SCHOOL ESTABLISHED AT THE PALMERSTON NORTH HOSPITAL

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7294, 2 August 1930, Page 10

SCHOOL ESTABLISHED AT THE PALMERSTON NORTH HOSPITAL

To Help Yoathful Patients Yesterday saw the establishment of a ipecial scholastic class at the Palmerston Worth public hospital, this being introduced for tho benefit of the inmates of the children's ward. Temporary quarters have been found in the spacious glassed-in verandah adjacent to the youthful patients and desks, with full equipment are provided. Miss M. L. Shelton, daughter- of Mr. A. Shelton, Chief Postmaster- at Palmerston Worth, has been appointed to the position of teacher and indications point to this form of education bearing highly successful results. Such classes have been instituted in other large hospitals throughout the Dominion, and it is understood that no pressure is imposed on the children, tho lessons being given under pleasant and ideal conditions. It is expected that the Palmerston Worth class will average about 20 pupils. Capitation will be paid on the usual basis and virtually the class is a sideschool of the Terrace End school, the teacher being under the jurisdiction c-f that commmittee and under the control of the headmaster. Miss Shelton, who is in charge of the children's school, has special qualifies tions and has had experience in social welfare work under the auspices of tho Wellington Education Board. Although desks are provided, a number of % children will necessarily have to be taught while in their cots and accordingly the greatest taet and benevolence is required by the mistress in charge. Official Opening. < Those present at the official opening ’ceremony included the chairman of the iWanganni Education Board, Mr. W. A. Collins; Messrs. J. S. Tdngey, a mem. ber of the board; W. H. Swanger, secretary; 3. K. Homblow, chairman of the Hospital Board; Mrs. L. A, Abraham, -a member of the board; Mrs. Homblow, Dr. Ward, medical superintendent; Miss McGhie, matron of tho rpital; Messrs. W. B. Cameron and W. Thompson, chairman of the Terrace End school and headmaster respectively and Miss Shelton, the teacher cf the special class. Wumerous apologies for unavoidable fcfoeenee were received, Mr. Hornblow apologising for the absence of Dr. Valintine (lato Director-General of Health), Dr. Bett (medical officer In charge of the children’s ward) and Dr. Putnam. Mr. Homblow, in a brief speech, outlined tho scheme about to be commenced and expressed thanks to the Wanganui Board for the prompt manner in which they had set np the school and provided the necessary equipment. The Education Board had provided the supplies in conjunction with the Department. Similar classes, in other centres, had met with great success and the teaching not only maintained the educational knowledge but was also

instrumental in keeping the patients’ mind occupied. The speaker concluded by adding that he felt sure that the Terrace End committee and Mr. Thompson would lend every assistance to the movement. Mr. Collins declared that a similar school had been operating for nine years at Wanganui and that the Hospital Board could have had it introduced in Palmerston North sooner had the educational authorities been approached. It was Mr. Homblow who had fought hard for the scheme and he had been heartily supported in his aims by Mrr Swanger. He felt sure that, although the teacher would have “a hard tow to hoe,” Miss Shelton was ably fitted for tho work and would allow for the fluctuations in the pupils’ health. It was with the greatest cf pleasure that he declared the school Open. j That the success of the class would Bepend entirely upon the co-operation jp£ the Hospital Beard and the ability (q£ the teacher whs the opinion adJpaiteed by Mr. Thompson, who went on too state that he felt sure it would prove feghly beneficial. The teacher , had been requested not to worry about examinations but merely to ''help along” her pupils where possible. Mr. Cameron assured those present Iffiat Ms committee would do all in its power to assist tho movement and ho felt also that all the schools in Palmerston North would accord it full support. Dr. Ward stated that the scheme had been mooted by the matron, Miss Me--ohie and a debt of gratitude was accordingly due to her. The appointment of such a teacher would Telicve the nursing staff of a great deal of fejetra work and would materially assist the patients. Mr. Tingey also endorsed the genferal remarks and Mrs. Abraham-moved a vote of thanks to the board for the establishment of the school, after which tooming t tea was dispensed by the Matron at the Nurses’-Home.