MONKS OF ST. BERNARD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 6 July 1907, Page 3

MONKS OF ST. BERNARD.

Oneva, May 5. AVith great modesty, kindness, and foresight, the monks ci l lie Grand St. liermud hospice eujuiuur their great work of humanity and charity amid (lie snows, year in and year out. On rave occasions they are prevailed upon to publish statistics, and then the world, at lcnst the tourist world, is surprised. For instance, during the winter of 11)00-1907, no fewer than 1300 snowbound and exhausted travellers took refuge in the Grand St. Bernar'd hospice iind found there a warm welcome. About HO per cent of these travellers were penniless Italians, who, unable to alTonl a railway ticket, set out on foot across the mountain pass in search of work in [ Switzerland. Among the travellers, however, were English and American tourists, likewise caught in a storm, who would have perished on the pass had it not been for the timely aid of the monks and their dogs. Prln»e and peasant are treated alike at the liospiee and are given of tlie best without any question of payment. "Well, father, you saved my life, and it should be elsewhere if you and your dog had not found me. lam a fairly rich mail and would like to help yon if you would let me," said an American to one of the monks this winter. "(live me what you can, sir; there is an oll'crtory box at the door when you leave, nnd we will only receive voluntary contributions; we are glad to liave lielogil you," was the mguk'a answer,