CRIPPLED CHILDREN.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13410, 30 April 1909, Page 7

CRIPPLED CHILDREN.

AN EDUCATIONAL PROPOSAL. (press association telegram.) WELLINGTON, April 29. An important proposal for the education of maimed and. crippled children was laid before tho Wellington Education Board this afternoon by Mr R. C. Kirk, chairman of the Wellington Hospital Board of Trustees. After having been granted permission to address the Board, Mr Kirk said that the matter was one affecting the maimed and crippled children of the city, and had been brought under his notice by Dr. Hardwick-Smith. The doctor had noticed the number of maimed and crippled children passing through tho Hospital, many of whom lacked education. He suggested that something might be done to teach them. Some, eleven or twelve years old, could neither read nor write. From his experience at Home Dr. Smith would urge tho establishment of a small schools for these poor children. The speaker said he would make a proposal to tho Hospital Board of Trustees at a future meeting to erect a small building close to the Hospital, and have a teacher provided, if the Education Board would co-operato. The Medical Superintendent would be only too glad to assist. Perhaps there might be a combination in tho education of those EhysicSlly unfit with those mentally uu : t. There were a considerable number in the Hospital, and a number of outpatients. A small sum would suffice for a very interesting experiment which, he trusted, would meet the approval of the Education Board. The Board would receive every consideration from the Medical Superintendent. The Chairman (Mr R. Leo) said he was sure tho Education Board would bo willing to co-operate. He hafl seen tho provision made elsewhere, and thouglit it time now to make some move in that direction in Wellington. He would like to have statistics as to numbers.

Mr Kirk said there were fifteen or sixteen at present constantly under observation at the Hospital. The Chairman said there were a number of empty rooms at the Newtown School.

Mr Kirk replied that tho Medical Superintendent thought it unsuitable to have such children in an ordinary school. They had to be constantly supervised. The Chairman thought they might be able to build a small school attached to the Hospital. The Board would consider the. whole matter' and renort. Mr Kirk thanked tho meeting, and then withdrew.