PATIENTS AND PRISONERS’ AID

Evening Star, Issue 23726, 6 November 1940, Page 11

PATIENTS AND PRISONERS’ AID

MEETING OF SOCIETY The monthly meeting of the Patients and Prisoners’ Aid Society was held yesterday, when there were present Hon. W. Downie Stewart (in the chair), Messrs H. P. West, H. Kenfree, and G. H. Elliffe, Dr J, Thomson, Mr and Mrs D. Tannock, and Mesdames J, Dev and E. C. Reynolds. _ Mr Tannock reported that conditions at the James Powell Convalescent Home at Varrington were very satisfactory.—The report was adopted, and it was decided to carry out minor improvements which Mr Tannock had suggested. AGENT’S REPORT. The agent (Mr A. Steven) reported that the woi'K of visiting and the conducting of church services at the prisons was earned on during the, month. Although the longsentence cases were sent to Paparua, in a number of cases dependents were left who were in need of help. At present there were several such cases receiving regular assistanc. A number of discharged prisoners seeking to rehabilitate themselves had received the society’s attention. The Seacliff Mental Hospital, the branch at Orokonni Home, the Neuropathic Home, and Cherrv Farm were visited, and an active interest was taken in the welfare of the patients. On the occasion of tho visits a supply of literature was left. Since the installation of tho cinema plant some years ago the patients have had regular pictures every Thursday evening. The usual church services were conducted by tho agent at Seacliil and the Orokonni Home. . Two patients were released to the society on probation, and an ex-patient was found -.unable employment. ley Sanatoriums were visited. Fruit ond literature were supplied, and some of the patients were taken for an outing in the society’s car. Most of the patients were busy making suitable articles to be. offered for sale at the garden party which is to be held at the Wakari Hospital grounds on November 30. The usual visiting days were observed at tho Dunedin Hospital. From tho female wards 12 patients were transferred to the James Powell Convalescent Home. On Sunday evenings two choirs were in regular attendance The following choirs assisted during October:—United Congregational, Hanover Street Baptist, Church of Christ, North-east Valley Baptist, Knox, and choirs conducted by Miss Barron, Miss Logie, and Mr Lawn. The James Powell Convalescent Home at Warrington had been kept full lately. Nineteen patients were admitted in October. Those discharged during the month had all greatly benefited by the care and attention given them. The grounds round the home were in good order. The report was adopted. , Mr Steven also reported that he had collected £37 in the Gore district. GENERAL.

On the recommendation of the Finance Committee it was agreed to grant a 5 per cent, wage increase to the society s employees. , The Finance Committee s report was adopted, and accounts amounting to 16s 9d were passed for payment.