Health and Your Children

Tucked away in the hills of Marsden Valley, far from the noise and rush of city life, is a small encampment, built in 1941 to accommodate children whose health necessitated special care. This is the King George V Memorial Health Camp and in it, during the summer months, groups of 24, either boys or girls, spend six weeks of healthful living. During those six weeks the children eat, play and sleep in a quiet and restful atmonphere and the regularity, along with the exercise and a diet designed for the needs of growing young bodies, works wonders. Finance to carry on this great humanitarian work is mainly provided by the sale of Health Stamps. Every one of us can aid this work by buying these stamps and by doing so we will help children like those we have photographed on these three pages. All the children, incidentally, are from North Island centres. Nelson district children will enter the camp later this summer.

Children on the way to full health

The main camp block

"Gee, I've got it!"

Miss Eileen Marwick cooks the meals for 24 ever-hungry children

There's always lots of washing to do and that's Mrs Doris Collins' main job.

Upon entry every child is examined and interviewed by a doctor, in this case by Dr Jim Roxburgh, Nelson Medical Officer of Health.

A health camp it might be, but there's sttil school work to he done. This department is supervised by Mrs Joyce Helleur, who is seen taking her charges for a walk (at left).

But there's also time for play, and what could be better than a swing on an old tyre.

High tea is provided by the staff in honour of the birthday of matron, Mrs Dorothy Dec, (centre).

Previous article Issue contents Next article

The Nelson Photo News

No 37 : November 9, 1963

Health and Your Children