LEPER’S HOME.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 September 1925, Page 4

LEPER’S HOME.

A SUMMER ISLE. AUCKLAND. Sept. 21. ‘‘This is good enough for me." exclaimed one of the New Zealand leper patients taken down hy the Hinomoa. when he stepped ashore at Mokongai. a charming little “summer isle ot Eden,” which lies to the east side of the Island of O'valau. almost opposite I.evuka. the old capital of the Kijix. Dr J. T. Hughes. Medical Officer of Health at Auckland, who went down in charge of the party, speaks very enthusiastically of this island, and the work of the small band of men and women who have devoted their lives to the care of the unfortunate three hundred sufferers from leprosy who have been gathered from all parts of British territory in the Pacific, and concentrated at this one island. Ilr Hughes went down in ilie Government steamer ITinemoa. taking all nine New Zealand lepers, who have now been added to Mokongai.’s unfortunate population. The doctor returned by the steamer this afternoon. He told a reporter that the patients had a good trip on the whole and they expressed themselves very pleased with their future home, one of them bursting out with the exclamation mentioned above when lie saw what a beautiful spot had been chosen. .Mokongai is a very lovely .spot, even for the Pacific, and the patients get the very best of attention and medical skill. After landing the New Zealand lepers, the Jlinemna went over to Samoa, ami there picked up eight more, whom she took to Mokongai. which now houses all the unfortunates in New Zealand territory suffering from the disease.

The three hundred patients at Mokongai are of all nationalities, Polynesians. .Melanesians. Fijian-. Samoans. and Hurnpeaiis. They are in charge of a medical superintendent, a lay caretaker ami ten sister-, ulm have devoted themselves to this noble sell sacrificing work. Naturally, in controlling such a large number of people. discipline has to lie insisted upon, and |)r Hughes thinks this may sit rather awkwardly on the New Zealand patients for a while, but lie is sure they will soon get used to it, and see its benefits. Dr Hughes was on the island three days, and had a good opportunity of thoroughly inspecting everything and seeing the way of life of the patients. Hospitals and everything connected with the treatment of the disease are of ihe very latest, and wonderl iillv well managed. A certain number of cures .are made, and while the Ifinemna was at the island several patients were waiting their diseliarg'. ‘‘lt is tl)<‘ I (‘-t <>r«4iuiim*<l :ilid hostmanaged institution of its kind in the world." said l)r Hughes, slimming up his imnressitmx. lie mentioned that lie had conversed with a number id pat ienls who all expressed themselves 1 1 11 >i otighly satislied with their treatment and environment. It "as impossible to imagine a more beautiful situation in which to place these tm--I'irtnnate people. Far In in being iinliappy they seemed to he a very roi!(euled community. Raid ol the discipline was that they should work two days a u cek without pay fur tlm general good i.f the I’ommiuiity. but if tll.'V Worked on other

days (hey received pay. with which ibey inllld buy most nl tile lioCO-.s it i: ’S of life and many little luxuries. AI'or their anni-einents, the patients had plenty of boating and fishing. Various names were played and there wa- no lack el suitable amusement. The island men had its own cinema, a small one. it is true, but still a good one. The stock ef films was in need of replenishing. and the island would be grateful if some wen* donated, The New Zealand party took down a lis-tening-in set. u liirli nas very intieh appreciated. and all the island now wants i- the means ol tran inift mg so that tiny can keep in toiieli uilh Suva and Lm uka. Dr Hughes .-aid Hi, New Zealander- Were very Favourably impress,M with Mokongai. and it tbe I’aeifie bad been searched from end to end lie did not believe a mere suitable spot could