PROBLEMS OF DIABETICS

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28930, 25 June 1959, Page 10

PROBLEMS OF DIABETICS

Nelson Support For Movement

The experience of the Nelson Diabetic Society has proved that diabetics are eager to support the diabetic movement, according to the president (Mr L. H. Beardsley). In a letter to “The Press” replying to statements by Mr C. M. Sheppard, president of the Christchurch division of the New Zealand Diabetic Association, about the number of - diabetics who have not joined the association, Mr Beardsley says the Nelson society has a membership equal, if not greater, than that in Christchurch after only two years, and with only a fraction of the population. Mr Beardsley says that Mr Sheppard’s • statement could create a false impression among the public in Nelson, Marlborough. and Westland who may be interested in the activities of the Nelson society, which has no connexion with the Christchurch organisation. Since the incorporation of Marlborough and Westland into the society in the last two months membership has been mounting rapidly. Referring to the help given to diabetics by chemists, Mr Beardsley says this leaves nothing to be desired. As one who has been concerned with organising diabetics in Wellington, Auckland, and Nelson, he has found the members of the New Zealand Chemists’ Service Guild most helpful. They have full regard for the interests of their diabetic customers, and the service they render to the community as chemists. Mr Beardsley says the figures of diabetic membership in New Zealand given by Mr Sheppard—-

580 in the four divisions—do not appear to be correct. There are 200 each in Nelson and Christchurch, and 100 in Dunedin. No figures have been given for the membership in Auckland which could be greater than all the South Island.