Our Crippled Children

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 169, 13 April 1935, Page 9

Our Crippled Children

Sir,—l have to thank “Observer” for supporting my suggestion of a State lottery for raising funds to cope with the crippled children problem. Lord Nuftield's handsome gift of £60,000 will not go far among crippled children in New Zealand, as they number over 6000. Large stuns are also required for educational purposes, so as to eradicate this problem in a favoured country such as this.

“Observer” rightly states that older countries have solved this problem in this way. In addition, large sums of money are required to modernise our whole hospital system and alleviate the crushing rate burden in connection therewith. If money is not raised by State lotteries. I see little hope of our hospital system being kept abreast of modern requirements. I urge the people of New Zealand to adopt “Observer's” suggestion and put this question to all candidates for municipal and parliamentary honours. Vast sums are annually sent overseas for different lotteries, aaid even if New Zealand receives its share of prizes in money returned that way, the fact remains that about 35 per cent, of the money goes, to the organisers of these overseas lotteries. It would be far better if this money were retained in New Zealand. —I am. etc., W. STUART WILSON. Wellington, April 12.