AIDING THE SICK

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3126, 3 June 1942, Page 2

AIDING THE SICK

HOSPITAL IN SHANGHAI MATRON VISITS PAEROA PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN MEET The ladies who were privileged to hear Sister A. Sharpe’s talk, “A Tour of a Hospital in Shanghai,” at an afternoon arranged last 'Friday by the Paeroa Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union, were genuinely impressed by the great spiritual, besides humanitarian work that is being actively carried on at the Lester Chinese Institution.

Sister Sharpe who was for 24 years matron of this hospital, left to spend furlough in England in 1939 and. travelled on to New Zealand to visit a brother whom she had not seen for twenty years. The outbreak of war has prevented any hopes of returning to China and Sister Sharpe is at present in charge of the Thames annexe.

The speaker said that considering 6,000,000 people lived in the small area of eight miles square in Shanghai, the number of out-patients, 1000 every day, and the average peacetime one casualty for every two minutes, was not altogether surprising. The number of staff was 167 and all the European members of which were missionary. Ward and staff prayers are held at the same times daily. Chinese Trainees Twenty years ago, Miss Sharpe said, the Chinese trainees preferred to wear colourful jewellery with their bright blue and scarlet robes, but now all were most efficiently uniformed and helping the patients mentally and spiritually, besides physically. They were taught to “Give the cup of cold water in His name,” and not merely for weekly payment, or because they had to follow some daily occupation. Children well enough to get up, were seated around a low table for theii* meals, Bible lessons, and some schooling too. Women and girls were about“the wards to teach the patients sewing and knitting. Many a weary day was thus lightened and the mind reverted from the illness. The routine also applied in the men’s wards. They were given work to suit the complaint, simple or intricate as the case might be. The object of the Lester Hospital is “to heal the whole man.”

Sister Sharpe described the large building which is of an E shape, several storeys high, and given by a Mr Lester who made his fortune in Shanghai. She told of the streaming crowds who would .be anxiously seeking their families or friends after a bombing raid. Five hundred patients would be admitted in one hour, and many others toured through the hospital corridors peering into every face in the wards, hoping to find their own folk. No News Of Friends

Shanghai is now wholly occupied by the Japanese, and there is no news of friends or co-workers. Are these Christians tending the enemy? Giving the cup of cold water to the Japanese wounded also? Sister 'Sharpe said, that she had seen some Chinese rendering first aid to Japanese soldiers who had responded to their courage and bravery. Certainly the prayer hours would continue and their Christian service carried on. With the exception of Miss Annie James, all the Presbyterian missionaries are prisoners of war, either on Hong Kong Island or in the Mission Compound at Kong Chuen and the Japanese flag flies over the mission hospital. A small allowance per head is allowed by the Japanese authorities for sustenance.

Mrs Slyfield, in thanking Sister Sharpe for the great privilege of an insight into the routine of such a grand institution, said, that much love and sympathy for the Chinese people in their stricken areas, had been re-awakened by her address. Mrs Slyfield presented an autumn shoulder spray to the guest speaker and invited all present to view the fine collection of photographs which Sister Sharpe had brought along to further illustrate her talk.

A delicious afternoon tea was provided by the Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union members.

Mrs Stevenson sang the solo “A Benediction” (Hamblen), Mrs Craig playing the accompaniment.

Proceeds from the bring and buy stall, with Miss Rickard in charge, and a collection, will go towards mission funds.