WAIKATO CHILDREN’S CAMP.

Waikato Independent, Volume XXX, Issue 2425, 9 December 1930, Page 4

WAIKATO CHILDREN’S CAMP.

Of all the many splendid schemes that have been devised for spreading happiness during the holiday season, we know of none more praiseworthy than that under the auspices of the Waikato Children’s Camp League. It was a very happy idea that led Mrs Hilda Boss, Mr Win. Paul and one or two other kindly-disposed people in Hamilton to propose a holiday at'the seaside for children whose parents were unable to afford to send them away. Commenced in a humble way, a few years ago, the scheme rapidly extended in its scope until last January some two hundred children participated in a holiday at the Waikato Heads —a time that they will remember all their lives. The league now has in Camp Fergasson a magnificent reserve vested in it. Situated at Port Waikato, at the mouth of the Waikato River, with excellent facilities for bathing and games, and set amid charming scenic surroundings, with a background of glorious native bush, this fine reserve is an ideal spot lor such a gathering as this annual picnic or camp, and all who have attended these have been deeply impressed with their beneficial, effect, on the children. The children who attend ate not confined to Hamilton, but hail from all parts of the Waikato, including Cambridge, Putaruru, Morrinsville, Matamata, To Awamutu, etc. —children who would not be able to enjoy such a holiday but for this splendid organisation. The whole camp is provided free of cost, [s not this a wonderful undertaking, that should appeal to every humanitarian, especially at this season of the year? Many of the children who assemble at these camps have had but little happiness in their lives. Some are poorly nourished —some have scarcely ever had a holiday, at all in their.lives. aCreful notes taken by competent men and women show that the childrens attending the camps have not only enjoyed themselves immensely, but have improved wonderfully in health as a result .of the free life in the open air, the good nourishing food provided, and the indulgence in healthy pastimes. In this way the league is doing a national work, in building up healthy boys and girls, and helping to fit them to become happy, useful/ members of the community. All honour is due to the noble band of ladies and men .who have set themselves this -work of love year by year, in organising and carrying through these camps. The league is a co-operative affair, in which anyone can become an active member. Bond's to the value of 2/6 each are being issued, and the public are asked to subscribe what they can afford to help this most deserving object. Encouraged by previous successes, the executive is now providing permanent quarters at the camp. This building scheme will c n st about £IOOO, in addition to which the feeding and entertainment of a family of some two hundred children for a. , fortnight is a very heavy burden; therefore all the help that can be secured will be required for this year’s effort. Cambridge residents have always accorded their hearty support to any worthy object, and we are sure they will help the Waikato Camp League. Bonds, at 2/6 each, can be secured at: the Waikato Independent office, or direct from Mrs Hilda Ross, or Mir Wm. Psa.nl, the indefatigable lion, secretary and chairman respectively of , the organisation.