ILL-FED SCHOOL CHILDREN

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 11, 7 October 1927, Page 11

ILL-FED SCHOOL CHILDREN

VALUABLE WORK OF RED GROSS SOCIETY In peace, the League of Red Cross Societies, comprising 54 distinct nations, of which New Zealand is one, have as their goal the improvement of health, the prevention of disease, and the mitigation of suffering throughout the world. The society non political, non-govern-mental, non-seetarian, ministering in the name of humanity to all, irrespective of class, colour, or creed. For some time past, the Wellington branch of the British Red Cross Society lias in a quiet way been performing a humanitarian service in the city. Owing to unemployment, distress this winter lias been very prevalent, in consequence of which much suffering has been entailed. particularly among women and children. Early in the winter months, it came to the society’s notice, as a result of an inspection by the school medical officer of health, that a number of the younger scholars at the Mt. Cook school were attending under-nourished and ill-clad. The society’s nurses visited the homes of these little ones, and it was patent that honest economic reasons were the basis of the trouble. Immediately the voluntary aid detachment was called into action, and attended the school each day to prepare aud serve a hot mid-day meal to theso special cases. The meal comprised soup, cocoa, bread, butter and fruit. Since the work was inaugurated, over 1401) meals have been served. In addition, the children have been fitted out with warm apparel. The work has been studied with a great deal of interest by the medical officer, the headmaster. and I lie teaching staff, who aver that there is a marked improvement in the physique and mental alertness of tho special children as a result of the service given. Otf. Appreciation of Good Work. The following letter has been received by the Red Cross Society from the headmaster of the Mount Cook School (Mr. F. L. Coombs) “I wish, on behalf of the school, to express very great appreciation of the manner in which helpers from your society have carried out the work of providing a daily hot meal, to neces-. sitous and under-nourished children in this school. This service- has been carried out since it began on July 11 in a manner that reflects- great credit on both organisation and helpers. Brom the standpoint of file staff and myself, it was most welcome to find such a valuable auxiliary of the children’s welfare running in a manner so smooth, efficient, and dependable. Over ami above the solid satisfaction of doing a thoroughly worthwhile social service, I think you and your assistants should know that we ou the spot thought very highly of the manner in which it was carried out.” The society has also received warm letters of thanks from the secretary of the Mount Cook School Committee (Mr. E. F. Stevens) and the secretary of tho Wellington Education Board (Mr. G. T, Stewart).