THE LEPER STATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19144, 9 October 1925, Page 7

THE LEPER STATION.

Sir, —I accept unreservedly Dr. Hughes' emphatic statement that in his interview he referred at length to the work of the Marist nuns. But that part of the interview was not published: there was not the slightest hint given that those heroic women were French ladies, who are sacrificing their lives in the service of a British colony, and furthermore that they were Catholic nuns who are tending some 400 lepers, the immense majority of whom are Protestants. I rejoice that my letter caused the publication of Dr. Hughes' opinion that these nuns are "the finest women one could ever meet." In a few days, two of these nuns, worn out by their labours in the leper settlement, will arrive in Auckland, to rest here for a while by order of the medical superintendent. Here is an opportunity for the generous citizens of Auckland to recognise the work and worth of these French jadies. Already, last year, two had come to Auckland for a similar purpose, one of them being Sister Susanne, the cinematograph operator, whose enterprise and devotion j Dr. Hughes commends so highly. On that i occasion the Catholic congregations of ! Auckland subscribed over £4OO to help the sisters in their work, and further help has since been sent to them. But now that we have entrusted our New Zealand lepers to their charge, the whole community is under a deep obligation to them. The generous-minded have now an opportunity o f recognising the heroism of these nuns. For no recognition that a generous public coitid give the sisters at Makogai would so appeal to their hearts as assistance that would help to alleviate the sufferings of their charges and brighten the days of those to whom they devote their lives. May I, in particular, remind the leaders of the Wesleyan Church in Auckland that, as the Rev. Mother of the sisters at Makogai related to me in a recent letter, above 50 per cent, of the lepers whom they tend are of the Wesleyan faith, "and devotedly attached to that faith." D-. Hughes has kindly oSered to take charge of any donations that may be sent to nim. For this, and for his splendid tribute to the heroines of Makogai, I offer him my sincere thanks. B. J. Gondringer, S.M. Mount Albert, October 8, 1925.