LEPERS IN NEW ZEALAND

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 114, 10 November 1917, Page 4

LEPERS IN NEW ZEALAND

HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS IN INDIA AND THE EAST, The incurable awful disease of leprosy is found in almost all countries. There are three lepers- in New Zealand, segregated on a certain small island. There are at least 250,000 in India, China, Japan, Korea, and other countries of the East.. Said to be cursed by their gods, outcast from home arid village, these poor helpless sufferers need a helping hand, for they have to beg for their daily bread. Their sufferings are often acute—their fingers and hands, toes and feet,. gradually rot oil. Who would not pity—and help—them? ■ The Rev. Frank Oldrieve, who 'has lived at a leper asylum in India - and' knows well their, sufferings and needs, is now in Wellington. He will give a lantern lecture in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall on Tuesday evening. Mr. Oldrieve represents the only large mission in the world which works among these unfortunate people. "The Mission to Lepers" is entirely undenominational; it works in" 14 countries, has over 90 asylums and homes in its care, and ministers to more than 14,000 leper men, women, and children. No less than 35 of the leading Protestant Missionary Societies of the world co-operate with this Mission in its beneficent work. This Mission to Lepers erects buildings and provides the upkeep for the asylums and homes, while the local missionaries (Anglican, Presbyterian Methodist, etc.), superintend the work.' The Government of India shows it« appreciation, and approval, of the work done by the Mission in India by giving b. subsidy when buildings are erected, and sometimes it helps in the upkeep 'of a, home. - The Mission President is Hi 6 Grace the Lord Primate o£ Ireland. Its PalToness is the Dowager Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava. Lord Curzon helped the Mission when he was Viceroy in India, among its Vice-Presidents are Raja bir Harnam Singh, K.C.I.E Sir Andrew Fraser, X.C.5.1., Sir F Lelv |-Si-?-' ,9H- Sir J' Bourdillon, K.CS.L, Sir- C... Riva 2 , X.C.5.1., Sir Andrew Wihgate, K.C.1.E., etc. The Mission not only supports' lepers but takes care of their children. Leprosy is not hereditary, and the children of lepers, to the number of 800, are cared for in 22 homes, where they grow np splendidly healthy, and are taught some work «o that they may go out and earn their own living and become useful citizens. India lias done «o splendidly for the Empire" in the present war that it is only right to do something for those of her needy people. Owing to the war food prices are up and the leper can buy less than usual with what he gets, and on the other hand ho receives much less in the way of alms. So he suffers doubly.