THE AGED POOR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 150, 25 June 1929, Page 6

THE AGED POOR

THE aged poor, who spend their last days under the care of

The Charitable Aid Board, as residents of the Old Peoples’ Homes, are usually those who have few friends to visit them. Their ageing faculties are growing dim, and lacking means of entertainment, they must perforce pass much of their time with nothing to occupy their thoughts but by recollecting their own past. While many of these old people are still capable of appreciating much that the world has to offer to-day, the circumstances of their present position place all but the most meagre pleasures beyond their reach.

As Mr W. J. Rogers has pointed out, the provision of a wireless set would open to these old people a wealth of entertainment which could be provided in no other way. Mr Rogers’ suggestion has been quickly taken up by “Chronicle” readers, and as a result £lO of the needed £4O is already forthcoming provided the balance is found. It is anticipated that this balance will soon be received. As, however, there are many who desire to subscribe to this humane object, but are not disposed to donate £5, the “Chronicle” is willing to receive sums of any amount for the purpose of contributing to the £3O needed to ensure the donation of the £lO already promised. These contributions will be acknowledged in the columns of the “Chronicle.”

It would, of course, be an easy matter to draw a distressing picture of the monotony of life of these old people. It is, however, assumed that our readers have sufficient imagination to picture their condition, and that the intelligence of our readers would be affronted by any attempt to play upon their emotions.

Finally, it is hoped that the appeal here made will be heeded by country residents, for the country supplies a goodly proportion of the Old Peoples’ Home inmates; and also country residents have learned to appreciate the value of wireless as an entertainment.