AMONG LEPERS AT MAKOGAI.

Dunstan Times, Issue 3383, 18 July 1927, Page 8

AMONG LEPERS AT MAKOGAI.

Far away on the Pacific Isle of Makogai, a baud of Sisters is bringing happiness to the lepers who are isolated there. Cut off from direct communication with the outside world, the whole community /appreciates anything which is sent from New Zealand. “The leper settlement at Makogai is very well conducted by the Government, and everything possible is being done for the happiness of the patients, of whom there are nearly 500.” This statement was made by the Rev. F. B. Redgrave, general secretary of the New Zealand Anglican Board of Missions, who returned to Auckland on the Tofua from an extended tour of Anglican mission stations in the diocese of Polynesia.

“I cannot speak too highly of the wonderful work which is being done by the Roman Catholic Order of Sisters, who attend to the nursing and dressing of the patients,” he continued. “A French priest and a native sister, while ministering to the lepers, have contracted the disease, and are now patients on the island. No fewer than 15 of the French sisterhood have had to retire owing to the strain of the work since the island settlement began in 1911, and only one of the original band of workers, Sister Suzanne, now remains. Among tbc patients there are ten from New Zealand, three whites, four Maoris, and three Chinese. They are all very grateful for presents sent from the Dominion. Up to the present 180 people have been discharged as cured. The latest is a Samoan chief, who travelled with me to Apia 011 the Tofua, On his arrival lie received a wonderful welcome, foi he is the first Samoan who has returned from Makogai. The cinema and films have been greatly appreciated, but the Mother Superior is very anxious to receive funds for, the erection of a building in which to show pictures. At present they are shown in the open.”