LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LXII, Issue 77, 26 September 1941, Page 5

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

APPEAL FOR HELP

Sir, —I look upon it as my duty to remind your readers once again of the sad existence of 675 of our sick friends on Makogai Island leper station. Since 1925, when_ tlie leper station on Quail Island, Lyttelton was closed, all of our leper patients have been sent to this lonely outpost very close to our shores, and today the New Zealand Government maintain approximately 100 of these patients from our dependencies.

For a number of years past -we have befriended these people with gifts at Christmas time and they look upon us as their true friends. I realise to the full that this war causes enormous sacrifices for all, but in God's name I ask for a "few crumbs from the table" to,help to brighten the lives of these stricken ones. The few gifts we give to these people will bring a blessing on New. Zealand and may we later hear from the Master's lips these words: "Each time you comforted these, my lepers, you comforted Me."

I All gifts will be acknowledged by me personally. The Postmaster'General has kindly reduced charges to half-rates on all parcels addressed to me for the lepers. Nothing is too small for the need is great. —I am etc., P. J. TWOMEY, Hon. Collector, Makogai Leper Fund.