AN APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1702, 19 March 1913, Page 8

AN APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC.

Mr. H. G. Hill writes-.-"! wish to place before your readers the facts of a very sad case that calls for prompt assistance. On Saturday last a man named John Bassett met with an accident wlmo out shooting at Happy Valley. One of his companions rushed over tho hills to wb tliVs telephone at my house for a doctor. and I went along with Dr. Deainer, and found the man had walked over the hills to Island Bay. The lower portion of his arm. from the elbow to the shoulder, 'was completely shot away, and the loss of blood through walking fully a milo over the hills must have been tremendous. AVe did all that was possible for liim, and through the kindness o£ some residents, he was taken to the hospital promptly. I was advised that the family were in poor circumstances, and I asked Pastor Mackay, tlip Bautisi ministej at Island Bay, to make inquiries, and he has just been in and states that tome time ago Mr. Basselt wits in the hospital three months with rheumatic fever, this leaving his heart weak. I understand the hospital authorities advise that his heart is so affected now with tho\loss of blood and his previous illness that it is impossible to operate on Ilia arm. The result is that his position at the present time is critical. Mr. Mackay has seen Mrs. Bassett, who is very grateful for the promised belp. Her husband is not in a lodge, aaul-they have two children, the youngest one being both deaf and dumb. This fact is worrying the father considerably, and I feel assured that if his mind was eased on this.point it would materially assist him in his illness. I am sure I will 'jiot appeal (o your readers in vain, and. unless anyone wishes the arrangements to be altered, I am quite satisfied lo act with Mr. Mackay in the _ distribution of th«». funds that may be given .to .us, and will keep a strict account, and will submit the balance-sheet to you. . I shall bo pleased to receive. subscriptions at my house. Island Bay, or my office, care Hiil and Barton. Ltd., Leeds Street, a,ml Mr. Mackay will also be plensed to reoMvie any donations, his address lx>ing care Mr. Ivory. Clyde Street, Island Bay. Tnt'siving this matter the prominence I desire, you will 1.-e helping (hose who, by force of circumstances, are unable to help themselves."