A SAD MIGRATION

Evening Star, Issue 19022, 18 August 1925, Page 11

A SAD MIGRATION

LEPERS FOR MOXOGAIPREPARING FOR TRANSFER [Special to the ‘Star.’] CHRISTCHURCH, August 17. It was hoped to have ready for despatch this afternoon tho Government steamer Hincmoa to. the island of Mokogai, Fiji, with, the eight leper patients from Quail Island, comprising three Maoris, three Europeans, and two Chinese, but a set of circumstances has combined to delay the vessel until tomorrow afternoon at the earliest. For instance, a trimmer who, up till noon to-day, had not been procured, is required to trim the bunker coal as it is being placed in the hatch. Moreover, the vessel is at present two short of her complement of firemen needed for the voyage; and, again, it has been found that the special structural arrangements which were carried out at Wellington scarcely provide enough room, and the necessary alterations are being made to-day by carpenters, who are all working under'tho'supervision of Dr T. Fletcher Telford, medical officer of health, and also Dr _ Hughes, of Auckland, who will be in charge of the patients on the trip to Fiji. The, patients will be accompanied by the Quail Island staff—that is, Matron Price and her assistant (Miss Nash), and Mr A. Knowles (tho attendant). Four women passengers have also bonked for the voyage.

The patients will bo billeted right aft, and tho staff will have its quarters in the saloon. A number of improvements are being made on tbo_ vessel, including the addition of a new ice chest, the fitting of the cabins with electric light, as well ns the provision of a better hot water supply. When the equipment of the Hinemna has been completed she will take in bunkers, and subsequently vill anchor outside the moles in such a

■■•osition that the lepers, who will be ••.uiveyerl from Quail Island in large I'otor launches to the vessel, will bo dile to have a good view of the visiting fleet.

Now that the departure of tho patients is drawing near they all express their sorrow at leaving their good friends, especially Dr C. H. TJphara, Mr F. Tredcnmck, and the Rev. A. J. P.efcrie, who have spared no pains in ministering in many ways to their comfort and entertainment. Indeed, it is stated that if the leper station had been on the sunny site of the Agricultural Department’s quarantine station for live stock they would have prcl erred to remain on the island. It is understood the lc;,#r station at Quail Island is to remain intact, at least for the present, for the accommodation of any further cases that may arise.