UNPAID FEES

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20989, 18 October 1933, Page 6

UNPAID FEES

WOOLSTON DENTAL CLINIC SCHOOL COMMITTEE j PERTURBED Unless the Woolston School Committee can promptly reduce arrears owing by it to the Health Department, as well as pay current contributions for the school dental clinic, there is a possibility of the clinic being closed by the Government. The committee has made several endeavours to raise the necessary money, but so far met with little success. A meeting of householders called last night to discuss the position was poorly attended, and it was decided to make a recommendation that children whose parents are unfinancial should be debarred from dental treatment. This suggestion. speakers stated, seemed hard on the children, but it appeared to be the only way to arouse the householders to a sense of the gravity of the position. Mr J. Radcliffe presided. Health Department's Letter. It was reported that in reply to the committee a letter had been received from the Health Department, stating that it noted that the committee realised the necessity .for reducing the arrears as early as possible, and that after giving further consideration the department was prepared to defer closing the clinic, and would review the position at the end of the present quarter. In the meantime, it was expected that the eormnittee, in addition to paying current contributions promptly, would do its utmost to reduce the arrears.

The chairman explained that the school committee was in a serious financial position regarding the dental clinic. The Government had threatened that if the parents did not pay their subscriptions the clinic would be dosed. They had been told that then; were five or six other school committees only too willing to start clinics, and there were not sufficient nurses to go round. A few months ago the committee had made a personal canvass of the district, but with, exceedingly poor results. But they had decided that before they allowed the clinic to close, the householders should be called together 1o devise ways and means of raising money. It seemed that the only course remaining open was to stop children who had not paid the foes from receiving treatment. Appeal lor Help. ;VL- C. Johnston that they did not need to wait for householders to display interest. Once the clinic had gone it would never be returned. A few enthusiastic workers could do qui'e a lot. The chairman: Wc ran dances, but the total proceed.; were represented by only £7. Mr Johnston: There would be a large attendance if a free dance was arranged: then the hat could be passed round. On the other hand the Government could be asked to pass over the whole tiling to the committee instead of having it run bv the Education Board. Mr W. Cooper. The only wav to draw attention is to debar the' unfinancial from treatment. A woman: It would be a shame to make children sudor because their parents do not pay up! The chairman: Perhaps a fete would be the means of raising some money. However, 1 will now close the mooting, and the committee will consider the suggestion.