MAKOGAI LEPERS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 104, 29 October 1931, Page 15

MAKOGAI LEPERS

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

APPEAL FOR SUFFERERS

As Christmas, now approaches an appeal is once more made for donations to tho Christmas Day and Comforts Fund for tho 400 lepers at MakOgai Island. New Zealand, Sam O", and the Cook Islands are responsiblu for over 100 of the patients

The response to the appeal has always been moat generous, and,' according to the medical superintendent, the distribution of the gifts has ■ made the Christmas season a. happy one for the sufferers—at least for those in whom tho loathsome and intractable disease was not too far advanced for thorn to respond to such gifts and' kind remembrances. In addition to expert medical attention and nursing care, keeping the patients as cheerful as possible is , an important factor in their ultimate chance of recovery. .'.

When the Makogai .cper station was first established by the Fijian Government and lay nurses were Hot proeurablo, the Governor, of Fiji; appealed to Bishop Vidal, who obtained the services of two French nursing sisters of the Third Order of Mary, and three native sisters, who took up, the work in.1911, with the care of thirty lepers, Today there are thirteon European and tou native sisters caring for over 400 lepers. The medical treatment and care of the patients, and the self-sacrificing work of the, French nursing sisters has been crowned with marked success. The number of cures of cases ■discovered in tho early stage qf : the disease has been most, satisfactory. Fresh cases, however, are discovered' from time to time, and thest' aro segregated on the island. This system of centralisation and treatment has proved most successful. .'... . ' \. :' ■■" ■ '■' .:,: . ■.■'''

Tho efficiency of the administration has been commented upon by medical oxperts and other visitors. Besides doing tho nursing at the hospital, ' the Bisters visit the separate villages; attend to tho dressings of tho patients there, inspect the houses to see that they are kept clean and in order, and send to hospital any who may require special treatment. Tho following articles wilt be especially useful and greatly appreciated:— White calico and 'all kinds of material for dresses (especially that suitable r for a tropical climate), embroidery cotton (different colours), embroidery silk, ribbons, wool, pillow :ases and covers for beds, needles, crochot-hooks, scissors, belts* embroidery rings, tools, pipes tobacco, toilet soap, sweets and toys, for the small children. Gifts addressed to "The Secretary, Cook Islands Department, Parliament, Buildings, Wellington," will be' acknowledged and forwarded to tlip authorities at tho leper station, in time to reach them before Christmas. Several private citizens, have interested themselves in the collection of gifts, which may also be sent to Mrs. L. Clark, 14; Liverpoolstreet; Mirainar, and Mrs. Mottram, 283, The Parade, Island Bay.