CRIPPLED CHILDREN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 December 1938, Page 4

CRIPPLED CHILDREN

TOUR OF THE WAIRARAPA COMPLETED. CONTACT WITH SIXTY CASES. That the appointment of a Welfare Officer is proving to be of considerable benefit in furthering the aims and objects of the New Zealand Crippled Children Society is shown by the report of Mrs Kilgour made at the last meeting of the Wairarapa branch. A tour of the whole of the Wairarapa had been completed, the reported stated, and about sixty cases had been contacted. In nearly every instance interviews were obtained with the parents, who thus -were able to discuss their problems direct with a representative of the society. As a result of the visits made, it was decided to obtain medical advice for five cases, to assist a young girl in obtaining a correspondence course in dressmaking, to supply clothing for a crippled youth, and to make arrangements for a pair of crutches for another girl.

Particulars of a number of new cases had been obtained and where possible it was intended to assist. Opinions were being obtained from medical advisers where further treatment may be beneficial. It was reported that three children will be admitted to hospital for operative and other treatment.

The first lessons of a correspondence course in fashion drawing had been delivered to one of crippled girls. Her progress will be watched with interest as her work shows a degree of natural talent. A booklet on “speech training” is to be supplied to a cleft palate case. The society would welcome any information regarding new cases that have not yet been reported to the committee. It is hoped to obtain particulars of every crippled child in the Wairarapa, and parents may communicate with either the Welfare Officer or the secretaries.