PATIENTS AND PRISONERS' AID SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3339, 13 March 1918, Page 23

PATIENTS AND PRISONERS' AID SOCIETY.

Following are the salient features of the fortieth annual report of the Patients' and Prisoners' Aid Society:— The work of the society during the past year has been carried on with steadiness and zeal by Mr Cunnning and the energetio friends of tho society who are associated with him. The committee record with satisfaction the continued interest manifested in the welfare of the society, and those to whom it ministers, by tho band of willing workers who year after year assist the agent in his onerous duties, and in his efforts. to bring a little sunshine into the lives of the less fortunate oi fellow-beings. Among the successful efforts of the- year in this direction were the Palmerston Sanatorium picnic and cert, and four concerts at the Orokohui / Home at Waitati. The first-named function was a marked success. It was a break in the daily routine of the institution which is always greatly appreciated by patients and nurses alike. The- sanatorium was also visited on Christmas Dav by vocalists and elocutionists from Dunedin, who did much to make the clay enjoyable to the inmates. The four concerts given at, the Orokonui Homo were greatlv appreciated. The last of this series of entertainments, given a few days before Christmas, took the form of a social and concert, an adjunct to which was a Christmas tree, which added greatly to the pleasure of the evening. At the Hospital there has been for many '-ears special singing on Sundays by two choirs, and last Christmastide extra time was given on two Sundays. On Christmas morning a service for soldiers, conducted by the society's agent, and the Rev. R. E. Davies, was held in the soldiers' ward. The mtisio was provided bv Mr Logie's choir. In the afternoon Mr Cummins - carried through a successful concert in tho same ward, and in addition the St. Kilrla Band gave a number of selections. It mav be said confidence "that the extension of the bright and cheering side of the society's social works, especially during the past year, has been warmly appreciated by the inmates of all the institutions which come within the sphere of its ©Derations. No less welcome are the religions services which are conducted by the society's agent and his honorary workers at the Dunedin Hospital. Seacliff' Mental Hospital and tho. Waitati branch of the latter, tho Palmerston Sanatorium, etc. Monetary assistance and other practical lielp is given to patients and others who como under the care of the agent; and much time is devoted to preventive work and in help extended to somo of those whose cases come before the Magistrates' and Supreme Courts. Hearty thanks are clue to the ladies and gentlemen who have so willingly visited the various institutions, and by singing, playing, reciting, ' ect., have done so much to brighten the lives of their less fortunately circumstanced fellows. This extension of the society's work is amply justified by the results. The committee very readily granted Mr Cumming permission to assist the Military- Service Board in inquiring into many cases that came before it by way of appeal. His active association for a considerable time with the Soldiers' and Dependents' Welfare Committee, and the extensive inquiry work performed by him for that body made his eei-vices especially valuable to _ that board. The finances of the society are in a sound condition as could bo expected, although there has been a. drop of about £SO in tho ordinary subscriptions as compared with those for the preceding year. This was, however, almost made up by an increase in the amount paid to the society n». its share'' of the Hospital Helpers' Association's collection. The motor bicycle so kindly presented to the soe'ety last year by a generous friend has been most valuable, and has enabled Mr Gumming to overtake work that would not have been possible otherwise. Reference also should be made to tho invalids' chairs which, through the practical sympathy of woll-wishc-rs. have been given to the society, and which are never idle. A new one has. during the year, been given bv Mrs Bowler, to whom the society extend their grateful thanks. The agent's report states, inter alia:— That during tho year no fewer than 1213 men, women, and children, have .passed through your aorent's hands. This was a fairlv large number, and each case had to be dealt with—some tr;flrn<r. some sad. others most difficult. A mother to say her daughter is in tronWo. Can.l ndv'so? A wife to see if anything can be done to make hex husband 'work ! A father to tell me It's wife has taV-v i-o drink' An appeal from the magistrate, or the police, or a minister, all seeking the society's assistance. His business was to hayo a ]-'"d word for all, and as far as possible, offer __ COI.-.H -sfiistanv" 1 as "■">"* derived Sencliff Mental Hospital, Orokonui Home, and the general Hospital are regularly visited by the agent. Indeed, no fewer than 604 visits were made during the year; while the court was attended almost daily. The honorary collectors deserved the committee's warm thanks, for th«-- linvo Wone their work well, and from the people- have met with a most hearty response. From Drs King, Falconer. Bowie, and Lyth. -theRev. Messrs Axelsen. King, and Spence, and from the police, he had reeei'vcdi great kindness - and help. He extended his cordial thanks also to the rank and file of the staff of the institutions, who have done what lar in. their power to facilitate his work. Such hearty co-operation made his work as pro-

b&tion wffioor a!ao much easier. The Viotoxic Jwbiloo Convalescent Society had also tendered him goodl service. During the year he conducted 182 services and paid 604 visits.