Luxford was then condu'eted on a tour of the building and left shortly* after noon. In the afternoon, Miss Luxford was accoi'ded a Mayoral reception , in the Blue Bath tea-rooms. Mr. P. Av Kusgbs, in welcomiiig Miss LuxfoM, referred to the high esteem in which she 'was held in New Zealand." Mfes Luxford suitably responded. '