LEPERS* CHRISTMAS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 520, 24 November 1928, Page 6

LEPERS* CHRISTMAS

PRESENTS WANTED FOR MAKOGAI SHIP SAILING EARLY Owing to the fact that the Tofua ia sailing from Auckland on Monday week, and that all Christmas goods going to the leper hospital at Makogai Island must be packed next week ready for shipment, an appeal is made to those intending to contribute, to send their donations or goods to Mr. D. L. Thomas, 14 Domain Road, Mount Albert, telephone 47-701, at the earliest moment. Almost anything that is suitable for a Christmas present in a large household is suitable for the patients at Makogai Island, which is a Government leper station maintained by New Zealand, Australia and Fiji. The inhabitants are varied, and range from children in arms to old men and women of 80 years. According to Mr. Thomas the climate at Makogai lias only two variations—warm and hot —so that all materials sent should be of the lightest, and may range from ' material suitable for febandages, -to frocks. Children’s toys, fishing lines, pipes and tobacco, and all sorts of things are welcome. Money is used in buying clothes and other necessaries, and Mr. Thomas has spent the best part of a week combing th© warehouses and buying suitable material.

Included in this year’s contributions is a new chair, which a retired sea captain, a constant contributor, with cabinet-making as a hobby, has spent the winter making.