HEALTH STAMP CAMPIAIGN

Chronicle (Levin), 27 September 1947, Page 3

HEALTH STAMP CAMPIAIGN

LOCAL COMMITTEE FORMED A public meeting convened by the postmaster, Mr. C. C. H. King, was held in the Council Chambers on Thursday evening, and was well attended by^ representatives from practically every organisation in the district. The meeting was presided over by the Deputy-Mayor, Mr. R. R. Lind, and those present were: Dr. J. Milroy Wilson, Messrs J. T. Bovis, L. J. Bowler, F. O. Burtt, F. J. Lucinsky, J. W. Ritchle, H. L. Norris, C. C. H. King, Mesdames Wilson, Lind, Tremewan and Sister MacDonald. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs W. E. Barber, Mr. and Mrs C. H. Spiers, Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Barber, Mr. E. J. Gunning, Mr. V. J. Bateman, Mrs. E. L. Hyde, Mr. G. G. Mitchell, Mr. R. J. Law and Cr. H. Aitchison. Mr. Lind, in briefly opening the meeting, apologised for the unavoidable absence of the Mayor, Mr. R. E. Downes, and then called upon the postmaster, Mr.. King, to address the meeting on the aims and objects of the health camp organisation. In his remarks, Mr. King extended thanks to all those present for the interest they were taking in the campaign. He then explained the set-up of the organisation and described the establishment of the Otaki Health Camp. He stressed that it was a community organisation and that revenue was obtained mainly from the proceeds of the sale of health stamps. Mr King went on to state that any child of primary school age had the right to be nominated by any citizen for entry to a health camp. The child had to be classified as either suffering from malnutrition, convalescing from a severe illness or operation, or a child in need of recuperation but not suffering from any physical disability. Mr. King said that the Palmerston North district was allocated 18 beds in summer and 12 in winter at the Otaki camp. The Manawatu committee was debited with the m'aintenance of these beds, which last year was 30s per child per week. The burden of clothing the children had, fallen to the Wellington executive, so the maintenance charge had risen toi £1 19s 3d per child. A child remained ip the camp for eight weeks, continued Mr. King. Not more than three per cent of 'the children discharged required to return for a further period. It was, often found that the children educated the parents. Mr. King concluded his remarks by meritioning that the health stamp campaign would commence on Wednesday next and each area has been allotted a quota. This amounted to approximately 3s 9d for each household in New Zealand. Shannon 's quota was £72. Last year the town was without the services of a committee to organise the saies of stamps, and it was left entirely to the post office staff. They had put in some very hard work outside of their office hours, but even then

only £18 13s was obtained. This year it was expected that the district would quite easily achieve its quota. On the motion of Mr. J. T. Bovis, it was agreed that all those present ! be appointed as a committee, with i power to add. It was later resolvecf that as those who had • tendered j apologies were undoubedly interj ested, they too Should be included on the committee. The committee is made..up from various organisations, including the school committee, parents and teachers' association, the R.S.A., the Plunket Society, the directors • of the local dairy c'Ompany, the Feder^ I ated Farmers, various sports bodies land many prominent citizens. i Other organisatipnS not repre- | sented at the meeting have since | expressed their willingness to assist i the committee. | It is pointe'd out that health , stamps are valid for postage to all | parts of the world, and may be used ion receipted documents. Straight out donations tp the cause are also invited, and these offfcial numbered 1 receipts will be given and the j amount credited to the district quota.