Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 1940. THE HEALTH CAMP.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 79, 13 January 1940, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 1940. THE HEALTH CAMP.

The report that the children at the Health camp at Methven have increased in weight and shown a general improvement in condition will afford satisfaction not only to those who are responsible for the arrangement an fj conduct of the camp, but also to all who realise the value of good health, especially for the rising generation. Any doubt that may have been expressed at the initiation of the scheme as to the necessity for such action in this favoured district will have vanished, for it cannot be denied that even if there be not the same call as in other places anything that advances the wellbeing of the young is highly desirable. 111-health in childhood may have lifelong effects, entailing much distress and disadvantages. The short period spent in camp cannot be expected to cure ills, but it is not too much to say that the change of environment and the systematic exercises may assist in enabling the body to w r ard off ailments that might otherwise be contracted. If the camps play any part in that direction they are well worth while from the individual point of view, and those members of the community who are blessed with good health and the means and opportunity of consefvmg it owe a duty to provide facilities by which children not so fortunately circumstanced may be assisted to the enjoyment of life. Such consideration will bring benefit to the community, for good health is the foundation on which rests capacity io discharge, one’s duties in all spheres of activity to the fullest extent. Thus those who are active in the arrangement and control of the camps are rendering good service to the community, which should acknowledge its indebtedness. But if we know those responsible for any phase of the organisation, they will find their best reward in the fact that their charges are obviously contented and happy.