HEALTH CAMP REOPENED

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25444, 16 March 1948, Page 2

HEALTH CAMP REOPENED

MANY REQUESTS FOR ADMISSION The “Glenelg" health camp, which was closed early in December because of the poliomyelitis epidemic, was reopened yesterday, when boys from Christchurch and Ashburton went into residence. The West Coast and Buller children will arrive to-day and those from Timaru later in the week. These particulars were reported at a meeting of the Health Camp Committee held last night, when the chairman (Miss M. Enright) presided. The question of staff, it was reported, had caused the committee some anxiety, and in this matter the secretary (Miss M. McNaughton) was thanked for her efforts in replacing those who, because of the length or time during which the camp had been closed, had accepted other positions. Efforts are being continued to secure a full permanent staff to replace those who have taken temporary appointments.

The matron (Mrs E. Morrison) reported that much jam had been made at the camp and fruit bottled and that the newly-appointed sub-matron of the Roxburgh camp was gaining experience at “Glenelg” for a few weeks. Some minor repairs asked for were authorised. It was decided to send letters of appreciation for loyal service to Messrs Newton and Hardwick, who were in charge of the camp buildings and grounds during the last few months.

Mr J. 4Vyn Irwin (for the education sub-committee) reported that a considerable number of books and some school equipment had been bought for “Glenelg," and the teacher (Mr Hector Brown) wrote expressing thanks for these additions to . the school which, he said, would be most useful. Mr W. H. Trengrove (architect) reported that the foundations of the new wing at “Glenelg" were completed and satisfactory progress was being made with the addition, which, when completed, will accommodate 12 additional children. Requests for admission of children to the camp were increasing it was stated, and the new wing would help to relieve the situation.

Follow-up reports of children who were in camp 12 months ago were received at the meeting and were considered gratifying, medical members of the committee particularly regard,ing them as valuable adjuncts to the work of the camp. After children have been at the camp they are regularly examined at three-monthly intervals for a year to ascertain whether the improvement shown in their health while they were in camp has been maintained.