"A FAMILY AFFAIR"

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 60, 8 September 1938, Page 18

"A FAMILY AFFAIR"

WELLINGTON HEALTH CLUB

"BACKYARD GARDENING"

At a well-attended meeting of the Wellington Health Club on Tuesday night, the patroness, Mrs. Peter Fraser; spoke briefly on the purpose of the club. She stated that it was not a j commercial organisation, but was designed to promote all-round healthy liviing, the best possible development of children, and the prevention of disease and disability. It was essentially a family affair because the home was Ithe place where its aims could be realised. Its membership was drawn from the central area of Wellington, and any family within the area was eligible for membership. Mrs. Fraser descrited the activities [of the club. Provision, she said, was made, for members to study means whereby its aims might be realised. Mothers attended a monthly afternoon meeting for discussion. Small circles could be formed for study of special subjects. Occasional evening meet? ings,-gave fathers an opportunity of participating in the benefits of the club. would find their contact through the School Medical Service and Junior Red Cross.- Toddlers would, be brought under medical supervision,, and infants under the Plunket Society. • ' '- :.':- The; health, programme, she continued, was directed by an; advisory council. This included in its membership -persons qualified to make available* ,-: authoritative information on health matters. The council was representative of the various organisations contributing to public health, such as the Health Department, Plunket Society, Kindergarten Association, as well j ais ■■< school-teaching staffs. The programme was open to deal withjany factor influencing all-round healthy development—food, habits, training, hygiene—^and is, above all, preventive in its amis.* , :. '. Mr> MacKenzie, Director of Parks and Reserves,; spotoe on "Backyard Gardening,'* illustrating his subject with lantern slides.: The garden was shown to;be a means towards health, /with an additional value wiien it included vegetables. Bearijyr in' mind the limited space available for gardens in the central area of the city, the speaker gave many practical hints as to how success might be achieved, and answered a number of questions. A "Backyard Gardening" competition was announced, prizes being offered by the Horticultural Society. Points will be given for usefulness, attrac-j tiveness, and the best use made of the material available.