CRIPPLED CHILDREN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 167, 14 June 1940, Page 10

CRIPPLED CHILDREN

HELP IN MANAWATU. BRANCH MEETING. Welfare work of a most appealing nature was reviewed last evening, when the annual meeting was held of the Manawatu branch of the New Zealand Crippled Children Society. Mr W. G. Black presided over a large attendance, including the welfare officer (Miss E. M. Aitken). A special welcome was extended by the chairman to representatives from Woodville. The report (published last evening) was adopted, together. with the statement of accounts showing an excess of expenditure over income of £45 8s 7d. Speaking to the report, Mr Black said it would be agreed that greater progress had been made than in the previous year. There had been 17 new cases, with more since the report went to press. Since the iucention of the branch £2OBO had been expended (£687 in 1938 and £765 in 1939), including £1165 in direct assistance and £493 .through the welfare officer. If in future each of the sub-branches carried its - share of the financial task there should be no difficulty in meeting the requirements. The membership had reached 300, and Mr Black envisaged the aim of 1000 being achieved. Mr F. McLeod had secured good results as canvasser, these being satisfactory both to the branch and himself. Any curtailment of the work at the present juncture would he most undesirable. Mr Black conveyed appreciation to all who ■ had assisted the society.

Mr H. M. Scott expressed the opinion that the branch had experienced a very successful year, despite difficulties, and lie stressed the need to maintain the work. '

The following officers were elected : Patron, Lady Galway; president, Mr Black; vice-presidents, Mr -A. E. Mansford, Mr D. S. Wylie, F.'11.C.5., and the Mayors of Feilding, Bannevirke, Foxton, Levin, and Woodville; general committee, Messrs Black, W. S. Carter, H. B. Free, A. Grigor, D. M. Mitchell, W. E. Winks, J. P. McDavitt, E. E. Nansett, H. M. Scott, J. C. Young, G. G. Priest (lion, treasurer), K. G. Chamberlain (hon. secretary), Dr. D. Cook, Mes- ' dames W. G. Black, G. C. .Petersen, C. A. Small, E. M. Robertson, W. E. Winks, F. W. Gowing, Misses L. M. Banks, M. Grant, A. Kearns, K. Spensley, C. Warburton and G. E. Montgomerie. Mr R. H. Spencer was re-electad auditor and, with Messrs Chamberlain and Priest, was thanked for his past services. The general committee elected the following officers : —Executive, Messrs Black, Priest, Winks, J. C. Young, C. S. Williams, W. S. Carter, E. E. Nansett, H. 1L Free, H. M. Scott, McDavitt, Mesdames Black, and Petersen, Misses Grant and Banks, with sub-branch representatives; medical committee, Messrs Williams, F.R.C.S.E., D. Mitchell, F.R.C.S., and J. H. North, F.R.C.S. (in an advisory capacity) ; vocational guidance committee, Messrs Scott (convener), Free and Winks; ladies’ welfare committee, Mesdameis, Black (convener), A. E. Mansford, C. A. Small, D. Evans, E. M. Robertson, Gowing, Petersen, Misses Spensley and Montgomerie; finance and publicity committee, Messrs Grigor (convener), Carter, Young, Nansett, Mrs Petersen, Misses Grant, Kearns and Warburton. On the motion of Mr Grigor, the meeting placed on record appreciation of the very valuable services rendered by Mr Black, and pleasure that lie was continuing in office. Subsequently tlie executive decided, in reply to a letter from the Wanganui branch, to meet representatives from that branch to discuss future administration dn the two districts. In three years, the number of cases had increased from 118 to 270. Messrs Black, Scott and Williams were appointed delegates. In answer to Mr Scott, the chairman stated that tho boundaries governing the activities of branches as nearly as possible followed those of hospital areas to prevent overlapping. The Wanganui and Manawatu branches had been fortunate in being able to share Miss Aitken’s services, but the outbreak ol war had changed the position and he felt the branches should continue to share the officer with an assistant in each district. Until the views of Wanganui were known Manawatu coukl go no further. A letter from the medical committee suggesting an improved procedure for arranging medical examinations and reports and that* Miss Aitken decide the surgeon was approved, the chairman expressing gratification in the confidence placed in tho welfare officer. The welfare officer reported having spent 15 days in the Manawatu and 19 m the Wanganui districts. Two days bad also been spent in Wellington on tlie society’s business. Forty-nine visits to patients had been paid and 25 received, a total f>i 1444 miles having been travelled. Mr Black reported that Mr. W. E. Winks’s firm would be pleased, to attempt the placing of certain suitable eases. Gratification was expressed and the report adopted. Cases were considered and recommendations made. Receipts since April 1 totalled £l3l 9s 2d, expenditure being £69 16s 8d and accounts amounting to £4O 5s Id were passed for payment.