MANY GIFTS FOR LEPERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21349, 25 November 1932, Page 12

MANY GIFTS FOR LEPERS

MAKOGAI ISLAND PATIENTS

THIRTY CASES COLLECTED

The response to the appeal this year for Christmas gifts for the 500 lepers at the Central Station on Makogai island, one of the Fiji Group, has been one of tho most gratify! ing since the scheme was instituted eight years ago. "J. ho response has been wonderful, said Mr. D. L. Thomas, of Domain Road, Mount Albert, who has organised tho sending of the presents eacii year. In spite of the economic stringency, tho appeal was moro successful than 1 dared hope." Thirty cases of gifts of every description will- ho taken to Suva by the Waipahi, which will leave Auckland for Fiji this morning. Tho presents include scwt. of confectionery, summer clothing, fishing tackle, various stringed musical instruments, a gramophone, and records by the score.

Mr. Thomas paid a tribute to the services of Mr. P. J. Twomey, of Christchurch, who, for Iho first time, was in charge of tho collection in the South Island.

Since Makogai was purchased in 1911 by the Fiji Government from the natives for uso as a leper asylum, it lias become the central station for all lepers in tho South Pacific, including those from New Zealand, Cook Islands, Western Samoa, Nine and Tonga. Tho cost for one year of each patient is about £44, which is borne by the respective Governments.

Since the station was established 21 ago there has been a total of about 1500 admissions. Of this total over 100 were admitted under the nge of 15 years. Tho ratio of children to adults has been steadily increasing—regarded by the authorities as an encouraging sign, as being probably indicative of growing confidence in the benefit of treatment.