PATIENTS AND PRISONERS’ AID

Evening Star, Issue 23696, 2 October 1940, Page 11

PATIENTS AND PRISONERS’ AID

MEETING OF SOCIETY I The monthly meeting of the Patients ami Prisoners’ Aid Society was held yesterday afternoon, When there were present:— Hon. W. Downie Stewart (in the chair), H. P. West, D. Tannock, W. Easton, P, W. Mitchell, Dr J Thomson, and Mesdames E. C. Reynolds, D. Tannock, and H. L. Cook. Accounts amounting to £63 18s 4d were passed for payment AGENT’S REPORT. The report of the agent (Mr A. Steven) was as follows; Prison Work. —Discharged prisoners were assisted into employment, and the dependents of men incarcerated received our attention. Sunday morning services were conducted when possible, and regular visits were made in the interests of those desirous of loading a better life. Mental Hospital.—Tho welfare of the patients at Seaclii! has always been one of the chief concerns of our society, and close and constant attention has been given to this work for over 60 years. Seacliil Hospital and the branch at Waitati were visited regularly last month. LMvino services were arranged on Sundays and these were well attended. One of the patients at Orokonui Home was released to us on probation, and was placed in work in the country, and two ex-patients were also found employment. The Royal Dunedin Male Choir entertained the patients at Seacliff on September 28. We supply literature to the patients at Scacliff Hospital, Orokonui Home, Neuropathic Home, and to those at Cherry Farm. If friends could help us to keep up the supply we would be grateful.

Wakari Hospital and Pleasant Valley Sanatorium.—We were able to make our usual visits to both those places and , received a cordial welcome. Motor outings were arranged. A central library is being formed at Pleasant Valley by the patients, and gifts of suitable books would be appreciated. On the evening of September 24- the Dunedin Orphans’ Club gave a concert at Pleasant Valley much to the delight of tho patients, who receive few such treats. The needs of patients and expationts were met. Dunedin Hospital.—Visiting was dono throughout the wards on Monday and Friday afternoons during tho month. From the female wards eight patients were transferred to our Convalescent Home at Warrington. Song services were conducted in all tho wards, and the following choirs were in attendance United Congregational, Moray Place Congregational, Hanover Street Baptist, First Church, Dundas Street Methodist, Trinity Methodist, and choirs conducted by Mr S. Lawn, Miss Logic, and Miss Barron. James Powell Convalescent Home. —The number seeking admission to our home slackened off towards the end of the month, but 15 were admitted. They all improved as a result of their stay and the attention given, and returned to their homes better able to carry out the tasks of life. The grounds round 'the home are looking well at present. There is a fine show in tho flower beds and shrubbery, and early vegetables are beginning to make an appearance.