GIFTS FOR LEPERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19503, 6 December 1926, Page 12

GIFTS FOR LEPERS.

SPLENDID CHRISTMAS BOX. A GINEMATOGRAPH MACHINE. GOOD RESPONSE TO APPEAL, The leper patients on the island of Makogai are assured of a very happy Christmas owing to the wonderful response made by the public to an appeal for presents. Dr. T. J. Hughes, medical officer of health, who visited the island some months ago, and has interested himself in the welfare of the patients, is delighted with the generosity shown. Six cases and 15 packages of goods for the lepers were taken to Suva by the Aorangi on her last trip, and will be transhipped to Makogai. The Hinemoa, winch left Auckland on Saturday, took 15 packages donatud by the public of Wellington and a few packages from Auckland, which were left over from the Aorangi. All the goods will reach the island in plenty of time for Christmas. The gifts comprise everything and more than the patients asked for through Sisters Suzanne and Berchmans, who returned to Makogai by the Aorangi after an extended holiday visit in. New Zealand. Included were a fine cinematograph machine and all equipment, a refrigerating machine, five bicycles, two cameras, pipes, razors, pencils, writing paper, neck ties, dress' materials, children's toys, musical instruments and a large shipment of cigarettes and tobacco. The Supply of Films. Through the kindness of Australasian Films (N.Z.), Limited, six complete picture programmes, comprising 50,000 ft. of film, were forwarded by the Aorangi., and six more films, which were donated some time ago, were sent by the Hinemoa. "The response has been splendid," Dr. Hughes said. "All the articles the patients expressly wished to obtain have been more than fully subscribed. The lists handed in by the sisters for delicacies for the patients were all provided by public donations. It is most gratifying to those who interested themselves in the patients." Special thanks were duo to Mr. D. I/. Thomas, of Mount Albert, who gave *he greatest assistance throughout. Thanks were also due to Harringtons (N.Z. J>, Limited, and to Mr. J. Tombs for the assistance given in showing the sisters how to work the cinematograph and refrigerating plant, as well as making liberal donations toward their purchase, "I would also like to take the opportunity of expressing my deep appreciation of the assistance given through the columns of the Herald, without which the appeal would have been futile," Dr. Hughes added. Value of the Refrigerator. The cinematograph machine was one of the most complete obtainable. It was entirely automatic, and the touching of three switches started the engine,'dynamo and film.* All the operator-had to do was to put the film in the plant. Arrangements had also been made to work the refrigerating plant with the assistance of the cinematograph dynamo. The refrigerator would be invaluable on tha island, as it would enable the making of jellies and other delicacies which otherwise would not be possible owing to climatic conditions. Sister Suzanne would operate the cinematograph. The Hinemoa took with her another leper patient, a Chinese boy, aged 16, who came to New Zealand "from China six years ago. This boy lived just outside Auckland. "There is no doubt his received infection in China, and has been incubating the disease ever since," said Dr. Hughes. "Fortunately the disease was discovered in its earliest form, mril it is considered he has the best chance of recovery." '