APPEAL IS MADE FOR GIFTS FOR THE LEPERS AT MAKOGAI.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18889, 12 October 1929, Page 7

APPEAL IS MADE FOR GIFTS FOR THE LEPERS AT MAKOGAI.

The annual appeal for gifts for patients at Makogai leper station is now being made, and will be continued un til the end of November.

The work of collecting the. gifts is undertaken by Mr D, L. Thomas, of 14. Domain Road, Mount Albert, who was previously associated with Dr T. J Hughes, medical officer of health. Mr Thomas, as the organiser of the appeals, has been a great friend to the patients The needs of the patients are many, so that almost any article will be acceptable. Light dress materials for the women are much in demand, while toys will bring happiness to the large number of young patients. Sweets, and such articles as gramophone records, clothing, fishing lines and hooks, tobacco and pipes are also gifts which are much prized. There are 700 Europeans and native patients, and the quantity of gifts, collected cannot be too great for their needs.

Last year 25 cases were despatched from Auckland by the Tofua, and Mr Thomas has received many letters from nurses at the station expressing the ap; preciation of the patients. The response to the appeal was a ready one. It is hoped that all gifts will be received by the end of November so that thev will be available for the patients for Christmas. An early appeal is made so that the goods will be ready packed for the last trip of the Tofua for the year Mr Ben Pratt, of the Christchurch Gas Company’s staff, acts as agent in Christchurch for Mr Thomas, and any gifts sent to him will be duly forwarded.