DEATH OF MISS BROUGHTON

Waiapu Church Gazette, 1 October 1933, Page 4

DEATH OF MISS BROUGHTON

Rev. R. Godfrey writes: — Miss Broughton had been m indifferent health for a long time through recurring light attacks of malaria, and she looked very thin and worn out. When Sister Cavers arrived here I took her over to Raga, not anticipating that sho would be required to nurse Miss Broughton, but to relieve her of the medical side of the work, hoping that a little more rest would give Miss Broughton a chance to pick up m health, and if not it was my intention to. consult with the Bishop, on his arrival, as to the advisability of Miss Broughton going out on furlough this summer. On Monday, July 3rd, I sent Mr Cant m the launch to Raga with the mails and goods which arrived by the "Makambo." Miss Broughton was then just over a bout of fever, but was taking her share of the school work and gave no cause for anxiety. - She

Tvrote to me (her last letter) about •certain matters and mentioned feeling unwell. The next morning she •collapsed. A boat from Raga arrived •on Thursday evening with letters from Miss Fagan and Sister Cavers with the news of the collapse from blackwater fever, and urging us to go over at once as they feared the worst. Accompanied by Mrs Godfrey and Mr ■Cant, we set off m the launch, and after a very rough trip, reached Lamalana at midnight. Miss Broughton realised we had arrived and appeared to be much relieved. We had practically all the necessary drugs, except digitalis, and Sister ■Cavers handed the case m a very efficient, quiet way, and she was most ably supported by Miss Fagan. The nearest doctor — a Frenchman — is at "Santo, sixty miles away, and owing to the rough weather it was impossible to do the trip m our small launch. Even so preparations were being made on Saturday morning to attempt the trip, when Miss Broughton appeared to be passing away, and we then knew that no other outside help could be obtained m time. On three •occasions during the day we thought the end had come, but she finally breathed her last at 9.30 p.m. She liad all the help and consolation that I, as a priest, could give her; she knew that she was dying and was peaceful m mind. She was conscious most of the day, but was very weak and could only speak with great effort. Towards evening she slept peacefully and so passed away. There has been taken from us a very Une friend and true Christian. Her •death is a great shock to us all, but we believe it will bring home to Melanesians, as nothing else will, the :greatness of the loving self-sacrifice given to them by white women. The burial took plac.e next day — Sunday, July 9th — preceded by a •Requiem Eucharist. Many beautiful Hower3 were placed around and upon the body while it rested m the church. All was done as Miss Broughton would have wished. The grave is well -situated m the cemetery close to the main path. We hope that a suitable memorial will be placed there eventually.

, Miss Broughton came from, Chapel Allertoti, Leeds, and had worked m Raga for ten years. Her grave m the midst of her children will be a constant witness to the people for generations to come of her life of devotion.