CHILDREN'S HEALTH CAMP.

Hutt News, Volume 3, Issue 14, 28 August 1930, Page 3

CHILDREN'S HEALTH CAMP.

SITE ATOTAKI,

... Tho -ipHo-wing appeal was made by Dr. Ada Paterson Director/ Division of School Hygiene "when speaking at tlie annual meeting of the Plivnlcet Society last week.

There is at present quite inadequate provision. f«T giving children of subnormal nutrition, or those in ddbilitoted health, a holiday in tho country.: School medical records show that approximately some 8 per cent of the children attending our elementary schools are of subnormal nutrition. Of this group, a definite percentage is affected by latent tuberculosis, and, unless adequate preventive measures are available many of them will undoubtedly become victims of tuberculosis. We have in Wellington City fairly complete provision for supervising the welfare of such children in their own homes, and those of them who break down and become the victims of disease may be

satisfactorily cared for iv hospital or sanatorium. There is, however, a considerable number whose main hope lies in removal from their present environment for a time at least. The rcsmlta of .the health camps held under tfke auspices of the Health Department have amply demonstrated what can be done by a simple regime permitting adequate rest, fresh air, sunshine, and proper feeding. ,To begin with, only accommodation of a simple charaetor would be required. Holiday homes of this type are very common both in Great Britain and in America, being often established :as the outcomo of philanthropic effort.

Mr. Byron Brown of Otaki has geHerously donated to tho public a sate of approximately 4 acres at Otaki Beach for the purpose of children's permanent health camps. The site is most attractively situated on .rising ground within easy reach of the beach, and is altogether a most suitable one for tiie purpose. Mr. Byron Brown has set an example

Of well-appli«d generosity. Wiat is now needed is funds for the erection of buildings on the camp site. It ia hoped that some assistance will be

obtained from the, proceeds of the Christmas Seal (the special stamp issued at the end of last year, in order to secure funds, for anti-tuberculosis

work). .It'is. taped, .also, however, that the public will realise the value of the scheme and will afford auch assistance to the movement that the proposed buildings at Otaki Beach will coon beoome a reality.

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