Fluoridation In Auckland

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30576, 20 October 1964, Page 19

Fluoridation In Auckland

“The Press’* Special Service AUCKLAND, Oct. 19.

The Auckland Regional Authority has decided, by 22 votes to 15, that it will increase the fluoride content of the bulk water supply to the level of one part in a million.

The general functions committee recommended this action be taken when the authority assumes responsibility for the bulk water supply nest year. During a debate lasting three hours, the committee chairman (Mr L. I. Murdoch) said the committee felt it had obtained as much information as was available and it seemed that the effectiveness and safety of fluoridation were scientifically established. “It is not a matter which can be put off any longer,” he said. It had been said that this issue could wreck the authority, he said, but he urged members to have the courage to decide it instead of referring it to a referendum. Mr H. Stredwick said the anti-fluoridationists were fighting a losing battle.

Opponents of fluoridation quoted Magna Carta and the Nuremberg war crimes trials. The authority’s chairman (Mr D. M. Robinson) drew protests from members when he spent more than 15 minutes reading a prepared report against fluoridation. He

bad limited other speakers to a maximum of 10 minutes. Mr F. G. Wilsher said Mr Robinson was making his own rules, and Mr A. T. Bell said the chairman was abusing his position. However, the meeting voted an extension of time for Mr

Robinson to finish reading his report. One of the other opponents of fluoridated water, Mr J. Allsop-Smith, suggested that fluoride tablets should be given to all children at school, except those whose parents objected.