REASON FOR THE APPEAL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20013, 2 December 1927, Page 6

REASON FOR THE APPEAL

It may perhaps be argued that a work of this nature, partaking as it does of a community character, should be a charge upon the public funds rather than upon private purses. While that aspect of the matter need not be disputed, it is, nevertheless, necessary to point out that it is invariably the case that all movements for social betterment have to rely in their early days upon voluntary effort and that it is not till they have justified their existence that any claim they may have upon public support is admitted. Perhaps it is as well that this should be so, otherwise the public would certainly find itself called upon to pay for a multiplicity of schemes, the majority of. which would be found showing no record of performance that justified recognition.

Whether the continued success of the Turakina children’s health camp has reached that point which fairly entitles it to assistance from the public purse is a point which need not be discussed here. It will suffice if it be said that it has amply proved that similar camps could be held in every part of the Dominion with enormous advantage to the national health. The point to be borne in mind is that it derives no assistance whatever from the public funds, and that, till its value is officially recognised, those at its head must look to private generosity if its work is to be carried on without interruption. When it is said that almost the whole of this year’s monetary cost has still to be provided, the urgency of the situation will readily be realised. It will be generally agreed also that it would be a calamity if the camp should eease to function, either from lack of support or any other cause. Confident that the people of the city will come to their assistance, the camp authorities, therefore, make an appeal for contributions, which may be forwarded to the office of the Wanganui Education Board and which will be duly acknowledged. Being a matter in which a direct benefit is derived by the city, it is one which will appeal to all classes of the community and one in which every little will help, whether it be the shilling of the worker or the guinea or “fiver” of the well-to-do. It is to be trusted, therefore, that all in a position to contribute, whether in large or small measure, will seize the opportunity of thus showing their appreciation, not only of the efforts of those who are engaged in a noble and self-sacrificing work, but of an institution which is doing so much for the community’s health, efficiency and general welfare.