CRIPPLED CHILDREN

Evening Post, Issue 27, 31 July 1935, Page 11

CRIPPLED CHILDREN

MEETING OE EXECUTIVE

PRELIMINARY WORK

The first meeting of ttje executive of the New Zealand Crippled Children Society was held last week. Mr. F. Campbell presided, and there were also present Messrs. W. ,G. Black (Palmerston North), B. R. Dobbs (Wanganui), S. L. P. Free (Masterton), J. M. A. Ilott, Sir Alexander Roberts, Dr. Alex. Gillies, Dr. F.. Bowerbank, and Mr. Malcolm Fraser,' secretary.

The chairman explained that it would be necessary for the secretary to have capable assistance, and in this connection it had been proposed that such help should be secured, to assist in the work of the society together with that of the Equitable Building and Investment Company, such assistant to be accommodated in the office of the company, and that an allowance of up to £200 be made, it being understood that the Wellington branch of the society would contribute £100 of such amount.

After discussion, it was resolved that the Wellington branch of the society contribute £100 of the amount, the arrangement to be reviewed at the end of six months.

The secretary reported that claims for expenses had been received from only three branches. It was decided that the expenses of the branches mentioned be met out of the fund set aside for the formation of the society. With regard, to the travelling expenses in connection with the executive meeting, Messrs. Black, Dobbs, and Free signified their intention of meeting their own expenses. Appreciation of their action was expressed.

It was stated that a letter had been sent to the Central Councl, London, asking if it would be possible for the New Zealand Society to affiliate with the Central Council; also, if the blue bird badge would be suitable for New Zealand, and if the film "Arise and Walk" could be sent to New Zealand.

Dr. Wylie (Palmerston North) wrote accepting the office of vice-president. The offers of the following to cooperate in the work of the society were accepted:—School medical officers, Women's Division Farmers' Union, Presbyterian , Orphanages' Association, and Girl Guides' Association. Correspondence was read in regard to a number of cases of crippled children in various parts of New Zealand.

It was decided (1) that a meeting be arranged at an early date with the council'of the B.M.A. for the. purpose of a full, discussion as to the policy of the society; and (2) that the executive-intervie-^y the Minister of Health and the education authorities in regard to the treatment of cripples at base hospitals; also, as to securing the assistance of school teachers in reporting on crippled children and the development of methods of giving vocational training to crippled children. ,

' The suggestion by Mr. Ilott that the necessary steps be taken, for affiliation with the International Crippled Children's Society was adopted.

Mr. Black urged the necessity for branches clearly understanding that the particular aim of the society was the treatment of indigent crippled children. ■ . •

The secretary said-that this mati?r would be taken up with the branches as scon as the interview with ithe B.M.A. had taken place.