SURVEYS OF OLD PEOPLE

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27592, 24 February 1955, Page 2

SURVEYS OF OLD PEOPLE

REPLY TO AUCKLAND CRITICISM

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, February 23. The Victoria University College surveys of old people in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin were the first comprehensive investigations into one of the most complex and important social problems in New Zealand, and at the lowest assessment of their value they had shown the pattern which existed in the four main cities, and should form a basis for further investigation, said the Minister of Health (Mr J. R. Hanan), replying to Auckland criticism of the surveys. The chairman of the Auckland Hospital Board (Mr J. Grierson) on Monday night described the conclusions drawn in the surveys as “not worth the paper they are written on.” It was said the surveys would not be of any value in helping the board to solve the problem. “The surveys have been based on sound methods, and they have covered all aspects of the problem,” said Mr Hanan. “Since it has been in office, the Government has moved a considerable way toward co-ordinating the efforts of the many organisations which work in various fields to improve the conditions of aged people who are in need. It is believed that the surveys will be of assistance in bringing about closer co-ordination of the work of the Government, local authorities, and voluntary organisations.”