CHILDREN'S CAMPS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 96, 26 April 1933, Page 10

CHILDREN'S CAMPS.

FINANCING THE WORK. ATTITUDE TO ART UNIONS. STATEMENT BY MR, STAIXWORTHY. In a statement to-day Mr. A. J. Stalworthy, president of the Community Sunshine Association, said: — "I am astonished at the letter by Mr. H. M. Airey, published in Monday's 'Star,' in connection with the Auckland Community Sunshine Association's action in declining to endorse the holding of art unions as national policy for raising money for children's health camps. Mr. Airey owes the association an apology for the libel contained in his statement that the association is now 'on the rocks,' and that the officials are neglecting the cause while they cry 'principle.' Before writing so ignorantly Mi-. Airey should have discovered that the association, so far from being 'on the rocks,' has assets unencumbered valued at approximately £9000. Also that the association is at present doing more work for the children than ever it did. This year's record of health camps shows wonderful service of unprecedented magnitude over a wide field. The association has a warm place in the affections of the Auckland public and feels that this is a surer foundation for permanent finance than the vagaries of art unions. It believes the children to be a nation's trust, and their cause too noble and imperative to be thrown upon a gambler's chance. , . "The association was asked not to receive £500 from the Government, but to express its views on the allocation of art union proceeds to children's health , camps. In other words, it was asked to endorse art unions as part of . the national financial policy. It felt that the issues at stake involved more than temporary financial gain, and challenged the surer foundations of the essential character of successful work amongst the children. The efforts of the association are directed to building the girls and boys physically, mentally and morally, to enable " them to become worthy citizens. They are warned against gambling as against other vices, I trust that Mr. Airey will see the implications of his advice and that upon reflection, he will understand the psychology of the association's fltand in the matter." 1