CHILDREN'S HEALTH CAMP.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 8 February 1932, Page 8

CHILDREN'S HEALTH CAMP.

MEETING- AT OTAKI. COMMITTEE FORMED TO HELP PROJECT. A meeting, convened Toy the Mayor (Mr. Atmore) was held in connection .with the children’s health camp that has been established at Otaki, when there was a very satistactoiv attendance. Before dealing with the general business of the meeting Mr. Atmore read several apologies from many unable to attend but who had stated their willingness to assist. It was explained that the object of the meeting was to elect a local committee to act with the one already appointed in Wellington. Present that evening were Dr. Ada Paterson, who was in charge of the movement, Dr. Helen Bakcwell, and Mr. Meachem, secretary of the Wellington Committee. Dr. Paterson, he said, would advise on the objects of the camp. Dr. Paterson, after expressing appreciation at the number present, stated that she was anxious to see local interest in the movement, and she felt sure that help would be forthcoming. The movement, she considered, would be one all would be proud of in time to come. Dr. Paterson, in explaining the object of the movement, stated that it was chiefly to help children to throw off any disease that they might be threatened with, therefore preventative measures were necessary. After expressing delight at having such a fine building for the purpose Dr. Paterson spoke of the generosity of Mr. Byron Brown in donating the site, while it was largely through the sale of health stamps that the building had been removed (rom Rotorua and erected at Otaki. Entertainments and Transport. Dr. Paterson stated that if an Otaki branch was formed good work could be accomplished and much help given in .various ways; assistance given to the Wellington branch would be an advantage. might be arranged, arrangements could be made for transport of children from the railway to the camp, while vegetables could be collected and sent to the camp for the benefit of the children. In a district such as this she thought no one would be penalised by making such gifts. Dr. Paterson said visitors’ days could also be arranged for, and thought that the camp might be opened- once a week for visits. There were between 40 and 50 children who were almost ready to enter camp, and she desired that transport arrangements be made, and assistance given otherwise. There would be a qualified Matron in charge, Dr. Bakewell would also render _ assistance, while help would be given by a band of Rovers. Already these dad's had done splendid work. Mr. Meachem was another that was giving valuable' services as secretary, while it was generally recognised that a better place than Otaki . could not be found. Tt was especially suitable, having a beautiful climate. Dr. Paterson stated that as her party_ desired to return to Wellington that night she would leave the _ matter in the hands of the residents of Otaki to diseurss. She expressed a hope that they would see their way to carry out all details. Before leaving Dr. Paterson stated That she would be pleased to answer questions. 1 In answer to questions Dr. Paterson stated that the boys would soon be in camp and would, continue there for I about four weeks, then another camp I would follow immediately. There was a certain sum at the disposal of the committee but it was necessary that 'more help should be forthcoming. The building, she considered, was excellent for its purpose, and the more it was ’used the better it would be. She saw no reasons why other bodies should not benefit by the building, but this would be in the hands of the Director of Health.

In answer to another question Dr. Paterson stated that the idea was that a committee could assist in the voluntary collection of vegetables. The membership fee to join the Association, she said, would be 5s per year. When the local branch was formed she, together with Dr. Bakewell, would visit Otaki and confer with the Mayor. Dr. Paterson was asked if the children, while in camp, would receive education, and answered in the ffirmative, adding ,that there would be teachers there.

Mr. Atmore extended thanks to Dr. | Paterson V for attending the meeting, ! also to Dr. Bakewell and Mr. Meachem. . The visit was appreciated and he as- ! sured them that the residents of Otaki j would do their best to help such a ywlorthy tnovijment. No (doiibt residents could help considerably. (Applause). Dr. Paterson, in returning thanks, stated she had- been much encouraged, ,and expressed a desire to meet the local committee next week.

After the visitors had left the Mayor explained that the matter was only in its infancy, and that the local committee would have to feel its way. He suggested that a eppmittee of ten, with power to add, be set up. There would be a fair amount of work to be done, and persons were wanted who could give of their time. A representative committee was desired.

The Rev. Ayrton thought a committee of twelve, including 60 per cent, of ladies, was advisable, especially as there were entertainments, etc., to arrange. Before proceeding with the election of the committee it was decided, on the motion of Mr. McGill, seconded by Mr. Richards, that a branch of the “Wellington Children’s Health Camp Association (Incorporated) ’’’ be formed. This was agreed to. A. discussion “tliGii followed us to tne number desired on the committee, but no finality was arrived at. Some favoured a small committee, others considered that a fairly 'large committee was necessary It was agreed that should only twelve be elected it woul’d keep a number off the committee who should be on. ~ , It was pointed out that if boautifvin<r was to be carried out thov could not expect the ladies to do this part of the work. Committee. The following committee was then elected; —Mesdames Milne., Allan. McGill Nicolson. and Saveli, members of

tue medical profession, the Rev. Moir Ayrton, and Riordan, Messrs Richards’* D. W. Allen, Rule, Smyth, Bailey, Chat win, Cockrell, McGill, Nicolson, Lowry Banks, Dempsey, Palliser, G. Freeman Tahiwi and Davies. The latter was’ appointed secretary and treasurer The matter of funds raised locallw was discussed and the question asked if these would be. kept for local requirements or sent to Wollington It was agreed that cash was needed while it w*as considered goods as much as possible for the camp shouS “in 1 through local business men. be discuss - It was stated that some local hardeners sent veo-et'iKisac + -u ° dr in Wellington!" It % C ‘> perhaps they wmuld now • tables to the camp a t o*aki° Veg<3 ‘ give trees for bcauUf 7 1l ' vo “ l .'i so the Borough Council couM J the planting. This wouff matter to overcome. Mr nro ea u S;r considered there were many nS°p?esent wdio would, no doubt, lih e come members. These, he sum t? u apply to the secretary.’ slroul(i

Committee Meeting A meeting of the committee was afterwards held the Mayor presiding It was decided to ask car-owners toassist with the transport of children wdren needed Mr. Tahiwi was appointed transport officer. Fourteen cars w r erc promised. f

Dr. Milne, Rev. Moir, and Mr. Demi), ey were appointed vice-chairmen It was decided, subject to the Wellington Association being agreeable the committee become incorporated * It was stated that the children nt tending camp would be aged S yrars tO .

In connection with the opening ceremony it was thought that this “was a matter being arranged for in Wellington. *