CRIPPLED CHILDREN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22210, 10 September 1935, Page 11

CRIPPLED CHILDREN

OFFER OF HOME AT THAMES ACCEPTANCE IMPRACTICABLE [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT") THAMES. Monday Regarding the recent offer of the Claxton family to give a valuable house and site for the purpose of a crippled children's home at Thames, a letter was received at to-day's meeting of tho Thames Hospital Board from Mr. Malcolm Fraser, secretary of tho society, stating that he was directed to advise tho board that the offer had received full consideration, and while the executive greatly appreciated the generosity of the donors, the New Zealand Society was not in a position to accept it. It was no part of tho society's policy to establish homes for crippled children until the necessity for such was clearly proved. The letter had been shown to Mr. Claxton, who wrote that his family did not propose to allow the property in question to bo sold and the proceeds devoted to the funds of the society. The purpose of tho offer was to provide a homo for crippled children at Thames, and as apparently there was no possibility of this being done, the offer would be amended so that the place could bo used by the board as a convalescent homo or a children's hospital provided it was maintained in an efficient state by the board. If tho board could not accept the property for either of tho foregoing purposes, the offer would have to be reluctantly withdrawn unreservedly.

The chairman, Mr. P. Brenan, said it was obvious, considering the expense, that a home could not be maintained. The board was greatly appreciative of tho generous offer, but ho personally considered that it would bo better to have central homes, where the latest facilities and equipment would be available.

The board decided that Mr. Claxton's attitude be endorsed and that he be allowed to withdraw his offer as tho board could not accept it. A letter was received from the actingtown clerk regarding the appointment of a Thames auxiliary committee for the New Zealand Crippled Children's Society, in accordance with the desire of tho Auckland branch of the society. It was suggested that the Hospital Board should appoint a member. The board appointed its chairman.