FINAL SING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27541, 8 November 1950, Page 8

FINAL SING

Good Response To Old People’s Appeal DR MOODY COMMENDS WORK There was a large attendance at the final community sing of the year held in the Main Town Hall last night, and £235 was raised for the Otago Old People’s Welfare Council. A gold bangle was sold for £25, and a fruit cake realised £6 10s. The leader, Mr J. F. Himburg, said that the singing was of a high standard. Items were given by the 4YA Midweek Revue under Mr Gil Dech, and Mr A. H. Pettitt and his daughter, Anne, played a piano duet. The chairman of the Otago Hospital Board, Dr A. S. Moody, spoke on the problem associated with the care of old people in Dunedin and the province of Otago. He said that the Otago Old People’s Welfare Council was doing work that only those who were interested in old folk appreciated. It was a problem on which he, as a medical man. realised the necessity of solving, because without some solution the burden of costs would increase to an impossible extent. “ The need for the care of these old people is essential before they reach the hospitalisation stage,” said Dr Moody, “as it is largely through neglect of food, clothing, and housing that they become a burden upon the State. I feel that, as funds become available, the Otago Old People’s Welfare Council should turn its attention to providing a suitable centre where the more mentally and physically infirm group could be properly housed and cared for. It is in this group that—if one investigated—one would find that many are committed prematurely to mental institutions. “That this provision In attending to old people early rather than late is worth while is* proved by the statement made to me by the medical superintendent of Orsett Lodge Hospital, London. He said that the committals of old people to mental institutions from their hospital, where modern methods of treatment were carried out (in old buildings), did not reach 2 per cent. “It is not only a question for the Otago Old People’s Welfare Council.” Dr Moody concluded, “ but one for the whole community, including local bodies and the Government." The Mayor, Sir Donald Cameron, thanked the Community Sing Committee for the work it had done during the year. Donations of £2 and over received were:—£4o: Begg’s Musical Army (proceeds of concert). £8 3s 6d: Dunedin tramways employees (Nurses’ Memorial Fund). £5: E. G. Costello (183 King street), Ron Anderson (Stirling), “Kia Ora,” C. J. K. .(Waikouaiti), A. A. G. (Djunedin). £3: Moa Flat branch WDFF. £2 10s: Maheno boys’ Guy Fawkes effort. £2 2s: Craigiela (Tapui), “Wellwisher” (Milton), “Wellwisher” (Miller’s Flat) £2: Biscuit-packing girls (Hudson’s). Mrs Catto and Mrs Adamson (Lune street, Oamaru). Total (with amounts £1 and under and goods sold), £235.