MAKOGAI LEPER STATION

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21386, 31 January 1935, Page 12

MAKOGAI LEPER STATION

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS (iKATITI !)E TO HEU'EKS a Those who have interested themselves in the progress of the Makogai Leper Station in Fiji, and contributed gifts of money to the appeal made each year on behalf of the patients, will be pleased to hear how much their generosity was appreciated. Mr P. J. Twomey, of Christchurch, has received a letter, dated January 3, from Dr. C. J. Austin, the medical superintendent of the station, who describes how Christmas was spent by the patients. Dr. Austin writes of the manner in which New Zealand maintains its reputation for generosity in spite of its own financial difficulties. "I think." continues Dr. Austin, "that all the patients would agree that they had enjoyed a record Christmas, and if you could have seen them you would realise that this is no idle remark. Every patient received, in addition to your gifts, a present of 10s, which they at once proceeded to disburse at their co-operative store, where two of the sisters were kept almost incesantly busy for some days. "Christinas Day was passed qiiietly by the patients in their own villages, but on Boxing Day all congregated in the hospital compound. The schoolboys and schoolgirls each gave a highly creditable programme with songs, dances, and humorous playlets, and finally the women patients joined together in a Fijian fan dance or meke. "New Year's Day was celebrated as sports day, with the usual flat racing, long jumps, three-legged race. etc. The enthusiasm shown both by the more active participants and by those too crippled to be more than spectators was remarkable, and it would be difficult to say which of the two classes enjoyed it most." In conclusion, Dr. Austin mentions the pleasure that subscribers and helpers will derive from the feeling that they have aided to the innocent pleasures of the patients, and given them an opportunity of taking their minds from the contemplation of their disease.