THAMES DENTAL CLINIC

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22193, 21 August 1935, Page 16

THAMES DENTAL CLINIC

POSSIBILITY OF CLOSING DISTRICT SCHOOL AFFAIRS [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] THAMES, Tuesday The possibility of the Thames dental clinic being forced to close owing to lack of finance was emphasised by the chairman of the Thames District School Committee, Mr. J. H. Hodge, at last night's meeting. Mr. Hodge said the dental nurse j would be leaving shortly to be married and he doubted if another nurse would be appointed unless the financial position was greatly improved. The secretary, Mr. W. S. Clark, submitted figures showing that the cost of maintaining the clinic for the year ended June 30 last was £6l 17s. Of this amount the proportion to be found bv the three Thames schools was £4l 17s, but only £23 9s had been received so far. The secretary said he had little hope of the position improving unless a special effort were made by headmasters to collect the schools' quotas. The only alternative he could suggest would be to make an annual charge of 5s for each child treated. Mr. P. L. Jenkin said he would strongly object to such a course, as it would raise the question of class distinction and defeat the object for which the clinic had been instituted by the committee. Other members strongly criticised the apathetic attitude toward the clinic, which, they emphasised, was a great booh to the children of poorer parents. The secretary was invited to forward a copy of his statement to the headmasters concerned, pointing out the seriousness of the state of the clinic finances. • The Central Tennis Club wrote seeking renewal of its tenure of the school tennis court for the coming season. Owing to heavy expenses the club asked to be relieved "of its obligation of making a donation to the school funds next season, and offered to provide a new net. Application was renewed for permission to play on Sundays from 12.30 p.m., the club intimating that if this request were granted it would seriously consider asking permission to lay down a second court. The committee agreed to grant the club the use of the court free for the season, members paying tribute to the club's good work in maintaining the court. On the question of Sunday play, however, it was decided to notify the club that under the school regulations the committee had no authority in the matter.