Among the Lepers

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 47, 18 May 1927, Page 9

Among the Lepers

WORK OF CATHOLIC j SISTERS ON MOKOGAI I PRAISED BY VISITOR. I i SAMOAN CHIEF CURED TJ’AR away on the Pacific isle of Mokogai a band of sisters is bringing happiness to the lepers who are isolated there. Cut off from direct communication with the outside world, the whole community appreciates anything which is sent from New Zealand. “The leper settlement at Mokogai is very well conducted by the Government and everything possible is being done for the happiness of the patients, of whom there are nearly 500.” This statement was made last even ing by the Rev. F. B. Redgrave, general secretary of the New Zealand Anglican Board of Missions, who returned on the T fua from an extended trip of the Anglican mission sta tions in the diocese of Polynesia. “I cannot speak too highly of the wonderful work which is being done by the Roman Catholic order of Sisters who attend to the nu—’ng and dressing of the patients,” he continued. “A French priest and a native sister, while ministering to the lepers, have contracted the disease and are now patients on the island. “No less than 15 of the French sisterhood have had to retire owing to the strain of the work since the island settlement began in 1911, and only one of the original band of workers. Sister Suzanne, now remains.” Mr. Redgrave said that among the patients there are ten from New Zealand, three whites, four Maoris and three Chinese. They were all very grateful for the presents sent from the Dominion.

“Up to the present 140 people have been discharged as cured. The latest was a Samoan chief, who travelled with me to Apia on the Tofua. On his arrival he received a wonderful welcornj, for he is the first Samoan who has returned from Mokogai.

“The cinema and films have been greatly appreciated,” said Mr. Redgrave, “hut the Mother Superior is very anxious to receive funds for the erection of a building in ’which to show the pictures. At present they are shown in the open.”