WORK THAT GROWS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 May 1940, Page 5

WORK THAT GROWS

THE CRIPPLED CHILDREN SOCIETY WAIRARAPA BRANCH ANNUAL MEETING. NEED OF AN INCREASED MEMBERSHIP. “If we are going.to carry out the work of the society we must have an increased membership,” stated the president, Mr S. L. P. Free, at the annual meeting of the Wairarapa. branch of the New Zealand Crippled Children Society, held in Masterton last night. There was a fair attendance. Several apologies for absence were received. In moving the adoption of the, annual report (recently published in the “Times-Age”) and balance sheet, Mr Free thanked those present for their continued interest in the society. He apologised for the absence of Mr F. Campbell, chairman of the Dominion executive, Wellington, who was to have given an address. “The work of the society has increased considerably over the past year,” stated Mr Free. “We have 21 new cases on the books, and a total number of 81 cases under our care, all of which are well distributed throughout the hospital board’s district.” In urging the need of an increased membership Mr Free stated that last year the membership had been doubled, but owing to the increased work of the society it was not sufficient. Mr Free paid tribute to the work of the Welfare Officer, Mrs S. N. Kilgour, stating that she had been a tower of strength to the society. “Some idea of her work may be gained from the fact that last year she travelled over a thousand miles, and walked at least one hundred,” observed/ Mr Free. Mr Free referred to the cordial relations existing between the society and the Wairarapa Hospital Board and the willing assistance of the ManagingSecretary, Mr Norman Lee. In conclusion Mr Free expressed thanks to the joint secretaries, Messrs Dunderdale and Gray, for their services, and added that although it was impossible to mention all kind friends he wished to thank the chairman of the executive committee, Mr E. M. Hodder, for the time and interest he had devoted to the society. “We'still have the responsibility of looking after those at home,” observed Mr Hodder. “We must accept that in face of National emergency.” In mentioning suggestions for the consideration of the incoming committee, Mr Hodder stated that the committee had considered that before conducting a thorough membership drive it would like'to place before the public material evidence of the work it was doing. Mr Hodder stated that he felt that the committee could now go wholeheartedly into a membership campaign. Mr Hodder commented on the fact that two orthopaedic specialists from Wellington were co-operating with the local medical advisers in examining the children. The results of the examinations were well up to expectations. Mr Hodder - referred to the assistance being received from tradespeople and professional men. Mr Hodder stated that 30 exhibits, made by crippled children in the hospital, had been sent to the Exhbiition. Owing to the efforts of Mrs Kilgour, many orders had been passed on to the children. Mr Hodder observed that the children were receiving free tuition throughout the district, and that their response had been most heartening. , , ~ Mr Free extended a welcome to the Mayor of Greytown, Mr A. W. Horton. The election of officers resulted:— President, Mr S. L. P. Free (re-elect-ed); vice-presidents, Messrs E. M. Hodder, T. Jordan, J. W. Card, A. W. Skill, A. W. Horton, W. Simpson, S. K. SiddMls; D. L. Taverner, D. McGregor, E. W. Cheetham, J. B. Carruthers, A. W. Bissett, A. B. Martin. S. Schofield, C. P. Hunter, R. E. Gordon Lee, H. H. Mawley, A. C. Pearce, J. D. Wilson; general committee, Messrs R. C. Drummond, W. A. Michael, F. L. Price. L. Robinson, E. R. Rogers, Norman Lee, F. E. Wells, G G. Hancox, Mesdames J. Caselberg, Arch Clarke, J. W. Perry, H. E. Pither, T. W. Wardell, Misses M. Hodges, K. Kerins, E. V. Cocker (all re-elected), and Mrs S. L. P. Free and Mr Seddon Burridge; executive committee, Messrs Hodder. Free, Drummond, Robinson; Mrs Pither and Miss Hodges; auditor, Mr D. B. Curry, A.P.A., N.Z. (reelected) medical referees. Drs J. A. Cowie. Archer Hosking, N. H. Prior: solicitors, Messrs Hart, Daniell and Hart.