HEALTH CAMP WORK

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24909, 24 June 1946, Page 6

HEALTH CAMP WORK

COMPLAINT OF “CUMBERSOME METHODS” “I regret the erroneous impression that has been created in connexion with the remarks attributed to me concerning last week’s meeting of the Christchurch Central Council of the Federation of Health Camps,” said Mr E. C. Bathurst, chairman of the Ashburton Health Camp Committee, replying to criticism, by Dr. J. H. Blakelock and Mr D. R. Thomson, of his reported remarks to the Ashburton committee.

“Any remarks I made were for the information of my committee, and I had no idea publicity would be given to them. I certainly have no recollection of saying I was disgusted* with the last meeting of the council, although I did say that I was disappointed at the apparent lack of interest in the council meeting owing to the small attendance.

“Dr. Blakelock takes a keen interest in health camp matters, and to his efforts are due in great measure the selection of the 30 children being admitted over regular periods, ana he and other members of the council are entitled to great credit for the amount of work they do in connexion with health camps. For the Sunlight League I have a great deal of respect and admiration, for by their efforts Glenelg was opened last year to admit children, after it had been purchased and had lain idle since about 1938.

“One stark fact remains, in that councils’ and committees’ efforts are being strangled by the cumbersome methods, which insist that so many matters must be referred to the Advisory Board in Wellington for consideration and approval, with consequent ‘delays and irritation, making councils and committees so dependent on the board before they can get on with the work they require to do. Under this method, my committee, with others, is still waiting to receive the money raised last summer by the sale of health 'stamps, various efforts and donations, all of which money must be sent to Wellington, where it is held for many months before being made available for our use, instead of our being allowed to lodge it in our own account, and so have control of our funds as soon as they are raised.”