PATIENTS AND PRISONERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23598, 7 September 1938, Page 14

PATIENTS AND PRISONERS

SOCIETY EXECUTIVE MEETS The monthly meeting of the committee of the Patients and Prisoners’ Aid Society was held yesterday in the Chamber of Commerce board room. Mr F, W. Mitchell occupied the chair, and there were also present Messrs W. Easton, A. Kilgour, H. P, West, R. C. Burgess, J. Taylor, Dr J. Thomson, and Mrs E. C. Reynolds. . Finance Accounts amounting to £67 6s 4d were passed for payment. Agent’s Report Reporting on the work carried out during August, the agent (Mr A. Steven) stated that work in connection with the Dunedin Prison recelve'd the necessary attention. Those incarcerated in the local lock-up were visited, the needs of prisoners’ dependents were met, and discharged prisoners were assisted In making a fresh start in life. The Rev. George Moreton, secretary of the Discharged Prisoners’ Aid Society. Auckland, addressed a meeting held on August 30, and stressed the importance of co-ordina-tion in the work throughout the Dominion. A number of the city social workers attended the meeting. The hospital at Seacliff and the branch at Orokonui Home were visited regularly and an Interest was taken in the general welfare of the patients. A patient was dicharged recovered, and the committee arranged for his return to his people in the south. The committee also kept in touch with others released under its care, and sohghit to encourage their progress. The patients at Cherry Farm and the Neuropathic Home were also visited, and interviews were made possible. Through the kindness of many friends the commute was able to supply Uterature to all these places. The committee was always glad to receive word from- anyone who could supply books, magazines, and illustrated papers. A practical interest was taken in the. patients receiving attention m Wakari Hospital and Pleasant Valley Sanatorium. Regular visits were paid to them and were made an occasion when some of those on the way Uo recovery could be taken for an outing. Gifts of fruit and other articles were made for the benefit of the patients, including a supply of Alexander Hymn Books for use at the church services The patients at Pleasant Valley were entertained by a concert party of Knox College students and their friends on August 16. and those at Wakan were provided with an entertainment by some friends from Opoho and NorthEast Valley on August 29. On two afternoons each week visits were paid to the wards of the Public Hospital, and the services of the agent were placed at the disposal of the patients. It was surprising the many little services that could be rendered, and anything done was always greatly appreciated by those undergoing treatment. From the female wards 13 women were transferred to the Convalescent Home at Warrington, and several patients on the male side who were ready for discharge were assisted. An ex-patient was sent into (he country for convalescent treatment. Every Sunday evening two choirs were in attendance and gave song services in all the wards. The following choirs assisted: United Congregational Moray Place Congregational, Hanover Street Baptist. Church of Christ, Knox Junior, and choirs conducted by Mr S. Lawn. Mr W. L. Logie, and Miss Barron.

The report was adopted, and Mr Steven was congratulated on the work that had been carried out. James Powell Homo

In his report to the James Powell Home Committee, Mr Steven stated that the staff at the home had been kept busy during August. Twenty patients were admitted, all of whom made good progress during the term of their convalescent treatment. The home was in a very sheltered position, lay nicely to the sun. and the patients were delighted with the comfort and attention they enjoyed. Notwithstanding the weather conditions, the grounds round the home were looking well, the grazing land had received a good liming. and the vegetable garden had also been well limed Spring vegetables had been sown and early potatoes planted. It was necessary to purchase turnips and a quantity of hay for the cows. Parcels of new garments from the Dunedin Hospital Guild, and the gift of a ton of lime from the Milburn Lime and Cement Company were acknowledged with thanks. The report was adopted.