CHILDREN’S HEALTH CAMP FUND

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 3 October 1936, Page 2

CHILDREN’S HEALTH CAMP FUND

MEETING AT RICHMOND ENTHUSIASM IS SHOWN One of the most widely representative meetings held in Richmond in connection with any local or district movement took place in the Council Chambers on Thursday evening, the purpose being to consider ways and means of supporting the worthy cause of the Nelson Children’s Health Camp. In the absence of the Mayor, for whom he apologised, the DeputyMayor (Mr A. Tuffnell) presided. The following organisations were represented: —Richmond Fire Brigade (Capt. G. Wilkes), Girl Guide Committee (Mrs McNabb), Methodist Church (the Rev. B. Dudley), Choral Society (Mrs May and Mr J. Heslop), School Committee (H. L. Brown and R. McEwen), Scouts and Cubs (J. G. Cressey and M. J. McGlashen), Toe H. (A. Hunter and R. McNabb), W.D.F.U. (Mrs Woods and Mrs R. McNabb), Women’s Institute (Mrs Godman and Mrs F. Wilkes), Plunket Society (Mrs Gilbert and Mrs H. Stratford), Appleby School (Mr J. R. Grigg), Hope School (Mr McDowell), Ranzau School (Mr W. Jessop and Mr Smith), Postmaster >'Mr E. Ollerenshaw), Richmond Borough Council (Councillors A. Tuffnell and M. H. McGlashen), Town Clerk (Mr M. Watt). Apologies were received from the Rev. C . F. Saunders and Pastor Latta, also from Mr A. Brown, of Redwood’s Valley. Mr Hedley Savage (president), and Mr S. W. Street (secretary) of the Nelson Children’s Health Camp Association, were present by invitation and both addressed the meeting.

CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS “It is very gratifying indeed to have such a splendid response, as is indicated by the 1 number of representatives here this evening, to the appeal for assistance in this year’s campaign in bupport of the Children’s Health Camp Fund,” said Mr Tuffnell. “As most of you will know the Post and Telegraph Department took a very prominent part in their earlier efforts made in this connection. Last year the organisation throughout New Zealand was conducted by a gentleman named Mr Hooker, of Hawera, in conjunction with the Postmaster-Gen-eral with a splendid result, over £ll,000 being contributed from all sources. “This year the Postmaster-General lias been authorised to again take part in the campaign, more particularly in connection with the sale of stamps, but I think I am correct in saying that it is more desirable that local efforts should be organised with a view to raising a direct contribution to the local district fund. “However, the first step has been taken by the Postal Department, and the first approach to the Council came through the local Postmaster, who is present this evening, and I have now much pleasure in asking him to outline certain suggestions that have been made for the conduct of the campaign. “Before Mr Ollerenshaw speaks I would like to refer to the work that was done last year by the members of the W.D.F.U. and the Women’s Institute who joined forces and made an extensive canvas of the borough and through direct donations and sale of Health stamps contributed largely to the local district funds.” LAST YEAR’S RESULTS AND THE . WORK AHEAD Mr Ollerenshaw then gave an outline of the scheme in practice last year and the results achieved, which it was hoped would be exceeded this year, and from the interest being shown in the present meeting Mr Ollerenshaw said he felt sure that would be the case. Mr Savage then addressed the meeting on the work of the Nelson Association which had been accomplished in the camp last year, and what it was hoped to do this coming year when it was possible the camp would be held at Tahuna. Mr Savage referred to a rather striking fact in last year’s experience, that about two-thirds of the children selected came from the country districts, and it was felt that a change to the seaside at Tahuna this year would be more beneficial to the country children than would a camp at Wakefield, although he said the conditions at Wakefield for a camp of this kind were perfect. There were difficulties to be overcome, if the forthcoming camp is held at Tahuna but he felt sure these would be overcome and he was looking forward to a very successful camp during the holidays.

Mr,Street then enlarged to some extent on what the president had said by quoting actual figures and numbers and giving a very clear insight into the workings and results of the movement as far as these could be ascertained. Mr Street paid a tribute to the help that had been received from all sections of the community, but for which the undertaking could not have been carried through so successfully. Reference was made to the very gratifying results of the street appeal made in Nelson that day in over £43 being collected. In conclusion the speaker referred to the need for personal interest in those who had received treatment and benefit at the camps and urged upon all, as they had opportunity, especially the women’s organisations, to endeavour to follow up in the homes of these children what had only really been started in the camps, otherwise no permanent benefit would result.

A number of questions were answered, and both the speakers were accorded a very hearty vote of thanks. The meeting then discussed the question for which it had been called together, namely to arrange some form of means of raising funds for the camp. OTHER DISTRICTS A question was asked as to whether the effort to be made was to be confined to Richmond and those parts of the district represented at the meeting. The Postmaster explained that the territory for which he was responsible did not extend beyond Hope, Appleby, and Redwood’s Valley, and it was thought other places such as Stoke and Brightwater would get up something themselves. The postal officials in other places would receive instructions. QUEEN CARNIVAL Mr Cressey suggested that a committee should be appointed from the meeting to undertake and further the movement.

Mr Hunter recommended that in view of the nature of the cause for which the appeal was being made that a direct canvas of the borough and district should be made. After some further discussion Mr McGlashen moved that it be decided by the representatives present to hold

a queen carnival or something of that nature, and that a committee be formed to carry out this proposal. Mr Cressey seconded this suggestion which subsequently was carried.

COMMITTEE

Nominations were then received for the committee and the following were elected:—Messrs Grigg, McDowell, Smith, Jessop, and A. Brown (representing the country area), Mrs W. H. May and representatives to be appointed from the W.D.F.U. and Women’s Division, Messrs Cressey, McEwen, Muir, McGlashen, the Rev. Mr Dudley, his Worship the Mayor, DeputyMayor, Councillor McGlashen, with representatives to be appointed for the Fire Brigade and Toe H (for the borough). The Town Clerk was appointed convenor and the Postmaster treasurer of the fund. A date for the function to be held was left in the hands of the committee which will hold a meeting as early as possible to carry out the suggestions adopted.