MAKOGAI LEPER STATION.

Evening Star, Issue 23353, 24 August 1939, Page 12

MAKOGAI LEPER STATION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—A Maori, two Europeans, an ex-High School boy from Hawke’s Bay, and several representatives of the different Pacific Islands races who are lepers at Makogai have sent separate letters to mo asking that I would once again place their cause before our people. This task is no light one, but the kindly encouragement given to our appeals in the past has made this work a pleasure and a labour of love, Ur C. J. Austin, the medical superintendent at Makogai, reports that 57 patients were discharged as cured last year, and sends a personal request for the continuation of our organisation in order to help him in his work. In July last we formed tho Makogai Lepers (N.Z.) Trust Board, with 14 gentlemen representative of different sections of the community, and the medical officer of health. Dr T. Fletcher Telford, J.P., M.D., was unanimously elected as chairman of this board. On this island there are 380 men, 160 women, 53 boys, and 26 girls who are separated from their loved ones. Physical suffering, lack of home life, and isolation weighs heavily on them at times, and they call to us for sympathy and health. One hundred and six of those patients are from New Zealand and its dependencies. As Christmas draws near lepers may be seen scanning the horizon and looking out to sea. When asked by the nursing sisters “ What are you looking for?” they have replied: “Oh, sister! Will New Zealand think of us this Christmas? ” This is truly pathetic. All gifts are sent through tho medical superintendent, who distributes them without distinction of creed or colour. The "Postmaster-General has granted half-rates on all parcels sent to mo for the lepers, and all gifts may be sent to my private address, 172 Bealey Avenue, Christchurch, and will bo acknowledged by me personally. List of Most Suitable Gifts.—l'oys, musical instruments, dolls, bats, tennis rackets, games, etc., silk, light materials, embroidery cottons, etc., sweets, soap, cigarettes, and tobacco. Gifts of money will be most useful, as they enable us to buy what is in short supply. With deep gratitude for the generous response given in the past, and trusting to receive a continuation of this support.—l am, etc., , P. J. Twomey, Hon. Secretary, Makogai Leper Fund. Christchurch, August 23.