TO SAVE MOTHERS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18921, 9 February 1927, Page 2

TO SAVE MOTHERS.

MOVE BY MEDICAL PROFESSION. [THE FBESB Sptci*l Berriee.] DUNEDIN, February 8. The high incidence of puerperal mortality in English-speaking countries has of recent years led the medical profession to institute thorough and exhaustive investigations into its actual extent and its causation. Commissions have been set up, and have done valuable work in Gjeat Britain, America, and Australia, and as a result of the example and achievement of these countries, the medical profession in New Zealand is determined that an obstetrical society shall be set up in New Zealand, to form a section of the work of the Dominion branch of the British Medical Congress. The medical profession in New Zealand, actuated by a desire for obstetrical research in the Dominion, and not a little concerned over the incidence of maternal mortality, has decided to embark upon a crusade against a trouble that is costing the country a great many lives. It has been decided to form an obstetrical society in New Zealand. Taking advantage of the presence of experts from Victoria at the Medical Congress, plans have been carefully considered, and a definito policy decided upon. Responses to a preliminary circular sent out a few days ago have been most encouraging, extraordinarily so. in fact, and it is anticipated that no difficulty will be experienced in the formation of a society capable of accomplishing the greatest good for the community. The society will lay special stress on "the importance of ante natal care and treatment, and an endeavour will be made to standardise methods of treatment and technique, in order to arrive at the best possible results. Hitherto the Department of Public Health lias been unable to collect reliable statistics of maternity work, but the institution of a society of this nature should allow of a comprehensive volume of details and figures being collected from a great many private practitioners, thus affording the Department valuable data on which to base its efforts to raise the standards of public health.

ANNUAL MEETING OF SUNBEAM KINDERGARTEN. The fourteenth meeting of the Sunbeam Kindergarten was held on Wednesday. Those present were: Mrs J. R. Evans (in the chair), Mrs Cyril Stringer (hon. secretary and treasurer), Mcsdames F. A'Court, M. S. Brown, Carlisle, F. W. Freeman, D. Redpath, H. A. Wnut'hop, R. B. Cape-Williamson, and Miss J. Da we; an apology was received from Mrs A. Young. It was reported that tho year had been a busy and successful one. Many entertainments had becu held, all of which had been more than usually successful, thus enabling the committee to meet not only the Sunbeam's quota to tho general expenses, but also to transfer to the Post Office £SO towards the mortgage on tho Kindergarten, reducing it to £125, tho greater part of which the committee hopes to raise during tho year. Early in the year tho committee entertained Mrs H. S. Batchclor at a morning tea party at Ballantyne's, and took tho opportunity of expressing their great appreciation' of all she had done for tho Sunbeam Kindergarten. Mrs K. Hadfleld, who had just returned from a visit to Great Britain, was given a welcome home.

There was a good deal of sickness during tho year, and the Kindergarten was closed for two weeks in the middle of the winter. The averago attendance was brought down to less than half, but as the warmer weather came, it rapidly improved, and the year ended with a roll of 60. Miss Gorrio has just completed her sixth year, and the committee hopes sho will long continue in her present position. Misses Bristow and Buss complete Sunbeam's staff, and to all of these tho committee tender their most sincere thanks, also to. Miss Hull, who has helped on all occasions. Special mention was made in tho report of tho invaluablo assistance the mothers had been, also of tho generous contributions received from them during tho year. Tho committee put on record its gTeat appreciation of the two generous donations received from the Christchurch Jazz Club. Thanks are also due to Mrs Ower for tho gift of a picture and mat, and to Mrs Kerrigan for a beautiful teddy bear. On October 13th Sunbeam celebrated its 15th birthday, and on December 14th the Christmas party was held when the room was crowded", and 70 littlo ones each received a present from a heavily laden Christmas Tree. Receipts for tho year amounted to £lB9 8s lOd. Expenses £133 5s lOd, leaving a credit balance of £56 3s. The following committee were re-elect-ed for the present year:—Mrs J. R. Evans (convener), Mrs Cyril Stringer (hon. secretary and treasurer), Mesdames F. A'Court, M. Brown, Carlisle, F. Freeman, D. Eedpath, H. Wauchop, R. B. Cape-Williamson, A. Young, Watkins, and Miss J. Dawc.

FAREWELL PARTIES. On Tuesday afternoon at Mr T. Leech's residence, East Belt, Ilangiora, Mrs Leech and Mrs J. C. Bayley wero joint hostesses at a "gift" party given in honour of Mrs Barton, who is leaving this week on u holiday visit to England. The drawing room was prettily decorated with pink and whit© flowers. The guest of honour, who wore a smart frock of floral silk, and small pink hat, was presented by Mrs Leech with a beautiful bouquet of pink carnations and gypsophiia. Mrs Leech wore u handsome gown of amethyst irgelte and Mrs Bayley wore a. pretty frotk of Oriental crepe do chine. During the afternoon, two very amusing competitions were won by Mrs R. Hutchison. After tea had been dispensed, the guest opened the- parcels, containing many useful gifts for the trip, with the best of wishes of all present. The singing of "She's A Jolly Good Fellow" brought a very pleasant afternoon to a close.

The guests were Mesdames Barton, Glasgow, J. Leech. Harley, W. Parsons, Rentoul (Auckland), King, Feron, March. Palairet, Mackenzie. Fear, Hughes. Hutchison, Misses Fuller, Mcintosh { Auckland). •;■ the evening, Mr and Mrs Leech entertained a few friends at bridge, in honour of Mr and Mrs Barton. Those r ,L-sent were Mr and Mrs Barton-, Mr and Mrs Leech, Dr. and Mrs King. Mr and Mrs Mackenzie. Mesdames Rentoul (Auckland), W. Parsons. J. C. Baylor. Misses Fuller. Mcintosh (Auckland), and Joan Glasgow.

DO TOUR HEKS LAY? Leek of proper constituents in the food ia usually the trouble—the quality is Ucfcing. A tewpoonful of Singer's Egg Producer to 12 fowls daily guarantees their supply rf stimulating, eeg and feather; forming food, and ecture* a pl»ntirul supply of eggs over a long season. In large packets, 2s, at Stores, or write Geo. Bonnington, Ltd.. Hich street, Cbristcb'irr.h. —l9