SOLDIERS IN HOSPITAL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 25 November 1925, Page 4

SOLDIERS IN HOSPITAL.

APPEAL FOR CHRISTMAS CHEER, EFFORT AT MAN AT A. (To the Editor. Sir, —Will you grant me space to make an appeal to all people living on the Waimate Plains? To those who enjoy health, time flies, and each year Christmas seems to be with us sooner than the last. But what of the soldiers in hospital? The days must drag their painful way, and in many cases no hopeful outlook at Christmas time. It seems almost incredible that it is eleven years since we were plunged into the war, and seven years since the armistice was signed—and there still remain in hospital soldiers suffering from the effects.

Let us think of the hospital for mental patients at Porirua and realise that each year the number of soldier patients increases. What does Christmas mean to these poor men? They left our shores the brightest, keenest, and most hopeful youth; and what are they now? —broken, aged, and without hope, nothing but the horrors of war to think of.

Then again, we turn to the Blind Institute, and there meet men who will never again see the beauty of the world. The thought, “What can we do to cheer these men?” must be uppermost in our minds at Christmas time. We know the kindly thought of sending gifts helps them, as ig evidenced by letters received. It is not a. question of the Government caring for returned soldiers; it is purely a personal matter sending into each life a wee thanksgiving offering of good cheer and love. We feel everyone will respond generously to this appeal. Parents who have lost sons will know that their boys are better off "than those poor fellows in mental hospitals and will help. Parents whose sons came back well and strong will help. Parents who have sons now growing up will be so grateful that the sacrifice of these poor men has left their sons to live in peace and plenty that they will give with a glad heart. Soldiers will give to their comrades in trouble. In fact, everyone will give willingly. On December 1 we can hopefully expect donations of cakes and produce of all kinds, and everyone will make a special effort to come to Manaia and give as liberally as possible to the collectors, so we are assured of a successful day. In Ike peace and prosperity of the world, let our thoughts dwell with those men stricken and broken. —I am, G C ’’ C. MITCHELL, Secretary Waimate West Ladies’- Patriotic Committee. Manaia.