Miss Howard’s Criticism Of Surveys 'Unjustified’

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29250, 7 July 1960, Page 12

Miss Howard’s Criticism Of Surveys 'Unjustified’

(New Zealand Press Association>

WELLINGTON, July 6. Criticism by the Minister of Social Security (Miss Howard) of surveys -conducted by the School of Social Science of Victoria University, was unjustified, Mr J. R. McCreary, a senior lecturer at the school, said today. Mr McCreary, pointed out that the earlier surveys the Minister criticised were carried out at the request of both her department and the Department of Health. Mr McCreary today emphasised that all the research workers signed the Public Service oath of secrecy and that it was made clear to those interviewed that the workers were not departmental inspectors, had no powers or authority to demand information, and that all answers were confidential.

Out of 4562 persons approached only 2.69 per cent, had refused to be- interviewed “In the terms of any social survey that is a pretty low refusal rate,” he said. Mr McCreary said the information asked for this time was similar to that 'given by the department before for surveys to assist the administrtaors of services to the aged. He said the questions, which Miss Howard had quoted out of context, were based on those asked in surveys conducted by the Nuffield Foundation survey committee on the problems of the ageing in England. “The questions she quoted were part of a series on how the per-

sons spent their time, primarily because of the general comment that aged people find ’4 difficult to fill in their days ” said Mr McCreary. “The sort of thing asked was aimed to find out what these people would like to do and are able to do, and what they would like to do and are unable to do.” Answers to such questions emphasised specific problems that those interested in the care of the aged could attempt to solve if they wished. The questions of lavatories, which had apparently shocked Miss Howard, said Mr M?Creary, were based on real problems. Recent surveys had shown that in Christchurch alone about one third of the elderly people’ had to use outside conveniences, and the average for the main centres would be somewhere between one quarter and a third / This could be a major problem in cases of those suffering from rheumatism and bronchitis.

The new survey, which. Miss Howard's refusal now prevented, was asked for by the Health Department’s advisory committee on the care of the aged, because the field workers of the various voluntary organisations felt that aged single and widowed men had special problems. This survey was to be based on questions they felt were important. “In spite of the fact that we did not initiate this proposed survey. I feel that welfare legislation and service ought to be based upon a full appreciation of the problems.’’ said Mr McCreary Social surveys were one way of finding out ’