THE JUBILEE CONVALESCENT FUND.

Evening Star, Issue 8644, 12 October 1891, Page 3

THE JUBILEE CONVALESCENT FUND.

TO TOT ECITOB. v

Sir,—l am glad that some degree of prominence ia given to this fund. No nobler organisation exists, its object being to assist in restoring to sound health mothers of poor families and others dependent on their own labor by providing them, when convalescent and out of the hands of the doctors, with a change of scene and air, and with board for a short period, in some oheery district. Since it was inaugurated its Committee have worked quietly and unobtrusively, and been instrumental in brightening a good many poor homes. It was at first intended that poor female convalescents from the hospital should share its benefits, but circumstances prevented that. It is now the Committee a laudable wish to effect that purpose. Such hospital cases have not been overlooked, but latterly, because of lack of sufficient means, the advantage could not be conferred on all who required it. Female patients, who in many instances buffer from weakening and depressing ailments peculiar to their sex, are not, especially after a serious operation, in physical condition for work immediately upon their discharge, whether their work be in their homes or in places of business; and it sometimes happens that resumption of work by convalescents while still in a weak state results in a relapse —a very aenoua thing when families of young children are concerned. Women and girls are also sometimes kept longer in the hospital than they would be if their means would allow them a change, or if means were available on their behalf. Moving as I do among the hospital patients, and knowing as I do the burdened condition of some of those who pasß through painful ordeals, and whose one great longing is to get back to their families and their home-work (and such cases are continually occurring), I can affim that there is a necessity for adequate. support being given to the Jubilee fund, I can also

say that in every ihstanoe in whioh I have been able to assist in this way those upon whom the benefit was conferred were immediately advantaged, and (■«•[» "» chronic case) fitted for active duty, the rustication for two or three weetaintte open country, and with a good motherly woman in the Waitati district, being a permanent bright spot in their lives As a rule the rest and ohange of soene and air clinches the dootors' and the nurses work, while for lack of the boon convalescents run the risk of having to endure weary months, or perhaps years, of weakness, and are in danger of relapsing into their former condition ; and it goes without saying that when that eventuates their last state is worse than the first. The Jubilee fund is, I repeat, a noble and I will with pleasure render it all the assistance in my power.—l am, etc., J. A. Torrance. Dunedin, October 12.