WORK AMONG LEPERS

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 48, 20 November 1925, Page 8

WORK AMONG LEPERS

THE MAKOGAI STATION PATIENTS ALL FEELING BENEFIT By Telegraph—special Correspondent. Auckland, November 19. “Great work is being achieved at Makogai, and now that the island has been made a definite base for activities it is not too much to hope, for a largeIv extended scope in our work among lepers.” said Mr. A. Knowles, Government health officer, who had charge of the recent removal of nine lepers from Quail Island, Lyttelton, to the new station at Makogai Island. Mr. Knowles, who returned by the Hinemoa, said that the patients, numbering over 300, and including six white people, were all feeling the great benefits which beautiful Makogai had to offer. The organisation work carried out bv Dr. Neff an'd ten sisters was remarkably complete, and everv possible comfort was daily extended to the unfortunate men and women, who continually expressed deep gratitude for their untiring attention. Whefi it was considered that no fewer than eleven nationalities were represented, it could readily be seen that the results achieved were tributes to the efforts of the staff. The nine patients from New Zealand were all progressing favourably, and declared that the staff did too much for them and not enough on their own behalf. As the good results of the work at Makogai became apparent, Mr. Knowles said, it followed that more work could be done among the islands. Two natives from Niue were transferred during the present cruise, one a male adult and the other a girl aged 11. The spirit of camaraderie which prevailed was one of the most remarkable things, and a new- arrival was immediately made to feel at home among those with whom his or her lot was cast. It was hoped to have another building erected shortly. The material was already cut and ready for removal from Levuka. It would be used to house two patients from New Zealand.

Funds for the provision of a kinematograph were still coming in, although more money was required for this most deserving cause. The machine would help to while away many hours for the inmates. Poles for the erection of a wirdless receiving set aerial had arrived, and were to be erected as soon as possible, and it was hoped to instal a transmitter before long.