TURAKINA HEALTH CAMP

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19440, 28 October 1925, Page 11

TURAKINA HEALTH CAMP

APPEAL FOR THE CHILDREN PUBLIC HELP NEEDED Mr W. A. Collins, chairman of the Wanganui Education Board, writes as follows: As chairman of the Wanganui Education Board, I should like, with your permission, to bring before your readers the Turakina Health Camp. It is proposed to hold the camp about not later than the third week in November, so that a. full five weeks, if possible, can be devoted to it, which period is not too long to get the best results,

and it will end when the term holidays begin, thus giving eleven weeks in all. There is hardly any need for me to stress the very great benefits to be derived By children who are below normal. Past experience has shown that these camps are beyond the experimental stage, as figures given by Dr. Elizabeth Gunn, who was instrumental in promoting the camps, are beyond question. Admitting the above to bo correct, and after hearing Dr Gunn’s statement on Wednesday, which was published by the Press, as to the small percentage of children who did not benefit as the doctor would have wished, I am confident that the money required for the purpose will be easily forthcoming. The camp will, as in the past, be held on Mr B. P. Lethbridge’s farm. In this connection I would like to point out that the holding of the camp has only been made possible through the zeal and generosity of Mr and Mrs'Lethbridge. Mr Lethbridge has equipped the camp in so far that a large open shed was erected for a dining room, and also for the children to have their lessons in. I may, in passing, say that this feature of school life is not neglected, as students from the Training College are in attendance. Mr Lethbridge has, also at his own expense, arranged for a good water supply, also bath and latrine accommodation. In

addition, he has supplied meat, potatoes, firewood and milk, besides putting in the greater part of his time assisting. Mr Lethbridge has done all this in order that the children, who are not in the best of health, will not be handicapped in life. I am sure you will agree with mi. when I say that the people of Wanganui will show a want of gratitude, if they do not find the wherewithal to carry out this scheme. I am sure that the money will be forthcoming, but what we want to see is that it will be available at once, so that details can be arranged. Dr. Gunn states the cost, above Mr Lethbridge’s contribution, at about one shilling per day for each child for food alone, so that with one hundred in camp, five pounds per day at the least is required. As Palmerston North, Marton, and Feilding will find their portion, it should be an easy matter for Wanganui to do their part. In making this appeal, I would like to point out that even if the life of one child is saved, or one is benefited in health, the camp will have been cheap, and worth all the trouble.

Last year the camp was not held, owing to Mr Lethbridge being absent from the Dominion, so that no appeal was made for funds. Groceries and goods useful in the camp will be greatly appreciated, and any such sent to the Education Board office will be acknowledged, as also will all cash donations. In conclusion. I would say to the public, “Do it now.” No charge is made to any parent, rich or poor.