HEALTH CAMP MOVEMENT

Evening Star, Issue 21631, 29 January 1934, Page 3

HEALTH CAMP MOVEMENT

NO GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE PREMIER VISITS WAIKQUAITI Having accepted an invitation to pay a visit to the children’s health camp when passing through Waikouaiti, the Prime Minister, _ Mrs Forbes, and party duly arrived at the camp on Saturday morning. A large number of residents, including many ladies, had gathered to. meet Mr and Mrs Forbes, and a feature of the welcome was the singing of ‘‘God Defend New Zealand ” by the camp children. Among the many persons introduced to the Prime Minister was Mr James Hunter, the oldest resident of the district, who had walked to the camp despite his ninety odd years. Mrs Forbes was presented with a beautiful bouquet of sweet peas by a small girl of the camp. In extending a welcome to Mr E’orbes, the Mayor (Mr Andrew Fell) said that it was not often, that they had the pleasure of meeting the Prime Minister, and on behalf of the residents of Waikouaiti district, as well as on behalf of Mrs Marshall Macdonald and those in charge of the camp, it was his pleasure to extend to Mr Forbes and party a very cordial welcome to Waikouaiti and to the children’s health camp. They realised the large amount of work which the Prime Minister was called upon to undertake, and appreciated the fact that ho had made time to call and inspect the health camp, and they trusted and believed that the party would be favourably impressed with it This was the second year’s camp. Both last year and this year the use of the grounds and buildings had been granted by the Racing Club authorities, and it had many times been stated that the site was ideal for the purpose. The labour necessary to the running of the camp was voluntary, and thanks to donations from many sympathisers, the actual exennses wore very low, and in this connection it would he interesting to know that for the past throe weeks the total cost of meat for the camp, of approximately eighty children and adults, was under 10s. He understood that a suggestion had been made in Parliament as to the advisability of the Government assuming control of this and similar camps held in the dominion. He would say, however, with all respect to the Government, that control and supervision by it would be found to bo much less economical than the present arrangements, and he felt certain that tiie Waikouaiti camp would not be more efficiently conducted than it was under the present organisation and supervision, Mrs Marshall Macdonald and her staff of voluntary helpers. ' Mr P. Toomey, president of the Waikouaiti Racing Club, offered on behalf of the chib a very warm welcome to the visitors, and told Mr Forbes that the club had an uphill job and was grateful for assistance given by the Government. Ho was greatly pleased that the promises were being put to such a good use. He hoped that Mr Forbes and his party would enjoy their visit.

The Prime Minister said that he and the members of his party were pleased to call and see for themselves the fine work which was being done for the children, and he would say that the Government would not interfere, largely because the personal touch would bo lost if it did, and the voluntary work now being done was just what was desired. The site seemed a most suitable one and he would compliment Mrs Macdonald on her organisation. The success of the present work was shown in the happy faces of the children, and, although he was unable to make comparison with other countries, lie would say that for un-' selfish service New Zealand’s record in this respect must be a very good one. He was most pleased to see the children so happy, and complimented all connected with the camp. He was sure that the children would return to their homes with improved health and with happy memories of a very good time. Mr” Forbes concluded with very sincere thanks for the welcome given to Mrs Forbes and himself. After morning tea the Prime Minister and his party inspected the camp arrangements, and were especially interested in the gilds’ dormitory (the to'talisatof house), with its many beds and brightly coloured quilts. The camp inspection over, Mr Toomey conducted Mr Forbes to the top of the grand stand, where the panorama of sea and country was explained to a much interested visitor. Ice cream time was due .when Mr Forbes returned to the camp, and both Mr and Mrs Forbes were interested spectators of _ the arrangements made for supplying this delicacy. The National Anth'em was sung by all present and, in parting with the children, Mr Forbes told them that he was sure that, much as they enjoyed bathing and rolling in the grass, ice-cream time was their favourite time.