CRIPPLE CHILDREN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23042, 20 May 1938, Page 14

CRIPPLE CHILDREN

NUMBERS INCREASING CARE AND TRAINING ACTIVITIES OF SOCIETY The annual report of the Auckland branch of tlieti New Zealand Crippled Children Society, wbielr was presented at ft meeting -in the Seddon Memorial Technical College last night, reveals that there are on the files details of 529 cases of crippled children residing in the Auckland district, and the numbers are increasing. The infantile paralysis epidemic of last year added a considerable number, stated the report; but other crippling diseases, as well as accidents, indicate that the problem seemed unlikely to disappear through progress,, in medical work. The report expressed the gratification of the branch at the assistance received from citizens during the year, particularly for the gift by Mr. and Mrs. W. It. Wilson of their home at Takapuna for the establishment of a centre of operations. The Auckland Hospital Board accepted the trust of administration and the home was opened during the year with about 30 beds. - Provision for Education

Considerable progress in providing for the education of children under the care of the branch, had been made, visiting teachers supplementing the correspondence tuition courses sent out by the Education Department. In addition to the normal education, a beginning had been made with the vocational training of crippled children, the branch having utilised existing educational and commercial institutions for this purpose. As funds became available a vocational training centre with special buildings, equipment and staff, along the lines of the New Zealand Institute for the Blind, would be established. The meeting placed on record its appreciation of the help and co-operation of the staff and students of the Seddon Memorial Technical College, from : whom a donation of £144 had been received during the year. It was stated that the granting of the use of the college buildings as a headquarters meant a saving of £SOO to the branch last year. On behalf of members, the executive committee expressed its gratitude to the honorary medical officer, Dr. W. C. McCaw, the honorary secretary and treasurer, Mr. G. J. Park, and to the other officers of the honorary staff. The Election of Officers Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows:—President, Sir Ernest Davis; vice-presidents, Archbishop Averill, the Rev. Dr. A, J. Hodge, Bishop Liston, the Rev. A. Astor, Dr. Bertram, Mr. D. V. Bryant (Hamilton), Mrs.: M. Christian (Tauraiiga), Dr. W. Gilmour, Mr. F. A. Jones (Dargaville), Dr. T. W. J. Johnson, Dr. J. 'l'. Laurehson (Matamata), Mr. W. Marshall (Paeroa), Mr. K. B. Myers, Mr. K. Mackenzie, Mrs. J. B. McFarlane, Dr. F. D Pinfold (Hamilton), Sir G. Richardson, Mr. H. C. Rishworth (Whangarei), Mr. W. Sullivan (Whakatane), Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Wilson, Mr. T. U. Wells, Mr. C. H. Priestley (Cambridge). Honorary secretary and treasurer, Mr. G. J. Park; acting-secretary and treasurer, Mr. W. E. Burley; honorary medical officer, Dr. W. Guthbebrt McCaw; honorary auditors, Messrs. Chambers, Worth and Chambers; honorary architects, Messrs. Glimmer and Ford; honorary solicitor, Mr, A. L. Spence; medical consulting committee, Drs. Johnson, Gilmour and Craven and Mr. Kenneth Mackenzie.

Executive Committee. Chairman, Mr. A. L. Spence; deputy-chairman, Mr. A. K. North; members/ Messrs. G. L. Taylor, A. S, Bailey, E. W. Cassels Brown, W. E. Burley, IW. Eraser, Mrs. W. T. Ahderton, Miss B. E. Carnachan, Dr. J. W. Craven, the Rev. J. J. Kelly, Messrs. T. Lamont, D. E. Leslie, J. W. McGechie, W. Calder Mackay, A. G. Poison, P. Harrison, Mrs. D. Dillon, Mr. E. F. Snell (representing the New Zealand Educational Institute), and Mrs. J. B. Callan (representing the Catholic Women's League). •'