HEALTH CAMP.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 8, 7 December 1926, Page 10

HEALTH CAMP.

A VISITOR’S IMPRESSIONS

The aim of tho health camp at Turakina of improving tho physique of children attending primary schools in the Wanganui Education Board’s district is undoubtedly being attained.

A “Standard” representative was this week given an insight mto the work being accomplished at tho damp under the supervision of Dr. ; Gunn and her assistants. Approximately 115 children are being catered for, and the tanned and smiling faces of the youngsters tell a tale of happiness and holiday-making. There is no appearance of homesickness and everything possible to make the pupils comfortable has been done.

The first impression that one receives on arrival at the site is the neatness and harmony of the setting. The camp is adjacent to the beautiful residential grounds of Mr B. P. Lethbridge, and the canvas village, consisting of 14 bell-tents, two largo marquees and numerous minor wooden structures, is surmounted by a flagstaff bearing the New Zealand ensign. Sunday —as visitors’ day—saw parents and friends gathering from far and near and as the afternoon advanced fully 500 persons arrived. The Wanganui Garrison Band rendered selections and refreshments were dispensed by the camp officials. Arrongst the visitors were members of the Hokowhitu and College Street School Committees, C. E. Warden (headmaster Queen’s Park School, Wanganui) and Mr F. J. Chisholm (Wellington). During last week Hon. K. S. Williams and the member for Rangitikei (Mr W. Glenn) paid a visit to the camp and were delighted with the results so far achieved. For the management of the camp itself there is every facility even to the supply of electric light. A system of daylight saving, however, has been introduced and this innovation is proving a great boon, allowing the children to enjoy a long day- and retire to bed before darkness falls. Another device is the constant supply of hot water from a large 1G gallon copper to the bathroom, and there is also a special tap installed which prevents any accident from scalding. At present eight students from the Wellington Teachers’ Training College are assisting with the management of the camp and all is running smoothly. Tho children will return to their respective homes on Thursday of next week and although inclement weather was experienced in the earlier days of the camp, it is fully anticipated that the period under canvas will have a beneficial effect upon tho health of all the campers.