RESEARCH IN MEDICINE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29674, 18 November 1961, Page 3

RESEARCH IN MEDICINE

Foundation's Appeal

“I commend the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation's appeal to everybody in the province,” the president of the foundation (Dr. L. C. L. Averill) said yesterday. In saying this he was speaking also, he said, for the North Canterbury Hospital Board, of which he i* chairman.

Today, members of city youth groups will distribute appeal envelopes to practically every household in the metropolitan area. The envelopes will be collected by adult volunteers during next week. The appeal will be made later in country districts and other Canterbury towns. “We have in Christchurch and Canterbury medical men who have the ability to achieve something of great value to humanity.” said Dr. Averill. "The foundation is anxious to give them every opportunity to do research right here in Christchurch. If they are nbt enabled to do their work here, they may quite early leave us for pastures further afield where the climate and endowments for research are more liberal.

“Our aim is not only to keep our highly-qualified and able staff here in Christchurch, but to build it up further. If the whole province shows itself behind us by supporting this appeal, we shall be able to keep our part of the bargain. “Within the last two day* I have received the annual report of the Wellington Medical Research Foundation. and certainly theirs is a record to be proud of. Their income last year from membership subscriptions and donations was more than £ll,OOO. A number of citizens have undertaken to give £lOO a year for three years.

“Our Christchurch foundation is asking for an assured income of £5OOO for three years. “The record of the work done in Wellington with the support of their foundation shows a wide coverage of specialities and interests. Here in Christchurch, too. we have a wide variety of specialties involved in research. I am sure we can make an equally valuable contribution to medical knowledge through research workers here, but we must be given the means," said Dr. Averill.