MAKOGAI 'LEPERS’ CHRISTMAS FUND.

Evening Star, Issue 21821, 10 September 1934, Page 6

MAKOGAI 'LEPERS’ CHRISTMAS FUND.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—The poverty and distress which are still in our midst have not deterred me from again appealing for those even more unfortunately placed. In a letter, dated June 11, 1934, received from Dr C. J. Austin, the medical superintendent of Makogai, he states that the help, good wishes, and gifts sent each Christmas by the good friends in New Zealand materially assist in alleviating the sufferings, and in no small measure aid in the cure of many, whose appreciation is indeed great. During the year Sister M. Rose, superior of the Makogai Nursing Sisters, visited Christchurch, and wished me to convey the heartiest thanks of the patients and staff for the kindness and generosity shown by their many sympathisers In the South Island. Of the 427 patients now under treatment about eighty are from New Zealand dependencies. There are sixty afflicted children on the island.

Our own circumstances at times appear difficult, but when compared with the lot of the poor unfortunate leper it is obvious we have much to be thankful for. 1 therefore confidently appeal once again to the generosity of the South Island people to supply them with such useful Christmas cheer as tools for _ woodwork, gramophone records, musical instruments, pipes, tobacco, cigarettes, sewing silks, embroidery cottons. linen, etc., jig-saw puzzles, games. Donations of money with which to purchase gifts will also be gratefully accepted. Donations may be sent to me, care Christchurch Gas Company, Worcester street. Christchurch, and will be duly acknowledged. This appeal is again being made in conjunction with Dr T. Fletcher Telford, Health Department, Christchurch. Thanking those for the generous help in the past, and trusting to receive their further support, and welcoming all new sympathisers and friends,—l am. etc., P. J. Twomey. Christchurch, September 7.