HEALTH STAMPS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 301, 1 October 1938, Page 5

HEALTH STAMPS

OPENING OF THE CAMPAIGN. BROADCAST THE GOVERNOR. The Health Stamp Campaign was inaugurated by the Governor-General (Viscount Galway) last evening. His Excellency gave the following broadcast address from 2YA, Wellington : Ladies and Gentlemen, —I wish to address to you once again a few words in regard to the Health Stamp Campaign. There is in our midst a section of the community whose well-being is profoundly dear to the hearts of everyone. I speak of the children. In every street and alleyway, in every park and reserve they are at play, and as they vie one with another for supremacy in achievement the stillness resounds to their shouts of happiness and joy and victory. Here is a vigorous youth—healthy, happy, full of vitality. Unfortunately it is not the fortune of every child to be possessed of good health. Through a’’ variety of causes, some of our little ones suffer physical shortcomings which preclude their enjoying fully the pleasures of healthy evercise, and the sad disadvantage at which they are placed compared with their more robust playmates impels us to offer a helping hand so far as lies within our power. The facilities for health improvement should be available to all children, not only that they may be spared suffering in later years, but also that they maj| be assured of sufficient strength and endurance to fight a valiant battle in life’s work. In a country such as ours, endowed with abundant sunshine and an atmosphere unpolluted by industrial chimneys, we have much to favour our efforts. To-night I wish once more to appeal to all New Zealanders for assistance in the cause of health for our young boys and girls. Much has been achieved, but much more awaits accomplishment. The foundation already so well and truly laid must not be permitted to decay. We must strive with unflagging interest to the goal of a strong and healthy constitution for the nation’s childhood. The Permanent Camps. You are, I know, all aware that permanent health camps are being established throughout the Dominion, camps where under-nourished children will be given a holiday in most congenial surroundings—by the sea or in the country—and where they will undergo regular and properly-ordered health exercises. These camps will be open throughout'the wholo year, and to our late beloved Monarch, his Majesty King 'George V] himself a kind husband and father, they will stand as a memorial so fitting and so appropriate, in view of the sympathetic interest he took in his subjects of tender years, that it is our fervent desire they will remain for all time. But, like other similar institutions, the camps will require financial assistance that they may function efficiently and to their fullest capacity. The summer camps are already available, fully equipped and appointed to provide the amenities necessary for a short sojourn under camp conditions. What of the funds for their maintenance? Each year it becomes necessary to raise fresh revenue so that as many children as possible receive the benefit which these institutions are designed to provide. I emphasise this point because there appears to be a little misconception as to the Health Stamp Campaign. The King George V Memorial Fund is for the purpose of establishing health camps, but for revenue to maintain them the various associations have to rely almost solely on the proceeds of the Health Stamp Campaign. Extent of the Movement. “How can I assist in this- worthy purpose?”' you may ask. To-morrow, at all post offices, there will be on sale the health stamp which for many, years has made its appearance about this time. This year’s stamp depicts two little children—they look like twins of about three of four years of age in typical romping outfit, playing on a lawn. Their interest is centred in a toy railway engine which one of them is holding. In the background is a hedge and between the children and the hedge is a New Zealand tree fern. Altogether the arrangement conveys an inn pression of healthy, carefree childhood. Each stamp costs 2d—one penny for postage and one penny for the health camp funds. Although donations to the camp funds are received annually, and are very acceptable indeed, from the sale of these stamps comes the major portion of the funds required to maintain the camps. So, when next you visit a post office to purchase postage stamps, think of the little boys and girls who this year will be selected, mostly by school medical officers, to enjoy a holiday at the camps. The more money that is raised the more children can be helped. Never has there been a cause more deserving or more woi - thy of the support of all New Zealanders. Think for one moment what could be achieved if each person in the Dominion bought two of these stamps. The Health Camp Associations would receive over £12,000, sufficient to give about 4000 children the benefit of several weeks’ care and attention in camp. While it is a matter of only an extra twopence to the purchaser, the combined support means a happy holiday, health-giving exercises, sea bathing and sun bathing, and rambles in the countryside for many of our less fortunate little ones. Of what immense value, too, must the work of the health camps be to the nation in the future, for a solid foundation for our children’s health means ultimately a vigorous, energetic race. Past Generosity Acknowledged. * I am well aware of the many demands made upon your generosity for charitable assistance. ! am aware also that you have responded nobly and unstintingly to these appeals, but I feel that the deep humanitarian instincts of

everyone will perceive the value of this appeal I am making to-night, and if, bv our efforts, we are able to assure for our boys and girls health and happiness instead of pain and suffering, no greater satisfaction could rest upon us. In conclusion, I desire to thank all those who have so generously supported and assisted the movement in the past. The immediate results of that generosity and assistance may not be wholly evident now, but tlie future years'will bear witness to the splendid work accomplished, to the permanent foundation laid and tr> the cheerfulness brought to the lives of many. I do not need to emphasise further the worthiness of this campaign or the importance of raising the physical standard and mental outlook of the future nation. T. would just remind you that the stamps will be on sale at our post, offices to-morrow, and I. feel sure that all of you who can will again come to the aid of the little members of the community whose welfare we ever cherish. Good-night!