Equal Treatment For Maori Children Desired

Taranaki Daily News, 25 August 1942, Page 6

Equal Treatment For Maori Children Desired

The desire of the council of the New Zealand Crippled Children Society to give Maori children consideration equal to that given European children was emphasised by a letter received by the executive of the New Plymouth branch. The council notified its intention of making a small grant towards assistance in obtaining technical training for a Maori boy, and it was considered that the unsolicited gesture was further proof of the desire to assist Maori children. Reference was made to a donation of £5 made by a visitor to New Plymouth through the Mayor, Mr. E. R. C. Gilmour. Payments in the month were £88, reported the honorary treasurer, Mr. W. Quickfall, nearly all of which represented special training and treatment of children and' adolescents. Footwear and callipers were provided or altered for 13 cases, and as the children grew older expenditure in that direction and on vocational training must increase. One case was sent to Wellington for specialist treatment, and two others were awaiting instructions from the Wellington specialist, it was reported. Four Maori cases were reported in July. Treatment was arranged for one, but in the other three cases relatives of the children were not inclined to co-operate. An endeavour is being made to overcome the difficulty. Mrs. Purcell, honorary instructor, reported that entries for the Wanganui competition were being made, and detailed progress by two girls who are receiving vocational training. Following a request by the New Zealand council for suggestions to overcome the difficulty of obtaining surgical footwear, Mr. G. Wigley, honorary instructor, detailed results achieved with the use of special lasts. "The council is to be advised accordingly and the establishment of a central place of manufacture is to bwurged. Seven new cases. five Maori and two European, and 26 already registered were considered. In the absence of the preeident, Mr. P. E. Stainton, Mr. J. A. Valentine was chairman of the meeting.