WANGANUI HEALTH CAMP

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 78, 2 April 1938, Page 10

WANGANUI HEALTH CAMP

REVIEW OF YEAR’S WORK MUCH VOLUNTARY EFFORT FUNDS NEEDED FOR FURNISHING. Evidence of a. great deal of voluntary work is shown in the annual report of the Wanganui Health Camp Trust Board. The statement of income and expenditure for the year ended on March 31 discloses a balance in the bank of £659. Finance—General Account. “During the year we received a sum of £72 16s 9d from various donors, in addition to which we received a gran? of £lOO from the Wellington Health Camp Association to help us in the work of completing our buildings ready for occupation,” states the annual report, which has been issued over the signature of the chairman of the trustees (Mr. Hope Gibbons). “We also received a grant of £lOO from the national art union for the same purpose. We received a further amount of £165 4s id from the sale of health stamps in Wanganui, and this money is held to defray the cost of maintenance of children at the health camp. Buildings. "During the year we have completed the work of erecting the Tea Kiosk on the site of the health camp and this building is now in first-class condition throughout. The total expenditure for this work during the year was £637 17s 9d. The work has been carried out under the supervision of Messrs. K. G. Taiboys and A. G. Bignell and 1 desire to emphasise the great amount of time and trouble both these gentlemen have given voluntarily to this work. The cottage on the site has been shifted nearer the main buildings and the renovating work has been almost completed, making this building a splendid addition to the board’s property. The design of the alterations permits splendid accommodation for three of the nursing staff besides a large sit-ting-room and bathroom and lavatory accommodation. The cost to date for this work has been £174 12s 3d and I think that there again we are indebted to Messrs. R. G. Taiboys and A. G. Bignell for their voluntary services and supervision. "Grounds and Paths.” “The levelling of the playing area has been completed and some four acres of flat land are now available for the children when the camp is opened. A new driveway from Puriri Street has been formed and metalled which gives a roadway right through the property. The fences surrounding our properly have been repaired and are now in excellent condition. The planting of ornamental trees has proceeded apace and it is gratifying to find that without exception the trees planted have taken root and are growing well. Further planting at the appropriate season of the year will be carried out and it is only a matter of time when the health camp grounds will present a wonderful addition to the city parks. At present we are proceeding with the levelling work required to convert about an acre of ground for an experimental kitchen garden which we hope will give the children who eventually use the camp some interest in their s-pare time. The lower branches of some of the pine trees on the property have been lopped while some trees which which are not wanted have been felled. The firewood available as a result of this work will be sold and the proceeds used for further improvements.

"Opening of Camp.” "We are still delayed in our preparations for the opening of the camp by lack of finance to equip the building with furniture and fittings. As you know we have made application to the authorities for a grant from the King George V. Memorial Fund to enable us to complete our work, and we have received a sympathetic reply indicating that our application will receive favourable consideration in due course. We have not eased up in our efforts to have this matter attended to, but we cannot do more in the meantime. It is hoped that during the next session of Parliament machinery for the allocation of grants from this fund will be passed after which our application will, we hope, have speedy and favourable attention. Leave of Absence. “As previously advised I propose to leave N.Z. for a trip abroad and expect to be away at least six months. During my tour I will inspect as many kindred institutions as I can on my travels and hope to return with some useful information. In my absence, for which I apply for leave, I hope that my co-trustees still have no difficulty in carrying on with the health camp movement which I definitely believe is one of the best forms of public service that has yet been devised.’’