H.—25.

1942. NEW ZEALAND.

KING GEORGE THE FIFTH MEMORIAL FUND BOARD. (ANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS OF THE KING GEORGE THE FIFTH MEMORIAL FUND BOARD) FOR THE PERIOD 1st APRIL, 1941, TO 31st MARCH, 1942.

Presented in pursuance of Section 19 of the King George the, Fifth Memorial Fund Act, 1938.

During the year the Board held meetings in Wellington, Gisborne, and Christchurch. As forecast in the last report, considerable progress has been made to ensure that children are catered for who are in need of health-camp treatment. The following summarizes the work undertaken Bay of Islands.—The question of a site for this camp is still under consideration. Pakuranga. —The legal formalities in connection with the transfer of this property to the Board have been completed. A survey has been made and plans and specifications prepared in readiness for the Building Controller's authority to proceed with this health camp for Auckland. The buildings have been planned so that the administrative and recreation blocks are between the dormitories, which will accommodate twenty-five children in each. The stafi quarters and school are at either end of the main building. A contract has been let to sink a bore which will give an independent and adequate supply of water to the camp. The entrance road runs parallel and close to the south boundary of the property, with the main entrance at the rear of the building. This approach will do away with the definite traffic hazard should the entrance road have been constructed through the playgrounds and gardens at the front of the main building. Negotiations are proceeding for the installation of electricsupply lines, grading of access road, and fencing the property. Port Waikato. —Grants to this privately-owned camp were made on condition that a property valued at £625 and owned by the Waikato Children's Camp League, situated at Okete, was transferred to the Board. The use of this property as a health-camp site 110 longer existed, and to enable the Board to deal with the property a restriction was removed by the inclusion of a clause in the Local Legislation Act, 1941. n „ . n , A further grant of £250 was made for the cost of lining and flooring the play-room. All the alterations and additions were completed in November and ready for the summer camp. Tauvo. Further negotiations have been undertaken in connection with the transfer to the Board of 16 acres of the Taupo Domain for the purpose of building the only inland camp in the North Island. Section-owners abutting the Domain lodged an objection to the transfer and have suggested alternative sites. The objection and alternative sites are being investigated. Gisborne.—As contemplated in the last report, the camp was completed in time for the camping season and was officially opened 011 11th October, 1941, by the Chairman, supported by members of the Board. The children benefiting by this camp come from as far north as Whakatane and as far south as Wairoa. . . , In addition to the contract, the Board has finalized arrangements with the Borough Council tor t&e extension of water and electricity to the camp. Further alterations and additions estimated to cost £1,400 have been authorized, but are awaiting the approval of the Building Controller. Wanganui. —Towards the middle of the year satisfactory arrangements were made to lease this •camp for the duration of the war and three months thereafter. Provision was made for suitable accommodation elsewhere for children who would normally be sent to Wanganui for treatment^ Otaki. On Ist November, 1941, the Chairman officially opened the extensive alterations and additions,' which include a school, new dining-room, and recreation hall. This work completed without closing the camp and within the contract price. On investigation after the official opening the erection of a swimming-pool and installation of a steam laundry plant was approved. To overcome sand-drift the Board authorized formation, grading, and sealing work to the entrance road and environs of the main building, as well as extensive levelling-work. The executive controlling the camp has also erected a large sun-shelter in memory of their late Matron, Miss 0. M. Gould.