CRIPPLED CHILDREN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 May 1939, Page 8

CRIPPLED CHILDREN

ACTIVITIES OF WAIRARAPA SOCIETY CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS RECORDED. WELFARE OFFICER'S SERVICES EULOGISED. “The year under review has proved a most important one for this branch, states the third annual report of the executive of the Wairarapa branch of the New Zealand Crippled Children Society, to be presented at the annual meeting to bo held on r I uesday. May 23, at 7.30" p.m. in the office of Messrs Dunderdale and Gray. Perry Street. “We have been able this year to build considerably on the experimental work done during the past two or three years. In the past we have found it difficult to give the necessary attention to many of our crippled children living at a considerable distance from the branch’s headquarters. The record of work carried out for the medical vocational and general welfare of the cases in this district, must be considered very satisfactory, and shows considerable advance on work done in the past. The total number of cases registered with us at the end of the year was 71. This represents an increase of 6 over the number reported twelve months ago. but actually the increase is greater than that. For various reasons a number of cases have been deleted from our register during the year. The report goes on to refer to the gratifying results of the work of the welfare officer, Mrs Kilgour,. Her ready sympathy and understanding had proved a great asset in co-ordina-ting the many avenues and interests bearing 6n the welfare and happiness of the crippled children under the society’s care. MEDICAL TREATMENT. “It is a pleasure to acknowledge the hearty co-operation of the SecretaryManager and staff of the Wairarapa Hospital Board,” the report states. “Doctors also, from one end of our district to the other, have been a tower of strength to the work of the society. In fact, it is safe to say that without their ready help, the work of the society would be considerably increased with probably less beneficial, results. We have been instrumental in securing surgical treatment for several cases during the year, while a number have been X-rayed with a view to possible surgical treatment. We again record our sincere thanks to Dr Alex Gillies, who came up to Masterton on December 1 last, and examined eight cases. Some of these have benefited while others are in process of treatment at the present time. EDUCATIONAL & VOCATIONAL. “This avenue of the Society's activities has developed considerably since our welfare officer has commenced. An I.C.S. course has been arranged for one girl. Materials and tuition have been arranged for. basket weaving, typing and raffia work. Mrs Whyborn and Miss Brockett, who took Miss McCracken’s place at the hospital, gave their services voluntarily in the teaching of handcrafts to the crippled children there. As an experiment, two special bed desk stands were purchased for the use of crippled children in the Masterton Hospital, and these have proved of great assistance to those confined to bed. Special efforts are being made by your executive to encourage and develop the desire on the part of our crippled children to make things for themselves and to endeavour to become efficient in some practical way. The response to the vocational side of our activities promises to be very satisfactory indeed, and we have found that where a definite avenue is discovered, it is not difficult to secure the ready assistance of willing helpers. We are pleased to. report that largely through the agency of your executive,, the Education Board has appointed a permanent teacher for both crippled and other children at the Masterton Public Hospital. This will fill a longfelt want, particularly as the children will have now systematic education in both handwork and academic subjects. MANY FORMS OF HELP. “Grants and Direct Assistance: This covers a variety of types of assistance which the society has been able to render during the year. Transport and expenses have been found for a number of cases sent to Wellington for examination. Boots and clothing have been supplied to six cases, a mattress and air ring to two bed cases, while milk and special medicine have been supplied to two other cases. Considerable dental work was done in two cases where it was found that the condition of the teeth were having an injurious effect on the disability suffered. Books and toys have been supplied to a number of children, whose lives have been made happier thereby, and at Christmas time, small gifts and Christmas cards were sent out to 67 children. “Typical cases dealt with during the year: (a) Paralysis left arm of 15 years’ duration. After investigation and examination arrangements were made for surgical treatment to restore the use of the arm. The operation was carried out during the middle of the year with massage following. Very successfurresults were obtained and the usefulness of the arm has been increased to a great extent permitting dressmaking and needle work to be undertaken, (b) Infantile Paralysis affecting shoulder and back and left arm without muscular power. Operation was very successful and there is a big improvement in the strength of the arm. Now able to help with light farm work, (c) Congenital disability, loss of function of both legs. Apart from massage there was little that could be accomplished medically for this youth. Our efforts were directed to his education and vocational training. For over a year he has been a pupil at a leading Secondary School, making quite good progress in most subjects, (d) A shortened left leg has been a handicap but has not deterred this girl from taking up the study of Commercial Art. A correspondence course has been provided by the society. It natural talent is developed, the future will be much brighter as proficiency in this subject offers considerable possibilities. (e> Club feet. As a result of medical advice, correct footwear and a bed boot made voluntarily by helpers have aided this little girl, (f) Infantile Paralysis. After 22 months in hospital has now been discharged and is able to walk reasonably well with boots fitted with caliphers. Will be attending school shortly. , FINANCE. “Our main sources of income during the past year have been £54, as this branch’s share of the interest from the Nuffield Fund, £23 7s by way of donations, £ll 7s from annual subscriptions and £67 IS?. 2d being the branch’s

share of Art Union profits controlled by the Minister of Internal Affairs. While the statement of receipts and payments shows that the income for the year exceeded the expenditure by some £37, it must be borne in mind that at the close of the year, a number of commitments had been entered into, the accounts for which were not presented prior to the close of the ■year The present financial position must be considered satisfactory, as we have a balance in hand of £2oj ios 7d. The work of the branch is growing, however, and as plans for vocational training and guidance come into operation with increasing members, the expenditure for the ensuing year will undoubtedly be on a much higher scale. The report expresses _ the society s keen appreciation of' assistance given by members of the Masterton Rotary Cluub, the Trust Lands Trust, those who gave donations, the . Manawatu and Wellington branch welfare Mr D. B. Curry (auditor) and the Press. Special mention is made of the facilities placed at the disposal by the secretaries, Messrs Dunderdale and: Grav SOCIETY’S WORK. “It may be felt by some,” the report continues, “that insufficient P^’ ty is given to the detail work of the society in the Wairarapa, but our executive have really not stopped to think about that phase of the work ai; there have been so many cases to attend to. They have endeavoured to concentia e on the alleviation of suffering, the improvement of home conditions, the lur - therance of education in all its and the brightening of lives that is possible by careful and sympathetic understanding. In addition, it is that publicity is not in the best interests of the society’s' work, but your executive would be pleased for all persons interested, to call and examine the files so that they may see exactly what is being done. Your executive consider that it is time the membership of the Wairarapa branch was built up to a minimum of 500. This would ensure a steady annual income, and enable the executive to enter into commitments with individual cases with the sure knowledge that funds would be forthcoming to carry them through. The report is to be presented on behalf of the executive 'by the chairman. Mr E. M. Hodder.