To Get Hostel Society Going “Into The Red”

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31057, 12 May 1966, Page 6

To Get Hostel Society Going “Into The Red”

The desperate need for a short stay hostel for intellectually handicapped children was causing the Christchurch branch of the Intellectually Handicapped Children’s Society to go ahead with drawing up plans for such a hostel, although suffh cient funds were neither in hand nor in view, said the president, Mr C. H. G. Curragh. At present there were no means in the city by which parents and others caring for intellectually handicapped children could have any break from their duties. There were some pathetic cases where it was necessary that pressure be relieved, and faced with this desperate situation, the society had decided to go ahead and get “into the red,” said Mr Curragh. Purchase Of Land The society has recently purchased a two and a quarter acre section in Paton street and intends to build a hostel with accommodation for 20 short-term residents. With the children away from them for a short period, parents now working under unrelieved pressure would be able to have a rest.

It is hoped that the public will respond once it knows the need, and that the society will be able to borrow money for the project, Mr Curragh said. Proceeds from those tickets in a national raffle sold in the

Christchurch area will go to the building funds. The prize —6l eight-inch dolls in the national costumes of various countries—are at present on display at Beaths. The raffle closes on June 11. Each doll is dressed in the authentic costume of a particular country. They were prepared by Mrs N. Carney, the wife of the manager of an oil refinery at Whangarei, and a committee of eight women.