PATIENTS AND PRISONERS’ AID

Evening Star, Issue 21639, 7 February 1934, Page 7

PATIENTS AND PRISONERS’ AID

MEETING OF SOCIETY The monthly meeting of the Patients and Prisoners’ Aid Society was held yesterday afternoon in the Returned Soldiers’ Association’s Rooms, and was attended by Mr J. Loudon (chairman), Mrs E. C. Reynolds, Messrs F. W. Mitchell, W. Easton, A. Kilgour, and J. Taylor. Prior to commencing the business or the meeting the chairman extended a welcome to Messrs Taylor and Easton both of whom were attending for the first time after their return from a visit to the Old Country. SECRETARY’S REPORT. The general secretary (Mr A. Steven), in his report for the months of December and January, stated that a good deal of time had been spent at the Public Hospital during the period mentioned, both in connection with cases for the Rest Home and other patients the society had been interested in. The choirs continued the Sunday evening song services until the Christmas season, and then discontinued during January. They would resume on Sunday next. Wakari and Pleasant Valley Sanatorium had been systematically visited; literature had been supplied; messages and parcels had been delivered from relatives; and the needs of some of the patients in the matter of clothing and boots supplied. Church services had been conducted regularly at Orokonui Home and Seacliff, and tho patients had been visited during the week. Special visits in response to the requests of relatives and friends were also paid. The patients at Orokonui Home, through the kind consideration of the ‘ Otago Daily Times ’ and the ‘ Evening Star ’ Companies, were now receiving a free copy of each paper daily. The society appreciates this gracious act in response to its appeal. Although the society had no rest home for men, it often had cases that required convalescence, and these were sent to the “ White House,” Waikouaiti, where Mr and Mrs Cooper did all in their power to make them comfortable and build them up. Two such cases were dealt with iu January. Callers at the office had been both many and varied, and reasonable requests after investigation had generally been met. If the public knew just one half of what the Patients and Prisoners’ Aid Society was doing in this community iu the amelioration of the distressed it would not only be surprised, but would respond in such a magnificent fashion that tho _ society would be in even a better financial position to do all it desired to do in tho way of helping not only those who came within the immediate scope of its activities, but to a wider circle which was daily making its demands on the society’s funds. The prison had been visited regularly every week, and a personal interest had been taken in the prisoners. In some cases assistance had been given, and at Christmas time the society made up a small parcel for inmates. Tho society was in touch with the long-sentence men before they left for Paparua, and, as a result of the interest shown in them, letters had been received from at least two of the men. Mr Mitchell congratulated Mr Steven on his comprehensive report, which indicated that he had already obtained a sound grip of the society’s affairs. The report was adopted. JAMES’POWELL HOME. Mr Steven, iu his x'eport to the James Powell Home Committee, stated that during December the average number of patients was eight, but throughout January the home had been full. The majority of the patients had been hospital cases, but quite a number recommended by their own doctor had been admitted. The home had been visited every week. Literature had been supplied, and a little time had always been given iu talking over the work with Mr and Mrs Adams. The society acknowledged with thanks the gift of a box of soap from Messrs M'Leod Bros. In response to a request, Mr J. E. Davies, , Government instructor in agriculture, inspected the farm on January 24. The society’s thanks were due to the Government, the Department of Agriculture, and to Mr Davies for the valuable information and suggestions aiven. The report was adopted.