WORK OF PLUNKET SOCIETY

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25181, 12 May 1947, Page 2

WORK OF PLUNKET SOCIETY

ADDRESS BY DOMINION PRESIDENT “Few people ndw remember the conditions that existed before Sir Truoy King turned his attention to what was, in New Zealand at that time, the very neglected field of infant welfare. He applied his keen mind and ability for research to what was to become his great life work, a work that won him worjd-wide and royal recognition. His enquiries into infant nutrition and welfare brought to light shocking conditions of malnutritionand neglect among unfortunate, unwanted babies boarded out with little supervision,” said Mrs J. Begg, Dominion president of the Plunket Society. in a broadcast address last even-’ ing to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of the society, which will fall on Wednesday. “The success of Dr. King’s methods, by which these tiny victims were restored to health, attracted a band of devoted and generous friends whose allegiance never wavered. They, with him, founded in Dunedin on May 14, 1907, the society that was to achieve so much. The patronage and assistance of the Governor, Lord Plunket, and his wife was a big help to early success, and the Plunket movement spread rapidly throughout New Zealand,” continued Mrs Begg. ‘‘The modest beginnings recorded in the first report were three branches, employing three nurses, and one small hospital. Contrast that with the 1946 report, which shows an organisation with 75 branches and 340 sub-branches, employing 159 nurses, exclusive of the staffs of its six Karitane Hospitals. This is the growth of 40 years, despite the handicap of two world wars and a world depression. “No one in the Plunket Society would claim that its efforts have been the only factor in the reduction of the infant death-rate, which in 1907 was 80 in every 1000 births. But it is instructive to note that as the society spread, and the number of its trained nurses increased, the yearly loss of life decreased, until last year the world record low level was reached with a European infant mortality rate in New Zealand of 25.35 deaths per 1000 live births. If the infant deathrate had remained at the level of the early years of this century, 2000 more babies would have died last year than were actually Jost. Value of Educatton “The society lays great stress on education, regarding itself as an educational body and not in any sense a charitable one. Plunket nurses consider their best educational work is done in the homes, helping mothers to make the best use of the conditions in which they have to rear their babies, which is often very difficult in the present housing shortage,’’ said Mrs Begg. “War and its aftermath have brought many problems, and where these affected mothers and babies, the Plunket Society has earnestly sought a solution. All shortages affecting mothers and babies constantly engaged the society’s attention, as we realise how detrimental those constant anxieties are to the health and happiness of the family. The present famine of blankets, flannel and white wool that can be manufactured in IJJew Zealand from our own wool can surely be overcome. War has caused many shortages, but not recently a shortage of babies, and the record number of 41,872 born last year is a matter for general rejoicing. They should have not only a welcome, but also a wardrobe awaiting them in a cold world of clothing and fuel shortages. “The second world war followed closely on Sir Truby King’s death, and some of the society’s nurses went overseas. Others volunteered for peace service with UNRRA in Europe and .China, proving their worth and the. value of their training in many stricken, areas. In New Zealand the service carried on bringing comfort and help to many lonely young mothers. The large new housing areas created a problem as they were peopled mostly by parents of young families, and premises for use as plunket rooms were unobtainable. This problem was solved by three city branches in an ingenious manner by the use of mobile units, used by the army as optical clinics during the war, and converted into attractive plunkfet rooms.” Speaking of the society’s hopes for r the future, Mrs Begg said that it was planned to expand the nursing service when nurses were available, and to increase hospital accommodation. New rooms were contemplated in. many areas as well as flats for nurses. “As it enters its fifth decade, the Plunket Society dedicates itself again to the work of Sir Truby King. That active mind, that indomitable energy in a frail body, that great fighter has passed away, but his spirit lives on in the society that he founded,’” she concluded.