Crippled Children Society

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28256, 18 April 1957, Page 2

Crippled Children Society

The Canterbury - West Coast branch of the New Zealand Crippled Children Society had 632 children on its r 011—479 in Canterbury and 153 on the West Coast—it was reported at a recent meeting of the general committee. In the previous month 46 children had been deleted from the roll as they had been cured or required no further help. The society laid much emphasis on preventive work and the early diagnosis and treatment of crippling conditions, it was reported. A permanent sub-committee has been set up to promote a campaign directed at the prevention of crippling accidents caused through burning. Far more children were crippled through accidents in the home than through diseases such as poliomyelitis, it was stated.

There were now 427 financial members of the society and 277 life members, and it was hoped to conduct a campaign for more members during {he year. The rag drive had been reorganised and was conducted continuously throughout the year. The response from the public had been good, it was stated. An account of her experiences overseas was given by Miss Margaret Hartridge, a visiting physiotherapist with the Health Department. She described the techniques and treatments practised in the United States and Great Britain. The treatment of children suffering from cerebral palsy in New Zealand was up to overseas standards, and in some instances exceeded it, said Miss Hartridge.