HEALTH CAMPS

Grey River Argus, 29 November 1937, Page 8

HEALTH CAMPS

For West Coast Children

OPENING AT RANGIORA.

[Per Press Association. > CHRISTCHURCH, November 27. The Rangiora Health Camp, which is the first camp to be conducted under the auspices of the newlyformed Federation of Health Camps, will officially commence its operations on Monday evening. During the next four months chiidren from all parts of Canterbury and the West Coast will be accommodated. At present the camp has accommodation for not more than fifty-five children during one period. The first session of the camp, which opens on Monday, will provide for forty Canterbury boys and fifteen from the West Coast. At a latci date an equal number of girls will enjoy the camp facilities. The first batch of Christchurch children will leave Victoria Square, for the camp at 9.30 a.m., on Monday, and the Coast children will arrive in Christchurch at 5 p.m., and leave for the camp by the 5.15 p.m., train.

IDEAL SITE. In many respects the site for the camp at the Rangiora Racecourse lent for the occasion by the Racing Club—is ideal. It is situated on high, dry land, and is served with adequate bathing and swimming facilities. A highly qualified camp commandant has already been approached, and with the assistance and advice of the medical and nursing profession, all children who pass through the camp should be fully restored to health and vigour. At the camp itself every possible comfort and convenience have been provided for the children, and the generosity of the residents of Rangiora and North Canterbury has been of an exemplary character. Almost all material and equipment have been loaned by Rangiora firms and wellwishers. The latest electrical stoves and heating appliances, and a large refrigerator have been loaned free of cost, while the duties of the staff have been considerably eased through the generosity of a Christchurch firm in loaning an electric washer free of charge. A piano, a gramophone, a radio, and several games and books form a few of the many other valuable contributions provided for the comfort and welfare of the children.

VOLUNTARY HELPERS. Perhaps the most pleasing phase of the camp preparations has been the enthusiasm shown by the Rangiora people in the strenuous work of making the camp fit for habitation. On Thursday evening last over forty voluntary workers were engaged there. The camp is under the direction of the Camp Executive, appointed by the District Executive of the National Federation, and consists of the following:—Messrs L. K. Scott (chairman), S. J. J. Dunne (secretary, District Executive), Mrs W. Minogue (Ashburton Health Camp Association), Dr. H. E. Robertson (Sunlight League), Dr. Baker McLaglan (Health Department), Mr W. Minogue (Post and Telegraph Department), Mr C. A. Tyler (Mayor of Rangiora), Mrs M. A. Ellen (Rangiora Power Board), and Mr D. Stean (Secretary of the Central Council).

PUBLIC SUPPORT NEEDED. CHRISTCHURCH, November 27. “The need for public support in the Health Camp campaign was never greater than at the present time,” said Dr. D. E. Currie, Chairman of the Sunlight League, this morning. People seemed to think, he said, that the purchase of health stamps this year’ was not necessary on account of no camps having been held last year, and because of the existence of the King Geoi’ge V. Memoi'ial Fund. Owing to the cancellation of the camps last year, funds from the sale of health stamps, said Dr. Currie, were a long way below the normal amount. That meant that money to conduct the camps this yeai' was very urgently required. There was also the impression amongst some people that a portion of the King George V. Memorial Fund would be earmarked as an endowment fund to maintain the camps established. “This,” said Dr. Currie, “is quite impracticable.” It was stated from Wellington that the amount available from any sum that could be set aside would be so small as to be of little use. To maintain the camps efficiently, he said, en endowment fund of a quarter of a million pounds would be necessary.