THE LEPERS

Grey River Argus, 29 August 1939, Page 5

THE LEPERS

MAKOGAI XMAS CHEER. A Maori, two Europeans, an exHigh School boy from Hawke’s Bay and several representatives of the different Pacific Island races, who are lepers at Makogai, have sent separate letters to Mr P. J. Twomey, 172, Bealey Avenue, Christchurch, asking if he would once again place their cause before our people. This task is no light one, but the kindly encouragement given to appeals in the past has made this work a pleasure and a labour of love. Dr 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 was formed the “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 woman, 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. 106 of these 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 the Medical Superintendent who distributes them without distinction of creed or colour. The Postmaster-General has granted half-rates on all parcels sent to me for the Lepers, and all gifts may be sent to Mr Twomey’s private address. 172 Bealey Avenue, Christchurch, and will be acknowledged by me personally.

List of Most Suitable Gifts.—Toys, musical instruments, dolls, bats, tennis rackets, games, etc., Silk, light materials, embroidery cottons etc. Sweet's, soap, cigarettes and tobacco. Gifts of money will be most useful as it will enable us to buy what is in short supply.