VERY BUSY MONTH

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 93, 17 October 1939, Page 14

VERY BUSY MONTH

WORK OF PLUNKET SOCIETY

Mrs. H. Jowett, president, .presided at the recent meeting of the New Zealand Society for the Health of Women and Children, when the report of the charge nurse was as follows:—In the pre-natal section there were 282 visits during the month, of which 51 were new cases, and there are 147' cases under supervision; in the post-natal section there were 1*67 new baby cases, of which 121 were breast-fed, 31 partly breast-fed, and 15 artificially fed; 1283 homes were visited in the city and suburbs, find 2960 adults, 2623 babies, and 354 children visited the rooms; and in the pre-school section 29 new cases were transferred from the postnatal department. It was stated that the month had been a busy one; all suburban rooms had been exceptionally/well attended—so niuch so that a scheme was now being evolved whereby voluntary helpers may be introduced to the centres in a;i endeavour to shorten the time mothers have to wait before consulting the nurses about their babes. PREMATURE BABIES. ! Dr. Deem spent two days examining premature and difficult babes—the re- I suits proved most interesting and satis- j factory. • The presence of anaemia in a large percentage of premature babes, especially those.weighing less than 41b at birth, justified the recent inclusion of egg yolk and spinach puree in the babies' diet, especially when some degree of prematurity was present. The nurses expressed thanks to Mesdames Pope, McGhie, and Dennis for useful of clothing and Mesdames Jack, Sell, Dowling, Cullen, Wilson, and Miss Jones (Waikanae) for flowers and to the faithful, voluntary drivers. The League of Mothers at Lowfr Hutt and Kindergarten Mothers* Club at Wellington South were addressed during the month and visits made to the Home of Compassion and Bethany Home as usual. AT KARITANE. The matron of the Sir Truby and Lady King Karitane Hospital reported that six mothers and 19 babies were admitted during the month, three mothers and 24 babies remaining in . hospital at the end of that time. Babies - were admitted from Lower Hutt, Upper I Hutt, Titahi Bay, and Featherston. ' Dr. Deem yisited the hospital and | spent .some time with the babies and ■ going over charts, etc. A very wel- ! come gift of blanket strips was received from the Kaiapoi Woollen Co and the Wellington Woollen Co., Mr. Bothamley; Porirua, being instrumental in having these gifts sent. .A welcome donation of 14 jars of jam was received from the Levin Plunket committee, and thanks were expressed so Mrs. Taylor for the donation of a clock for the- mothercraft nursery and to Miss Webb for three vests. The hospital is in urgent need of towels, tea towels, and roller towels, and donations of any of these articles would be gratefully received. Nursery tables and chairs for Truby King House are also required and would be very much appreciated. by Mrs. M. Smith and Mrs. McKay at a recent meeting of the Paekakariki Women's Institute. Mrs. Jackson presided, and welcomed visitors. ' The* treasurer reported the finances to be satisfactory. « ,Mrs. Smith, secretary of the flower show, also reported a sound financial position. A demonstration of making flowers from candle wax was given by Mrs. McKay. The following competitions were judged:— Btitterless sponge, Mrs. Bakie 1, Mrs.. Rankin 2; best bloom, Mrs. Judd 1, Mrs. Rankin and Miss Smith equal 2; memory contest, Mrs. Spedar. Mrs. Hedley gave a humorous recitation. Tea hostesses were Mrs. Davies and Mrs. Judd. Funds for the Residential Nursery. An enjoyable musical afternoon was held recently by the Kelburn Northland branch of the Women's National Reserve to supplement the funds of the Residential Nursery, Owen Street. The visitors were welcomed by the president, Mrs. Fyfe. Songs were sung by Mesdames Fortune, Dunn, McLeod, and Miss Jackson. The accompanist' was Miss Kennedy, who also gave violin solos. Competition winners were Mrs, Priestley and Mrs. N. Leach. A home-made afternoon tea was served . by the committee, which . comprised Mesdames Chote, Dunn, Hill, Mark, Mulligan, Watt, Turnpenny, Bryans, and Priestley. A Musical Afternoon Meeting. A meeting of the,.Kilbirnie-Lyall Bay branch of the Union of Townswomen's , Guild (Inc.) was held in the Methodist Hall, Lyall Bay, recently. The afternoon opened with the singing of the guild .song, and visitors and members , were welcomed by the president, Mrs. Hall. Songs were sung by the glee I circle under the conductorship of Mrs. Bremner, and solos sung by Mesdames Brice and Clifford. Several elocutionary items were given by Miss George. Afternoon tea was served by the hostesses. y St.. Peter's Parish Bazaar. Tomorrow Mrs. Knox Gilmer will open the annual bazaar in St. Peter's Schoolroom. Special features are the , produce stall, and the sale of inexpensive hand-worked articles suitable for Christmas gifts. Those patronising the » sale will be assured of a profitable and enjoyable time.