MAKOGAI LEPER FUND

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 161, 29 September 1941, Page 4

MAKOGAI LEPER FUND

Sir, —I look upon it as my cluty to remind your readers once again of the sad existence of 675 of our sick friends on Makogai Island Leper Station. Since 1925, when the Leper Station on Quail Island, Lyttelton was closed, all of our Leper patients have been sent *to this lonely outpost very close to our shores, and to-day' the New Zealand Government maintains approximately 100 of these patients from pendencies.

For a number of years past we have befriended, these people with gifts at Christmas time' and they look upon us as their true friends. I realise to the full that this war causes enormous sacrifices for all, but in God's name I ask for a "few crumbs from the table" to help to brighten the lives of these stricken ones. The few gifts we give, to these people will bring a blessing on New Zealand and may we later hear from the Master's lips these words: "Each time you comforted these, my Lepers, you comforted me."

The gifts will be acknowledged by me personally. The Postmaster-Gen-eral has kindly reduced charges to half-rates on all parcels addressed to me for the Lepers. Nothing is too small for the need is great. Yours etc., P. J. TWOMEY.

Hon. Collector Makogai Leper Fund.