KING GEORGE V FUND

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 186, 4 May 1937, Page 10

KING GEORGE V FUND

Hon. Adam Hamilton Gives Support

APPEAL I’o THE PEOPLE

Support to the Prime Ministers appeal for contributions to tjie King George the Fifth National Memorial Fund for the permanent establishment <_■ children’s health camps was given by the Bon. Adam Hamilton, Leader of the Opposition, in a .statement issued last night. ••I wish to give my support io tne appeal which has been made by the Prime Minister, the Kt. Hol). M. J. Savage, and his predecessor, the Kt. Hon. G. W. Forties, for contributions toward the Klug George the l ifth National .Memorial Fund.” said Mr. Hamilton. “Tbe money which is subscribed to this fund will be used for the establishment of permanent children’s health camps, ami as a former Postmaster-General whose department h. s previously appealed tor money fin the maintenance of these camps through the sale ot health stamps, have some knowledge of Hie work the camps have accomplished. For some years they have been an integral part of the national health policy, and it they are now placed on a permanent basis they will play a vital part in improving tiie health of many of out young people. "The benefits which the children derive from these camps is truly astonishing. Taking one of tbe large camps for example, the average weight of 614 children (comprising 272 girls and 342 boys) increased during their month's stay in the camp by approximately 51b. per child. Only three of the 614 children failed to show any increase in weight. In regard to height, while 237 of the 614 owed no appreciable increase in height, Ihe remaining 377 improved in this respect by an average of half an inch. “In New Zealand we have succeeded in reducing infant mortality and . m prolonging the average span of life, but we want something more than that. I am sure it is tbe desire of all that we should also have a high standard of physical fitness. Physical litnes is one of'the main factors in health, and health in turn is largely the foundation of happiness and contentment. We want our young people to make Hie most of their lives, whether they are at work or at play, and if they are to do that they must get as near as possible to that natural condition in which the exercise of the limbs is an enjoyment instead of a fatigue, and in which the vitality of the body sharpen, and concentrates the faculties of tbe mind. Remember. we can do far more good to public health by preventing people from contracting diseases than by providing elaborate and expensive facilities to cure people who have already contracted diseases.

“I commend this appeal earnestly to you all. It is an appeal which must go straight to the hearts of everyone who is interested in the welfare of the children of this country, interested in their development, and in their health and happiness. And I say here that country children as well as town children have benefited from these camps. The scope of the camps has been national, and when placed on a permanent basis they will be a fitting national memorial to His late Majesty. "To carry through the scheme a large sum of money will be required, but we rely on the admiration and affection which we all cherish for the memory of a beloved King, who reigned not only on the throne but in our hearts for a quarter ot a century, to make these permanent health camps possible. Our objective can be accomplished only if the support for the memorial flows from the homes and hearts of all the people. “The Government wants this fund tn be a real offering of the people, and I know that none of us who are associated in this appeal will bo disappointed. AA'e all look forward to the long procession of the years to come and see someone asking how these camps came into being, the answer will be: ‘These camps were given by the' generation which knew King George tlie Fifth as a thanksgiving for his life of service in order that his memory might live in the happier lives c' their children and their children’s children.’”

FUND GROWS APACE

Additional Donations to

Mayor’s List

Now that the King George V memorial fund is fairly under way, additions are coming in fast and the total is growing more rapidly. Tbe mayor of Wellington, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, acknowledges receipt pf the follow.ng additional donations:—

WELLINGTON CITY COUNCIL GIVES £lOOO A donation of £lOOO to the King George V Memorial Fund appears on the estimates adopted by the Welling ton City Council last night. A street collection iu support of the fund will be held in Wellington ou .lune 3, the late King's birthday. A.A. SUBSCRIBES £5O The executive of the Automobile Association (Wellington) decided last night to contribute £5O to the King George V Memorial Fund. CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL GRANT

By Telegraph—Press Association.

Christchurch, May 3.

A grant of £lOOO to tbe King George A' Memorial Fund was authorised tonight by the Christchurch City Couuci.l

The Lytteton Borough Council voted £lOO.

£ s. d. Previously acknowledged .. 211 o c> Lady Chapman 2 0 0 Bell Cully, McKenzie and Evans 26 0 Bryant and May, Bell <. Co. 100 0 0 J. -I. and Penis McGrath . . 2 0 Staff, Buddle, Anderson, Kirkealdie and Parry .. .) 0 Mr. and .Mrs. Aaron Samuels •> 0 Wellington Harbour Board 3000 0 0 Mrs. Gillingham, Karori .. 1 1 0 £33o.L 1 6