THE CHINESE LEPER.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 215, 14 March 1872, Page 6

THE CHINESE LEPER.

(To the, Editor. )

Sic, — I have read your description of the treatment of the Chinese leper, and really the feelings of humanity cannot but feel at the picture you give. It is quite true that leprosy is a fearful malady, and the idea seems- to be unanimous in the old country that it is thoroughly infectious. On the one hand, therefore, no one would care to be infected with the disease, or to run the risk of touching a diseased person ; but, on the other hand, cannot means be adopted whereby the patient may receive his due pi*oportion of good food and clothing, without running any such risk ? I propose to suggest what has been tried in England in such cases, and found successful.

From the house where the patient stays, a tramway is placed, and a car on wheels is placed with a rope running through a pully attached to the house. On this car is placed a quan tity of cooked food at regular intervals each day, as also clothing required, and wood for his fire, also water. By the long end of the rope outside a party can "pull the car to the house, and thus the patient may have every supply necessary for his wants. Directions can be given the patient to burn the clothes which he takes from his body regularly. Should any fear be entertained with reference to the effects from touching the long end of the rope, a pair of pinchers could be used to take hold of it, which_ could be put in the fire after use. Should the patient be so ill as to be unable to get out of bed, the pulley attached to the car could be attached to the front of his bed, and the door in front be undo capable of being opened by the pulling of a cord outside, and thus everything would be taken directly alongside the patient, so that his food (well cooked) would be in his reach ; and in cold weather an iron with a fire could be placed in the car also. If the patient had strength to do so, he could place this in the fireplace, and so got warmed ; and if he could not manage this, the iron pan with the wood burning would give a good heat, and be very comfortable inside the house. An iron plate on the car would prevent any danger from fire to the house. — I am, &c. Alpha.

Lawrence, 9th March.