CRIPPLED CHILDREN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 198, 23 July 1941, Page 5

CRIPPLED CHILDREN.

SOCIETY’S. WORK

Steady prop-rest, lias marked the activities of tlio Mannwatu branch of the .New Zealand Crippled Children Society, according to the report which is to bo presented at tne annual meeting. Tho review states thal 28 new cases came under the care of the welfare oflicers, and tho treatment and attention given to all cases on the register was highly satisfae lory. Regret is expressed at tho death of Mr Jb. Stein, chairman of the Dannevirke sub-branch, who gave valuable assistance in piomoting the objects of the society. Mr F. W. C. McLeod was ciiiefly responsible for increasing tho annual membership total to 553 (not including sub-branches) and in I addition collected a substantial sum in donations. The total income from annual subscriptions and donations was £326 4s 6d las compared with £132 6s lOd tor tile previous year. I lie tuunks of tho society arc expressed to Mr McLeod. Live additional life membership subscriptions have been received, Tho total income from all sources was £1026 4s Bd, the highest figure yet recorded by the branch. Attention is drawn to the fact that cases of infantile paralysis have increased to 32 per cent, of the total registered ; of tho cases registered 64 per cent, are of primary school, infant and pre-school age; and the number of children whose treatment enabled them to accept employment is now 21, which is 14j per cent, of the total cases registered. Under tho wills of the late Mrs Elizabeth Ritchie and the late Mr A. M. Davies, be(liicsis wee made to the. branch. Grateful acknowledgement ol the consideration accorded by tho Palmerston North and Danncviike Ilospital Boards is made and also the sympathetic co-operation of the medical superintendents (Mr J II North and Dr. W. Bcodie) and their stalls. Tho medical and vocational committees havo reviewed many eases, and tlicir decisions have brought* beneficial results regarding effective treatment of cases and congenial conditions of employment Thanks are expressed to Misses F* Aitkon and M. Boole for their indefatigable work in the interests of the crippled children. The work of tho welfare coinmitteo is reviewed in detail. Tho register shows that, the number of registered cases in this district increased from 52 in 1036 to 148 at the end of March. 1941. New cases during the past vear totalled 29. In Palmerston North lbore are 60. in Foilding 9, and ill Dannevirko 13.