MASSAGE BURSARIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26229, 13 August 1946, Page 6

MASSAGE BURSARIES

STUDIES IN ENGLAND GOVERNMENT SCHEME (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Aug/ 12. The Government has decided to assist selected masseuses to travel to England to train for and pass the teaching examinations conducted by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Announcing this to-day, the Minister of Health, Mr Nordmeyer, said there was a limited number of positions in the massage profession in New Zealand for which training qualifications were necessary, and as these qualifications could not be obtained in the Dominion the Government would grant one bursary annually to cover the cost of the return fare to England to a maximum of £250.

Successful applicants, who must have already passed the State massage examination in New Zealand, will be required to accept positions’ as junior teachers at the New Zealand School of Physiotherapy in Dunedin for one year at the ruling rates of pay before going overseas. This period will count as a reduction of the period required in England, and bursars will have the option of taking either or both of the teaching qualifications granted by the Chartered Society. Either of the qualifications,' “ teacher of massage and medical gymnastics” and “teacher of medical electricity,” can be taken after a further six months’ training in England, or both qualifications after nine months’ training. It is usual for students, while training in England, to be paid by the training school the salary of a junior physiotherapist. Each bursar will be required to give an undertaking to return to New Zealand on passing the examination and to serve for at least three years in an approved position which calls for the use of teaching qualifications. Applications for the first bursary will be invited shortly.