Helping the Crippled Children

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 249, 22 October 1935, Page 10

Helping the Crippled Children

SOCIETY SEEKS CO-OPERATION OF HOSPITAL BOARD Co-operation in tho work tliat it is doing was souglit by tho Manawatu branch of tho New Zealand Crippled Children Society from the Palmerston North Hospital Board yesterday, a deputation from tho former body, consisting of Messrs W. G. Black and S. Rawle, waiting- on tho board. Mr Black said the society had been formed last year through tho Rotary organisation in tho belief that it would do valuable work in the after-care of crippled children after they had received the treatment deemed necessary. After mentioning Lord Nuflield’s magnificent gift of £50,000, Mr Black detailed tho work it was proposed t« do throughout the Dominion. If a child’s parents were ablo to pay for treatment, it was felt that they should pay, but where the parents were in indigent circumstances, treatment would be free. The co-operation of the British Medical Association had been obtained, and to safeguard the interests of medical' men, a referee committee had been set up. A survey was being made of the number of children in New Zealand needing treatment.

The Manawatu branch of the society, Mr Black added, sought the cooperation of tho Hospital B'oard in its efforts, the appointment of tho medical superintendent, as a member of the executive and medical referee committee, to ensure a permanent practical link with the society, and the help of the board in making the survey.

Mr Rawle said the branch was seeking an assurance of the board’s co-op-eration in its efforts.. In regard to the making of Tho survey, the board’s district nurses would be able to give valuable help. Lord Nuffield’s gift had stirred the interest of the people, and the result of tho society’s efforts would be of immense good. Answering a question by the chairman, Mr Black said the society was not asking the board to provido accommodation. For the first 12 months no part of Lord Nuffield’s gift would be used for building purposes, but if, at the end of that time, it was found that a national institution was necessary, some of the fund might be spent for such purpose. On, the retirement of tho deputation the matter was discussed in committee. Later, in open meeting, a resolution was confirmed instructing the managing-secretary to ascertain from the Hospital Boards’ Association what other boards are doing, and also to write to the Manawatu branch of the Crippied Children Society commending it on the work being done.