CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE WAIKATO HOSPITAL.

Waipa Post, Volume II, Issue 73, 29 December 1911, Page 3

CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE WAIKATO HOSPITAL.

ICotitribut jcl.j One usually associates the thought of pain and suffering when thinking of our great public institutions which exist for the alleviation of the ills of mankind. But even in these institutions there are times of gladness and rejoicing, and Christmas Day was made a day of gladness, so far as that was possible, for the patients of the Waikato hospital, doctors, matron, sisters, and nurses all vicing with each other to make the day as bright as possible for the. sufferers. During the night Santa Clans paid a visit to the bedside of each patient, and left a parcel. It was great fun to see the opening of these parcels when the patients awoke. The variety of presents was considerable, some getting books, shirts, ties, handkerchiefs, etc. Somebody must have gone to a lot of trouble to get them ready, seeing that there are over. ninety patients in the hospital at the present time. These gifts are made possible by the energetic efforts of one ladyMrs Graham, whose husband was one of the founders of the Waikato Hospital. Mrs Graham takes a very lively interest in the affairs of the institution, and annually makes a collection amongst the business people of Hamilton and others, who are asked for subscriptions of not more than one shilling", and if the donors could sec the pleasure derived from their gifts, they would feel their shillings were well disposed of. Dinner time brought the usual Xmas fare of turkey and plum pudding, with the usual trimmings, and needless to say this was greatly cnjoyerl also. At 2.30 the Rev. A. Gov/ brought up his choir of singers, and they sang a number of Xmas carols. Mr Gow gave an appropriate address, which v/as very much appreciated. After tea Mrs Douglas brought in her gramaphone, which by the way, is a very fine instrument, and the patients were t.eated to a number of fine selections. Dr. Douglas and Dr. Hyde both assisted in this part of the proceedings, and at the close, three cheers were given for the various friends who had helped to make the day so enjoyable. No doubt there are much worse places to pass Xmas in than a hospital, for in spite of inclement weather outside, all within was bright and cherry. It was fortunate that there were no serious cases in the ward, as of course if there had been, it would have made a great difference, as the first thought is always for the one who is in pain.