HELP THE MOTHERS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 120, 14 February 1920, Page 8

HELP THE MOTHERS

A PRACTICAL WAY OF DOING SO

SCHEME OF RESIDENTIAL

NURSERIES

All thoughtful peoplo are verv troubled over tho publiehwl statistics setting forth tho serious drop in Nov,- Zealand's birth rate, and there is a growing opinion that it is useless to expect any marked increase until conditions of life aro improved for mothers. It is of special interest to tho whole community, therefore, to study and when} possible to cmst, the efforts of those who are making a beginning to make easier the lot ol the mother.

Tho Women's National ltesorve in Wellington is making matters the subject of earnest inquiry and endeavour. Ono most excellent project of theirs is a system of residential nurseries, the first ot which it is hoped shortly to open in Oireh Street. Here competent nurses will care for children during the period of their mother's illness from any cause whatever. It must in no sense 'be confused with a creche at which children may bo left whilst the mother is at work. It is only for the children of sick mothers, and tho need for it is emphasised by the number of applications already received. The nursery is well situated, is bright, sunny and sanitary, so that the little ones will probably by their stay thorp, 'It is not <«. charitablo institution, but if a charge were made sufficient to keep it entirely self-supporting: it vould bo deprived of fc great deal of its usefulness, as poor peoplo could not then avail themselves of it. Except in special cases the children will be k«pt for a month; in. maternity cases this will give tho mother a good help towards strength. It may seem a small thing, but at least it will prove a very real help in time of trouble and is a very practical way of helping those most needing help, little children and their mothers. The cost of furnishing and equipping, tho nursery is fry and if the work is to be carried on the over generous public'must a m! sl , 1)7 , donations-the women will do tho work. Tho hon. treasurer is Mrs. .Tomes Findlay, 33 Hobson Street, Wellington.