THE CHRISTMAS SEAL

Evening Star, Issue 20943, 6 November 1931, Page 8

THE CHRISTMAS SEAL

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN During tho next few weeks the public of New Zealand have an opportunity, by purchasing the Christmas seal stamps on sale at all Post Offices, to assist iu an effort to provide permanent bases for health _ camps for treatment of children suffering from malnutrition. Stamps were used as a means or raising money for hospitals as long ago as the Civil War

in the United States. In 1897 such a stamp was used in Australia to secure funds for the establishment of a hospital for treatment of sufferers _ from tuberculosis. But it is to the inspiration of a Danish postal clerk, Elinar Hol- . boell, that we owe the Christmas seal

' idea as it has developed in the past twenty-eight years. He it was who, in 1903, interested his Government in the idea of sale of stamps at Christmas time to build a hospital for tuberculosis children. In New Zealand such funds as may be obtained through this source will he used as indicated for prevention of tuberculosis. As a stimulus to growth, as an educative principle, and as a regulator of the nervous system, the existence of health camps has proved invaluable, and a boon to many delicate children who require consideration in regulating their physical output of energy, and eliminating undue fatigue. A great improvement in the physical and mental vitality of the children composing the health camps is always a sinking example of the benefit to be derived from tho simple routine which provides these facilities for health—fresh air, sunlight, correct food, rest, and exercise, . The educational and health authorities in New Zealand aim at turning out tho best children physically and mentally, but _ through social and economic conditions, and other causes, there are amongst school children many who need supervision such as is provided in health camps. Without facilities for treatment for such children, what is to bo their fate? Thousands in tho dominion have now an opportunity to decide, for by purchasing these stamps a person is assisting to transform an ailing, sickly child into a robust, happy one. How can we possibly reap greater and more lasting benefits than by protecting our children from tuberculosis and diseases that handicap them in the battle of life.