THE grim events in the Middle East are filling our TV screens and newspapers today. But, as a reminder of how deep-seated and intractable the problems of the region are, the Gazette of 50 years reported on a Miss J M Morris, who had just returned from a hospital in Jordan.

Recounting the plight of Palestinian refugees there, she said: "Thousands poured in confident that their exile would not be of long duration. Missionaries are making a distinctive and vital contribution but, for relieving physical distress, they are largely dependent on gifts of clothing, blankets etc."