PLUNKET SOCIETY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 69, 22 March 1934, Page 9

PLUNKET SOCIETY.

STREET APPEAL TO-MORROW. I URGENT NEED OF FUNDS. The annual street appeal for funds will bo made by the Plunket Society to-morrow. In these difficult times it is encouraging to know that social service organisations are maintaining their activities in the face of ever-increasing obstacles. Of such organisations the Plunket Society carried on its fine work of "helping the mothers and saving tho babies" in spite of an increased need for its services duo to malnutrition among the poorer classes and to a reduced income. There is no social service more deserving of public support than one with such noble aims. It is unfortunate that a misconception has arisen that the Government provides a substantial annual sum. It is true that the Government grants a subsidy of £100 a nurse. There are 12 nurses in the service of the Auckland branch, so that the subsidy amounts to £1272 a year. But it is estimated that a further £2200 is necessary for tho maintenance of the work. Tt is to the generosity of the public that the society looks for the greater part of this sum. The annual street day gives the public an opportunity of showing its appreciation of the society's work. That support has never in the past been lacking, and it is a remarkable feature that many of the consistent subscribers aio those who have no opportunity of benefiting from the services they so generously assist. To-morrow collectors will be stationed in the streets at the usual points in the city and suburbs. While the society realises that many people are not in a position to jrive as much as in former vears, it is hoped that the appeal will meet with a wide response. Even if the individual contributions are small, "every little helps." and if everyone assists the £400 collected last year should be exceeded, and the need has | never been greater.

The wide scope of the society's activities is indicated by the fact that 87 per cent nf the children bom in the Auckland area are brought into direct contact with its work. A sti iking example of the needs of the times is shown in the average figures for one month's work. Each of the 12 muses had 1" new ease* and paid 130 visits in the month, while the visits paid to each nurse's consulting room numbered 050 mothers and bab;es.