PATIENTS AND PRISONERS’ AID

Evening Star, Issue 21709, 2 May 1934, Page 13

PATIENTS AND PRISONERS’ AID

MEETING OF SOCIETY A meeting of the Patients and Prisoners' Aid Society was held in the Returned Soldiers’ Association rooms yesterday afternoon; Mr J. Loudon occupied tho chair, and there were also present—Mesdamcs D. Phillips, E. C. Reynolds, J. Dey, H. L. Cook, and R. Kennedy, Messrs T. Sonimorvillc, D. Phillips, F. W. Mitchell, R. Gilkison, and A. ivilgour. . MONTHLY REPORT. Mr A. Steven, the society's agent, reported ; This month we have a lengthy list of those who have been assisted during April. Some of the eases were particularly necessitous. The committee will be interested to know that their agent meets with other social workers at an appointed time each week to discuss the cases receiving assistance, not only to avoid overlapping, but also to compare notes. Co-operation in this direction is enabling us to give more efficient service. Tho matron of the Rest Home and your agent were invited to the annual meetting of tho Dunedin Hospital Guild, and had an opportunity of meeting the ladies who interest themselves in the needs of our convalescent patients at Warrington and provide such comfortable garments each year. The visiting work in the various institutions received our usual attention, with the exception of the Pleasant Val-' ley Sanatorium. Wakari Hospital was visited twice. Regular church services were conducted at the mental hospitals, an<;l the patients received our attention and service. The prison side of the work has also received our attention. Prisoners and their dependents have been assisted, and at least two discharged prisoners were helped into employment. The Public Hospital has been visited. Cases for transfer to the Rest Home have been interviewed and arrangements made for their transport. Song services were conducted every Sunday evening in all the wards, the various choirs assisting being conducted by Messrs W. R. Sinclair, W. L. Logie, W. H. Hiett, S. Lawn, C. R. Spackrnan. and Miss Barron. f Interest in tho work of ihe society generally is on the increase, and not only are new subscribers coming forward, but former ones on being approached are responding liberally. The report was adopted. JAMES POWELL CONVALESCENT HOME. Mr Steven submitted the following report under date April 30: — During the month of April the James Powell Rest Home has been taxed to its utmost capacity, and the matron and staff have been kept busy catering for the needs of the patients and making tjiem comfortable and happy. As shown by the matron’s monthly report there were nineteen patients received for convalescent treatment and afterwards'returned to their homes greatly benefited by the rest and attention received at Warrington. There is still a waiting list of those seeking the rest the home affords. The farm manager has returned from his holiday, and is again busy in the garden and around the farm/ Gifts to the home were very acceptable. Mr Phillips, moving the adoption of the report, said, that the Home Committee had visited the home, and had found its working and conditions very satisfactory. • The report was .adopted. GENERAL. A report - was received from Mr Sydor (the society’s collector), who is at present in the Gore district. Mr Syder expressed himself as well pleased with the results of his collecting so far. The Chairman expressed the opinion that Mr Syder would be equally successful when he went to the Oamaru district. Accounts amounting to £3O 14s 8d were passed for payment.