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[Page 18]
[Following on from Page 47]
17.
for the first time I realised how diverse were the members of my Mess. The women worked as usual on Xmas Day, holidays were practically unknown to them for some of them always worked on Sundays too, particularly in the Postal Department, where an ever flowing stream of mail matter had to be attended to.
I arranged that for the evening they should have a special dinner, and my Housekeeper and the Kitchen Staff co-operated so loyally that though we depended on rations, the dinner was a splendid success. I spent hours arranging the table decorations, largely composed of violets, and my staff decorated the Mess Hall, which completely transformed its air of departed glory and made it look very festive.
All the assistants and the Forewomen dressed in Cretonne caps and aprons, made of crinkled red, white, and blue paper, and that made a striking contrast to the Khaki-clad women seated in long rows.
Afterwards a guessing competition was held, that gave me an opportunity in presenting a prize which was won by the Head Cook, a girl who held her diploma for domestic science.
The next night, (Boxing Night) we arranged a dance for the women who invited their soldier friends each of whom had to be nominated, or have a special pass with my signature.
Afterwards, I heard that two Australians presented themselves at the gate and asked for admission and on being told the rule said "Oh, I am sure your administrator would let us come, she's an Australian". I was glad that I was not put to the test, for it would have been hard for me to abide by my own rule, and refuse them.
On New Year's Night, I gave permission for the younger members of the staff to have a dance and succeeded in getting an Orchestra from the Convalescent Camp. The difficulty however, was to get sufficient partners for the Officers who wanted to come. Each one invited, wanted to bring a friend, but we were limited to members of our own Corps. For Hospital Nurses nor V.A.Ds. were not permitted to dance.
[Continued on Page 49]