HEALTH CAMP

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 23 January 1939, Page 6

HEALTH CAMP

HAPPY TIME FOR CHILDREN LAST DAY TO-MORROW AT RICHMOND SPECIAL TREATMENT BRINGS ABOUT IMPROVEMENT (Contributed) A month in a health camp—what does it convey to the general public? Well, here are some details. The children in the Nelson camp held at Richmond Showgrounds from 28th December to 24th January have been especially chosen by the school nurse and doctor from the whole of the Nelson Education Board’s district as far as Westport in the south and Puponga in the north. These children need that special treatment which only a health camp can give them- special diet, including plenty of milk, fruit and vegetables, rest periods, sun and sea bathing and organised games and exercise. The children are under the supervision of a capable staff, of which Miss Dobson, of the Health Department, has been in charge as matron. Forty-five boys and girls were accepted for the camp and it is a revelation to see them after four weeks’ health camp treatment. There was not much difference for the first few days, then up went the scales, some only 2 or 31b, then 4,5, 6 and up to 101 b. They have been able to swim in the sea near the showgrounds owing to the abnormally high ties recently. They have rflso been to the Appleby river and Tahuna beach. Some of the children have learnt to swim during their stay in Nelson camp. Last week a day was spent in seeing the sights of Nelson under the guidance of Mr S. W. Street. They were first taken to the aerodrome, then a tour through Anzac Park and the Fire Station, and explained the different parts of the engines and equipment. Next to Dodson’s cordial factory where, of course, they sampled the drinks, then through the Baths and Queen’s Gardens. They then had a hearty meal after which they made for camp. On Sunday mornings a service has been held at 10 o’clock, for which the committee is grateful to the members of the Dunedin Methodist Central Mission party, Archdeacon Kimberley, the Rev. M. Ayrton, and the Rev. Mr Every who liuve in turn taken services.

ENTERTAINMENT SIDE The entertainment side has not been lost sight of either. Messrs B. and R. Trathen generously showed them moving pictures. Mr Fred Jones put on a great show last week and was ably assisted by Dr. Geo. Lock and Miss Chennells. Several visitors were present and the adults seemed to be having as happy a time as the children, especially during the bun eating competition. he camp draws to a close to-morrow morning and the children return to their homes after having a wonderful time, and it is to be hoped that the parents of these children will try to maintain the good work to keep their children fit and well. The committee wishes to thank everyone who in any way has contributed to the camp with donations of fruit, vegetables, books and toys. It is to be hoped that during this year the Association will have its cwn buildings especially designed and built for the purpose at Stoke. FINANCING THE CAMPS As to how these camps are financed there seems to be some misunderstanding. It is entirely voluntary and not run by the State as a number of people imagine. The only assistance given by the State are the services of the matron in charge, and the school nurse and doctor in selecting the children for admission, and the medical attention whilst in camp. The Government will subsidise the King George V memorial buildings but the upkeep and running of the camps is made possible only by the public in subscribing freely to th‘e funds and buying health stamps. This year the Association has had a generous response from the public m buying health stamps in which the local Post Office officials and postmen were particularly helpful. The Association wishes to thank the outlying districts for their help in this respect. The Westport quota were paid for entirely by the Westport committee and were not a charge on the local funds. Anyone who is interested in this fine work may have further details from the president, Mr Hedley J. Savage, or the honorary secretary, Mr F. Trask.