HEALTH CAMP.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 289, 10 November 1925, Page 8

HEALTH CAMP.

TO BE HELD AT TURAKINA. Dr. Elizabeth Gunn, Medical Inspector of Schools, arrived in Palmerston North this morning in connection with the health camp which is to be’ held at Turakina this month. In the course of a conversation with a “Standard” reporter Dr. Gunn said that the object of her visit was to select children from Palmerston North to attend the camp. It was regrettable that, owing to the elections and Show there was very little time to arrange details, hut she would like parentsto realise the benefits to be derived by the children attending the camp. Asked how the children were selected, the doctor said they were medically examined and only those free to gain, i.e., children suffering from malnutrition, were chosen. This did not include those suffering from remedial diseases, such as enlarged tonsils, etc. “You will he surprised to know that some children are two stone below normal weight for age,” said Dr. Gunn. No case due to lack of food had ever conic under her notice in New Zealand, and sho went on to say that since the war the highest authorities had stated that malnutrition was the most serious trouble with children. The sufferer from this condition to-day filled the hospital and sanatorium of to-morrow, hut much could he done to remedy the matter by strict attention to diet, rest, air, sleep and licliotlieraphy. Special attention on these lines was given in the camp. The parents, if a child was under weight for its age and height, should not console themselves with the fact that they themselves were thin. The child was growing, and his organs should he growing also, and the hones developing. If he was normal his height and weight should correspond. In selecting the children to .bo taken to the camp, those found to be most below normal were given first chance. Asked if any of the children refused to attend the camps, Dr Gunn said that very often the worst cases did not wish to go to camp, and the parents very foolishly allowed them to decide. Most of the youngsters, however, enjoyed the holiday, and the camp could he filled each year with children who had been there :before. “They give many reasons for wanting to go again, but I am very glad to be able to say that very few are eligible, their weight for height being normal,” said the doctor.

The camp commences next Monday, November 16, and children from Palmerston North will be taken in a special car attached to tho New Plymouth express. Visiting days will be well advertised, and the doctor stated that she wished it clearly understood that on these days not only the parents of children, blit anyone interested was welcome. The cost of keeping the children was Is per day per child, excluding what was done by Mr B. P. Lethbridge, who gonerously gave all meat, firing, milk and many vegetables. Donations of any kind—particularly vegetables—wore welcome. The Railway Department would carry any goods addressed to. the Health Camp, Turakina, free of cost. As there will be 100 children and a staff of 20 in the camp, it will be seen that food is urgently required.