HEALTH OF N.Z. CHILDREN

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25537, 3 July 1948, Page 2

HEALTH OF N.Z. CHILDREN

STATEMENT BY PLUNKET SOCIETY

“Of late there has been much discussion on the general well being of New Zealand children, and it has . been suggested that their physique does not compare favourably with that of present day children in England. Such a statement would not be acceptable to nutritionists or other scien-tifically-minded people until comparative surveys of English and New Zealand children had been conducted on an identical basis by nutritionists whose standards were in agreement,” says a statement issued yesterday by the Christchurch branch of the Plunket Society.

“If justification for the statement was proved it would substantiate the concern felt by the Plunket Society for the harmful indulgence which many parents allow their children to-day. Lack of sleep, insufficient rest and outdoor play, over indulgence in sweets and cakes given at the expense of the protective foods, which in this fortunate country are available to all, contribute to poor nutrition,” the statement continues.

“Information on matters of hygiene, and food and care for the young can always be had free of charge at the Plunket Society's infant welfare and pre-school clinics. Many reputable periodicals publish excellent articles on child management and nutritional requirements, and instructive talks are frequently to be heard on the radio. Many mothers put into practice the teaching they have learned from various sources, but there are some who do not co-operate and never intend to do so. The children of these mothers will naturally suffer.

“On behalf of the mothers who are rearing first-class healthy, hanpy children, we feel inclined to challenge the statement made in connexion with the poor physique of New Zealand children in general.”