WORK AMONG LEPERS

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19890, 20 May 1936, Page 9

WORK AMONG LEPERS

SAVING THE CHILDREN. MISSIONARIES’ ACHIEVEMENTS. Addressing a large gathering in the Salvation Army Hall last evening, Mr F. O. Perry, secretary for New Zealand to the Mission of Lepers, showed by lan- | tern slides the type of work carried , out by the missionaries at leper stations in different parts of the world. Mr Perry mentioned the objects and methods of the mission and indicated how the disease spread if not properly treated. The mission operated in conjunction with British, American and European societies, and the workers for these institutions were honorary superintendants. The objects of the mission were to instruct the natives in the Christian faith, and to provide them with shelter, food, clothing, and medical treatment. Saving the children was tlie first consideration and the second was to help to exterminate leprosy. Treatment of Leprosy. Hospitals were provided for the sufferers, where they could receive treatment from qualified medical men. The healthy children of lepers were cared for in homes, and here they were instructed in useful arts and received such education a>s was necessary. Although it was impossible to state the number of lepers in the world, Mr Perry said there were at least 3,000,000. Many were still waiting for help and it was hoped that in a few years these people would receive relief. Large numbers were in the earlier stages of the disease and would benefit greatly from medical treatment if it could be made available.

The natives appeared to respond well to the teachings of the church missionaries, and a great number had become staunch Christians. A few years ago leprosy was regarded as almost incurable, but the latest treatment was having encouraging results, and many cases, particularly those in the early stages, showed marked improvement. Hundreds of lepers were discharged from the homes free from ail symptoms of the disease, while others were so badly afilcted that it was some time before they were permanently freed from leprosy. “ Save the Children.” Leprosy was not hereditary. Thus the cry was “ Save the children,” and this was the main thought in the missionaries’ minds. Opportunities were numerous for the mission to extend its work, for the natives had derived more confidence and were more willing to receive help, concluded Mr Perry.