HEALTH STAMPS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 86, 30 September 1947, Page 4

HEALTH STAMPS

THIS YEAR’S STAMP CAMPAIGN Health Stamps, with the attractive figure of the Greek God Eros whose statue graces Piccadily Circus in London, will be available to the public on Wednesday, October 1, and the Post Office has made plans to cope with a rush of stamp enthusiasts who value the “First Day Covers” for which envelopes are officially provided. The stamps are in two denominations, 3d and 2d, having a postal value of 2d and Id respectively, with the “penny for health” now; so well known and appreciated that this annual Health Stamp campaign is the major basis of finance for this great movement which has given happiness and improved health to thousands of our children. The campaign objective this year is £IOO,OOO. That figure was fixed by the controlling body as the result of many years’ experience of the people’s generous support of a growing movement.

Evei’y “penny for health” is used exclusively to maintain children in the camps. Capital for buildings and equipment comes from the national fund raised as a memorial to King George V. Irrespective of class or creed, school children from five to 13 years of age can enter the health camps. They are carefully selected, comprising those suffering from malnutrition, convalescing from severe illness or operation, or those who, while not suffering from physical

disability are in need of recuperation. In the health camps they enjoy games, a healthy diet, and above all, ample rest and sleep, developing habits of permanent value in maintaining good health. Economic prosperity does not dispose of malnutrition. The Health Department’s Division of School Hygiene, reporting recently on its survey of children in our primary schools, stated that although there was an improvement last year, 7.38 of the children examined showed signs of sub-normal nutrition, while the posture was found to be poor, 36.91 of the children failing to carry themselves well. “This amount of postural defect has some relation undoubtedly,” states the Department’s officers, “to the insufficient rest and sleep common to a considerable proportion of our children.” Local Activity In Whakatane the sale of Health Stamps will be fostered as in the past by a sub-committee of the Chamber of Commerce, members of which will canvass the business section. In addition the Headmaster, Mr I. Hubbard, has agreed to distribute 500 First Day Covers amongst the children who will despatch them to addresses of their own selection.

It is interesting to note that last year first day sales amounted to £B9 plus £2l worth sold over the counter, making a total of £llO. The total sales of Health Stamps for the year in Whakatane amounted to £167 15s.