HAPPY AT LAST.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20632, 5 June 1935, Page 10

HAPPY AT LAST.

“Lonely Man ” Enjoying Comforts of Home. TENT TO BE ERECTED. After a little more than a month In his new home, provided through the generosity of readers of the “ Star,” “ the Lonely Man ” at Halswell this morning explained to a reporter that he was “getting on Al.” Electric light has now been laid on and the red Public Works hut gives an impression of comfort and warmth. Dr W. Aitken accompanied the reporter and examined “ the Lonely Man ” with a view to possible treatment. When the examination was completed Dr Aitken recommended that he should remain in the home where he was happy. He paid a tribute to the indomitable courage pf the man. saying it was a miracle he had not suffered mental aberration considering the hermit-like life he had been living for years. Dr Aitken said the lupus seemed to have almost worked itself out, but privations suffered in the . past two or three yeafs had reduced the resistance of “ the Lonely Man,” and had been the cause of the small butbreaks of the disease on the neck. He agreed with “ the Lonely Man ” that it was not desirable for him to sleep in the hut when the stove had been in use and the air was hot. He suggested that a tent be erected at the back of the hut as sleeping quarters, and that the hut be used as a living room and kitchen. Tent to be Bought. With a portion of the funds subscribed by “ Star ” readers the Editor will purchase a tent of the most modern design which will be erected close to the hut. This will prevent the skin irritation caused by heat. It is also planned to buy gum boots and clothing needed by “ the Lonely Man,” and see that these necessities are transported to Halswell at the earliest possible moment! Dr Aitken was pleased to see the hut faced the sun, making it possible for the owner to sit basking in his front doorway on fine days. To-day the hut presents a vastly different appearance from the day when it was placed in position by the gang of volunteer workers eager to help a man whose misfortunes drew compassion*” from all who heard of his case. As the visitor approaches the hut he notices the neat curtains over the windows and his attention is next attracted by the barking of one of the “ Lonely Man’s ” dogs whose kennel is close to the front door. Clean and Tidy Hut. Leaning against the walls of the hut are spade, shovel and wash basin. On the river side of the hut there is a meat safe and, leaning against the back there is a portable bath. On entering the hut the visitor notices the clothes hanging neatly on the wall, the neatly folded bedspread and the white cloth which covers a folding table under one window. There is a portable gramophone on one corner of the table. Everything is spotlessly clean and tidy and the stranger would imagine that there was a woman taking care of the household arrangements.

One of the most pleasing features was that the “ Lonely Man ” now wears sound leather shoes in place of the white canvas shoes of the days before “ Star ” readers determined that he should suffer no more. When the tent is erected the last of his troubles will be removed and he will have comfortable quarters for day and night use. The “Lonely Man” was a cheerful man before anything had been done for him. Now he is happy as he had long forgotten how to be happy.