BRITISH CHILDREN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23769, 24 September 1940, Page 9

BRITISH CHILDREN

NO CHANGE IN PLANS EVACUATION TO DOMINION Recent despatches received by the Government indicated no variation in, the decision ot' the British authorities to send a number of children to New Zealand, said the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry, last night. Very complete arrangements had been made for the reception and satisfactory placing of any who were sent to the Dominion, he added. Nominations of children by relatives in New Zealand were still being received, as were offers to take any child allotted. Mr. Parry said the sympathy that New Zealand mothers bad extended to the mothers of Britain was particularly touching and was warmly appreciated.

FREE TREATMENT OFFER HOSPITAL OUT-PATIENTS - A decision to provide free outpatient treatment for British children transferred to New Zealand on account of the war was reached at a meeting of the Auckland Hospital Board last night. The Director-General of Health, Dr. M. H. Watt, raised the question in a letter, in which he stated: —"Among the measures of assistance which it is desired to render to foster-parents is the provision of any necessary medical, dental and hospital care for the children. Children generally will be entitled to hospital benefits under the Social Security Act. I am approaching hospital boards to afford out-patient treatment for these children at their institutions. Arrangements are being made for children of school age to receive free any treatment within the scope* of school dental clinics, and I am approaching the New Zealand Dental Association and the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association for any assistance within their power." "I agree, but I want the New Zealand children included, too," said Mrs. M. M. Dreaver. "We are paying for social security and not getting it. I feel all children should get the free outpatient treatment, because they are not getting it yet." The chairman, Mr. Allan J. Moody, said it would bo a gracious gesture to accede to the suggestion. The board agreed to the request.