Support for Camp Federation

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 246, 18 October 1935, Page 10

Support for Camp Federation

WOULD PLACE SCHEME ON MORE STABLE BASIS

Support for the suggestion that health camp movements should be placed on a sound and stable basis in New Zealand was forthcoming in the report presented at the annual meeting of the Wellington Children’s Health Camp Association. It was considered that the best way would be by the establishing of a Dominion-wide organisation —a Dominion federation of health camps.

“All the camps established in New Zealand would gain in influence, service and status by combining into one Dominion organisation,” said the report. “Under the proposed federation, each association would continue to be self-contained and self-managing. We have reason to believe that the hope we entertain of the formation of a Dominion federation of health camps has the warm support of the Minister of Health, the Hon. Sir Alexander Young.” During the year, SSS children were admitted to the Otaki camp, an increase of 26 over the total of last year. The minimum stay was six weeks and there was scarcely a case of an undernourished child who did not show “almost miraculous improvement.” With exception of six weeks’ closure in August-Septembcr, 1934, to allow for spring-cleaning and renovations, the camp was open all the year. During the winter months, the number of children admitted was kept at 40, increasing in October to 50, and December to 100. Cases were admitted from Wellington, Gisbourne, Napier, Hastings and Dannevirke. A large proportion of children improved so promptly and consistently as to allow of their discharge in six weeks; a certain number required a longer oeriod, but ultimately left camp considerably improved in condition. Value of the period in camp for children convalescing from an exhausting illness, such as whooping cough, pneumonia or influenza, is becoming increasingly evident from the number of requests received from medical practitioners in the city to admit cases leaving their care. The valuable work being carried out at Otaki is being repeated at numerous other camps between Southland and Auckland.