N.Z. CRIPPLED CHILDREN

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29367, 21 November 1960, Page 8

N.Z. CRIPPLED CHILDREN

Report On Work For Month

Field officers reported that in the last month they had travelled 2500 miles, that 59 crippled children had been seen at hospital clinics, and 130 transported for hospital treatment, says a report from the general committee of the Canterbury and West Coast branch of the New Zealand Crippled Children Society.

A number of children had been visited in their homes and the field officers had been concentrating particularly on the babies registered with the society. Mothers have been able to talk over their problems and fears, and a number of them have been given confidence and reassurance.

The field staff has also been checking and issuing equipment on loan to mothers of small children being nursed at home, rather than spending long periods in hospital. Special interest has been taken in ■children with dislocated hips and in plaster and splints. Invitations had been received for crippled children to attend various functions. The committee expressed its appreciation of the offer of two places at the Y.W.C.A. camp this year. Arrangements were made for Christmas gifts to be sent to all children on the register. Permission was given for several specially-made wheelchairs to be lent to young persons registered with the society. It was reported that special investigations were under way for the manufacture of hoisting equipment for use in the homes of young folk who are helpless and now too big and heavy for their mothers to be able to lift without assistance.

The secretary reported the receipt of two more legacies, and four new life members of the society in the last month. Appreciation was expressed for the continued interest of the public in the work of the society.