AN OPPORTUNITY

Southland Times, Issue 23676, 26 November 1938, Page 4

AN OPPORTUNITY

To The Editor Sir, —When there is a great need, and it is realized, the people of Southland rise to the occasion. lam presuming to take advantage of this fact. We are aware while we grumble, at the depravity of human nature, splendid work is being done in all sorts of places. On one of the islands of the Solomon Group, Ugi, a hospital is being gradually set up to help the natives in their great need. Space will not allow me to give you particulars of the need, the prevalence of leprosy, ulcers, horrible sores, and so on. Two nurses, one of whom is Miss Estelle Field known to many in Southland, are pioneers in the creation of this hospital in the Melanesian Mission. “The ocean is so big, my boat is so small” applies in more ways than one in this work. The nurses travel from island to island in a small rowing boat which they have named “Queen Mayy.” They have as their home a palmmade hut. It sounds very nice in a hot climate. It . really is not so. Mosquitoes and other pests abound, and lodge in the palm. The result is that the nurses are constantly laid low by malaria and sickness and cannot do the work except under great difficulties. When Miss Field left the islands on leave, the Bishop’s last words in his jocular mood were: “Do not come back without £2OO for a house.” I happen to know that the carpenter is available, and the wood. Is it possible that we of Southland can say, “Go!” It might be called “Southland House.” Living as I do in such a wellendowed city with all the luxuries of life around me, I feel I am fined £lO. Others may feel fined much less. My address is 177 Don street in case you would like to help.—Yours, etc.,

J. A. LUSH, Vicar of St. John’s Parish, Invercargill. November 25,1938. . x