GIFT FOR NATIVE HOSPITAL

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 24112, 23 November 1943, Page 4

GIFT FOR NATIVE HOSPITAL

N.Z. SOLDIERS SUBSCRIBE 900 DOLLARS

TRIBUTE TO SOLOMON ISLANDERS

(P.A.) AUCKLAND November 22. A gift of 900 dollars has been made by members of three New Zealand units in the Solomon Islands to the Methodist Missionary Society of New Zealand for the purpose of providing beds or a small ward inAhe new hospital they assume the society will provide for the natives of one of the islands after the war. In a letter to the Rev. A. H. Scrivin, secretary of the Methodist Foreign Mission Board, the officer commanding the units, said the gilt was from men of probably every creed, faith, and church known in New Zealand, and from many “non performers.” The action had bean taken with the full approval of Major-General Barrowclough. During recent operations in which the units took part, stated the letter, the loyalty of the natives of the island was clearly demonstrated, and their courage, fidelity and will to serve the British Empire and the New Zealand Division was of great assistance, and undoubtedly saved many New Zealand lives. It was very obvious that their attitude was due in no small measure to the excellent work done on the islands by representatives of the mission.

The natives’ only return from the war so far had been the destruction of their hospital, and the consequent loss of certain regular medical attention so essentia] to the maintenance of their health and educational services so appreciated' by them, and so necessary to adjust their outlook to the impact of civilisation.

The response to a suggestion that a fund be opened was immediate, said the writer, who asked that the mission accept the amount on trust, that it would establish beds or a imall ward to be used freely by the mission and its medical representatives for the treatment of any native, regardless of his faith or creed. It was also asked that the equipment be known as a gift to the natives from the units, as a lasting appreciation of their courage and loyalty. Mr Scrivin said that he was quite sure his board would gratefully accept the gift on the terms laid down. . It was a fine gesture on the part of the New Zealand boys, and made him .prouder still of his native church in the Solomons, and the remarkable way in which it had stood the test of war. Such a ward or beds would be a constant reminder of the fine fellowship between the New Zealand forces and the Solomon Islanders who had suffered so much in our defence.