MAKOGAI LEPER STATION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 56, 30 August 1939, Page 4

MAKOGAI LEPER STATION

Sir,—A Maori ? two Europeans, an ex-High School boy from Hawke r s Bay ? and several representatives of thfi different Pacific Island races, who are lepers at Makogai, have sent separate letters to me asking that L would once again place their cause before our people. This task is no light one, but the kindly encouragement given to our appeals in theT" past has made this Avork a pleasure and a labour of love. Dr C. J. Austin, the Medical Sup* erintendent at Makogai reports that 57 patients were discharged as cured last year and sends a personal re-, quest for the continuation of our organisation in order to help him in his work. in July Mast we the "Makogai Lepers" (N. Z.) Trust Board with 14 gentlemen representative of different sections of the community, and the Medical Officer of Flealth j Dr T. Fletcher Telford, J.P, M.D., was unanimously elected as chairman of the board. On this island there are 3SO men, 160 53 days and 26 girls, who are separated from their loved ones. Physical suffering, lack of* home life and isolation weighs heavily on them at times, and they call to us for sympathy and health. 106 t of these patients are. from New Zealand and its dependencies. As Christmas draws near lepers may be seen scanning the horizon and looking out to sea. When asked by the Nursing Sisters "What you looking for?" they have replied "Oh Sister! will New Zealand think of us this Christmas?"' This is truly pathetje.

AH gifts arc sent through the Medical Superintendent who distri* butes them without distinction of creed or colour. The Postmaster., General has granted half-rates on all parcels sent to me for the Lepers and all gifts may be sent to my pri, vate address, 172 Bealey Aveune, Christchurch, and will be acknowledged by me personally. List of most suitable Toys musical instruments, dolls, batAfcfcen nis rackets, games, etc., materials > embroidery cottons etc.,. sweets, soap ? cigarettes and tobacco. * Gifts of money will be most useful as it will en,able us to buy what is in short supply. With deep gratitude for the erous response given in'the past, and trusting to receive a continuation o* this support. Yours etc., P. J, TV7OMEY, Hon. Sec. Makogai Leper Fun-I. = m.