REST HOME

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 3, 3 December 1931, Page 8

REST HOME

MEETING AT OTAKI. (From Our Own Correspondent). OTAKI, Dec, 3. A public meeting was held to discuss matters in connection with the now rest home at Otaki Beach. Ten persons were present and the Mayor (Mr Atmore) occupied the chair. He extended a welcome to Dr. Ada Paterson, who was present as representative of the Health Department. Dr. Paterson stated that she was in Otaki hoping to get the views and ideas of local people in connection with the homo. The idea of the camp was to provide accommodation for delicate children, not only those in the Wellington province, but also from further afield. Dr. Paterson considered Otaki an ideal place for the camp. The object of the Health Department was not to altogether control the home, but to act as an advisory board and supervise. It was thought that the scheme could be better managed by a voluntary organisation. In speaking of the locality as ideal, Dr. Paterson said Otaki was blessed with a glorious climate, the sanatorium was hero, and the place was easy of access. She did not, however, in these hard times, expect a departmental subsidy, but the Christmas stamp campaign would mean a big help in the way of revenue. A local committee could take over the supervision of the buildings and grounds when not in occupation and help generally in camp duties. Otaki, she thought, could provide a certain amount of vegetables, fruit, eggs, butter, etc., and no doubt many would give. It only wanted a small committee that could bo called upon when necessary, and when something more definite was defined that committee could meet and arrange duties. Entertainments might also be provided by the local committee, or the children taken for excursions. Dr. Paterson saw no reason why the building when not in occupation shou' l not be used by other organisations. The main thing was finance, but no one at the present time wished to discuss that. Dr. Paterson spoke of the Sunshine Homo in Auckland where there was an open-air school, school nurse, teachers, etc., while at the end of the year the children were given a cliango by way of holiday. Thearrangements in Otaki. Dr. Paterson pointed out, would have to be approved of by tho Director-General of Health, but she thought after the committee was appointed a better idea of carrying on could be arrived at. Otaki. she wished it to bo understood, would not be under any financial obligation. Several had already offered asistance in various ways, and further knowledge was desired from a local committee. Of course, if money was raised locally so much the better. Mrs Gorringe stated that help would be forthcoming from Levin and also a little financial help. Dr. Paterson said there was no reason why the committee should not embrace residents from Levin; the wider the representation the better. The home, she stated, would hold 200, but this number of children could not be expected at the start. Children, of course, would always have preference over other organisations. Mr Smith considered that a caretaker was very necessary and that someone permanently would be needed. Dr. Paterson said there was also the planting of trees to be considered, while Dr. Milne and Mr Smith stated that the question of a road was also worthy of consideration. Dr. Paterson said this was beyond her jurisdiction. In answer to a further question, tho doctor stated that the place was partly furnished. All present signified their willingness' to be a committee, with power to add. Tho Mayor was appointed president of the committee. Dr. Paterson stated it was hoped to make the camp a permanent one, and said that the building would bo opened in a short time, then closed, and opened again A vote of tlionks to the doctor f<?r being present was carried by acclamation.