FREE TREATMENT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 284, 12 September 1938, Page 6

FREE TREATMENT

TO AID THE BIRTH-RATE. SUGGESTION TO HOSPITAL BOARD MEMBER’S NOTICE OF MOTION. Notice of liis intention to move at the next meeting of the Ashburton Hospital Board that nil maternity fees due b.v patients who have been treated at the Malvern Maternity Hospital be wiped off, and that in future treatment lie given free of cost, was given to the Board this morning by Air H. E. Jessep, and the question, which this morning had the support of several members, including the chairman, will be discussed at the meeting next month. The subject was brought forward when the Board was discussing the Social Security Act. All* Jesscp said that as far -'as the maternity services were concerned, he did not think the Act went far enough. “We have been very: backward, as a country, in assisting people who are prepared to rear a family,” said Air Jessep. Everyone said it was impossible these days to have as large a family as was the case in the old days, that the cost was too great. I am one of a family of ton, and I don’t suppose that there is one familv in 60 now that has 10 in it. All* F. Frampton: They’re too well educated now! Mr Jessep: I don’t think that is the case, at all. We are losing ground, as our birth-rate figures show, and we will not have any country at all if we go on as w*e are. It is only a matter of time before some more progressive country steps in and takes our country from us.” Air Jessep then gave notice of his intention to move as stated above, and added that the Board was in the happy position of having Aliss Chalmers’ bequest money to fall back on.' A doctor bad told him that women were not going to the doctors for ante-natal treatment these days till they were absolutely forced to, because of previous bills they owed. “If we can ease this position we will give more encouragement to people to rear families. The mothers should he far more catered foi than they have been. AVe are in the happy position of having a fund that will more than counteract any loss we suffer through wiping out fees at Alalvern. I think the Government should do something along the some lines.” The chairman (All* AV. G. Gallagher) said that everyone would sympathise with the sentiments expressed by Mr Jessep. The whole country would support his suggestion. The point should be given very serious consideration. “Any help that we can give would ho along the right linos,” Ah' Gallagher added. “I cannot fall in with All* Jessep’s suggestion,” said Mr A\ r . Bryant. “It would not make any difference. I have had; 13 children, and there was none of this spoon-feeding in my day. AVe all paid om* way as we went.” The chairman: But that is history of the past!

Air Bryant: If women do not want a. family this idea will not make them have children. If you give them all free treatment it will not make any difference. It will not do a, bit of good.” • Mr Jessep: AVcll, anyway, All* Chairman. I want you to take my notice of motion.