HEALTH CAMP

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21555, 18 January 1940, Page 6

HEALTH CAMP

Children Gain In

Weight

Average of Two and a Half

Pounds

Gains in weight up tp four pounds with an average gain of two and a haff pounds were registered by the child - en at the health camp at “The Puw” after their first week in residence. “The children are very happy and have all good colour in their cheeks. ' said the Matron. Miss E. M- Crawford, to a reporter yesterday. “The resting and the early hours have indeed done them good.” Set in extensive, shady grounds, with stretches of lawn and garden, “The Pines” is a splendid location for the health camp, and the children yesterday appeared to have ample scope to amuse themselves. The health of the children, however, is the main concern of the camp. The daily routine is spaced with rest periods and strict attention is paid to diet Shortly after rising the children are marshalled for deep breathing and light exercises and are given half an orange each before breakfast. After a period of play milk is served at 10 o’clock and from 10.45 to 11.45 is an hour of complete rest. Another hour’s rest follows the mid-day meal with another before tea at 5 o’clock. A popular feature of the afternoon programme is the issue of ice cream at 3 o’clock. The bathing of the 45 inmates commences at 6.15 and all are in bed an hour later.

Four voluntary aids are assisting in the work of the camp, one from the Red Cross on night duty, and two High School girls and a boy in the day time. The amusements of the children have included excursions to Caroline Bay and Timaru Park, walks to the Scenic Rc r ::*ve and a visit to a Shirley Temple film. Public interest in the camp does not appear to have been so keen as in previous years, and donations in the form of fruit and vegetables have been rather disappointing. Many of the donations received, the Matron said, have come from the parents of the children, some of whom could ill afford it. Any donations during the remaining period of the camp would be greatly appreciated.