CARE OF CRIPPLED CHILDREN

Southland Times, Issue 24210, 21 August 1940, Page 6

CARE OF CRIPPLED CHILDREN

PROGRESS OF WORK IN SOUTHLAND The progress of the movement for the care of crippled children in Southland was discussed by Sister Janet in an address at the luncheon of the Invercargill Rotary Club yesterday. She spoke chiefly of the work of the Women’s Auxiliary and appealed for greater financial support. She urged members to give practical assistance by offering companionship to some of the b..ys whose infirmities tended to make them bitter about their state of life. Rotary had sponsored the work for the benefit of the crippled children since the inception of the movement, she said. In Invercargill as in all other centres very valuable assistance had been given by the Rotary Club. When contacts were made by the society with the parents of crippled children the society’s four doctors made a thorough examination and reported on the opportunities for benefiting the child. After hospital treatment had been given there was still a great deal that could be done and in this department the Women’s Auxiliary gave its most valuable service. Inspiring leadership was provided by the president, Mrs F. M. Corkill. The members each took a number of c ildren under their supervision, visiting them in their homes, providing comforts where necessary and awakening their interest in arts and crafts. Splendid results had been secured in many cases and children who had been sadly crippled were now much better in health. Perhaps one of the finest achievements was the development of interests in outside affairs which added greatly to the happiness of the children. The society’s work was carried on largely by the subscription of members. A limited grant was received from the interest on Lord Nuffield’s fund. In the last two years the society had exceeded its income and if the work was to continue a larger membership would be necessary. Parents whose children were normal might well contribute to the funds of the society as a thanks offering.

There were some cases on the books of the society which might be assisted by the companionship of men. The work which could be done by women was limited and men could play their part. Valuable assistance could also be given by employers in affording trials for cripples so that they might gain c nfidence in taking part in the life of the community.