PRESERVATION OF INFANT LIFE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7402, 4 February 1908, Page 4

PRESERVATION OF INFANT LIFE.

AUCKLAND, February 2. The movement initiated by her Excellency Lady Plunket to form an Auckland branch of the Society for the- preservation of Infant Life was successfully launched at a large and representative meeting held at Government House on Saturday afternoon. His Excellency the Governor presided. Lady Plunket having explained the objects of the Society, the Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) and three prominent medical men spoke in support of the proposal. Drs Robertson and Marsack both made important suggestions. The former advocated, amongst other reforms, a cessation of the practice of admitting infants to public institutions like the Hospital. Dr Marsack made a vigorous plea for a restoration of old-fashioned ideas on the subject of maternity, besides throwing out the suggestion that the new society should be assisted in its work by the New Zealand Mothers' Union.

An interesting demonstration was given by nurse Beswick, of Dunedin, of the proper method of preparing milk for infants' food. Several subscribers were enrolled, and with the Government assistance virtually promised by Sir Joseph Ward, the Society promises to be speedily at work. Nurse Beswick remains at Orovernment House for a week, and will give advice to any mother seeking itIn the meantime Lady Plunket hai#accepted the full burden of the duties of treasurer and secretary, and is actively engaged in forming a committee.