Healing Cripples

The work of the Rushden clinic in association with the Manfield Orthopaedic Hospital deserves a word of commendation here. It is both financial and practical; it is unceasing, and unfortunately it is expanding. There is an astonishing number of cripples in the town and district, and the number of cases on the clinic's books went up enormously last year. It is said that a local outbreak of infantile paralysis eight years ago left 20 or 30 cripples.

These cases are not on the books distant objects; they appear in flesh the Y.M.C.A. buildings once a fortnight, and they require the ministrations of human handsbandaging, massage, inspection, as well as advice, appliances and materials.

Rushden's clinic is thus to all intents and purposes the out-patient department of a hospital, and those who out of the goodness of their hearts keep it in being are practical workers. Two names attend regularly on a voluntary basis, and all the other ladies there on Friday afternoons are doing something useful.

It is unfortunate that the majority of Rushden people are unable to visualise the scene behind the clinic doors, but Mrs. Allebone, the president, has now invited all interested persons to go along and see for themselves, and it is safe to say that if they do so there will soon be plenty of workers and ample support.