A 'mission of mercy'

Pawlu Agius's letter on Sir Paul Boffa (August 24) brought back to me recollections of this post-war Prime Minister who at that time was one of the principal personalities in Malta; indeed one of our island's worthy sons.

Some time after he became Prime Minister, the Malta Playing Fields Association were hosts to a dinner in his honour. Dr Boffa did his part in helping the association as more playing fields were needed to help youngsters and others to increase their activities in the fresh air.

Lt Col. J. V. Abela, chairman of the MPFA, Bro. Cuthman, the secretary, and Emmanuel Tonna, the head of the Floriana school, all spoke eloquently of Dr Boffa's contributions in the sporting and social areas which he had so much at heart. Among other things, they said that Dr Boffa was always principled and forthright in his public life.

I recall that Dr Boffa was also keen on football and for many years he used to attend football games at the Empire Stadium. One noteworthy fact is that he refused to have a few policemen standing by in the vicinity for protection.

At the conclusion of the dinner in his honour, he said: "Please consider me at your service".

His political life spanning many years can, in a way, be described as a mission of mercy. He did a lot, by the legislation he was involved in, to start much-needed social measures such as the Workmen's Compensation Act in the late 1920s and the very small pension of 12 shillings a week to all elderly persons without any means of sustenance to lessen poverty and begging in the streets in post-war years.

I am not involved in any politics but write only as a very elderly person who had, many years ago, looked up to him as a fine gentleman and an honest one.

I strongly feel that there should be a small bust of him at Paola Square. One ideal place would be on the site of the small emblem, which was stolen several years ago.