PREVENTION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 46, 24 February 1937, Page 10

PREVENTION.

BETTER THAN CURE.

MEDICAL SCIENCE NEEDS.

HEALTH MINISTER'S TALK.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Tuesday

The biennial conference of the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association was opened this morning by the Governor-General, Lord Galway, who welcomed the delegates, especially mentioning Sir Edmund Spriggs, representing the parent body of the British Medical Association and the Royal College of Physicians. The rest of the day was occupied by technical addresses and the reading of papers. To-night a reception to the delegates was given by the Mayor, Mr. T. C. A. Hielop, the Minister of Heaitn, thb Hon. P. Fraser, being present. Following an address of welcome by the Mayor, Mr. Fraser referred to the advances made in the prevention ot disease. The most critical observer, he said, would probably admit that the world to-day was a much hsalthiei place to live in than ever before. Nevertheless, since lie liad assumed office as Minister of Health, he had had it forcililv impressed upon him that there was still too much preventible disease in our midst. Research Work Needed. "School medical officers report that in this land of plentiful food and sunshine many children suffer from malnutrition." said the Minister. "Disturbing reports have reached me in regard to the higher incidence of tuberculosis among Maoris, while the prevalence of goitre and dental caries still constitutes local public health problems." Mr. Fraser said there was great necessity for medical research work that would be undertaken as far as the resources at their disposal would permit. He appealed, although he was sure such an appeal was not necessary, for an open mind on all questions affecting health and methods of treatment, and for the scientific attitude towards methods which might now seem new and even startling. Unorthodox treatment could no longer be dismissed with a shrug of the shoulders or even by disciplinary methods. Often the distinction between a prophet and a charlatan was very small, but they must take care that prophets, even in medicine and medical matters, were not stoned. It seemed to Mr. Fraser that the future lay to a very great extent witft preventive medicine. The medical service had given them much in that direction, and it would give much more in future. Houses, Food and Sunshine. It had been proved that good houses, good and ample food, and adequate clothing, sunshine and fresh air could accomplish miracles. Research work still further along these lines must be continued. Dietetics must occupy a prominent place, and physical education must be organised and encouraged. Arrangements must be made for the healthful utilising of additional leisure. In the future campaign for health, as well as in the fight against disease, the medical profession, supported by nurses, chemists, dentists and organised ' health services, would continue to lead the race, concluded the Minister. The induction of Mr. T. D. M. Stout (Wellington), as president of the New Zealand branch, was performed by the retiring president, Dr. R. H. Hogg (Blenheim), who said he was satisfied that the association was getting a distinguished leader able to look after its interests. The Hunterian medal by the British Medical Association for an original essay on any subject of general practice was presented to Dr. F. 0. Bennett (Christchurch) by Sir Edmund Spriggs, who said it was a great pleasure to them In England to see this medal come to New Zealand.