WANGANUI FIRE BRIGADE

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 287, 4 September 1928, Page 13

WANGANUI FIRE BRIGADE

ANNUAL REUNION AN ENVIABLE RECORD By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wanganui, September 3. Speaking at the annual reunion of the 'Wanganui Fire Brigade to-night the Hon. J. A. Young,. Minister of Health, said that it did not matter 10 what side politicians belonged as long as every one of them was actuated by the ideal to legislate for the present as well as the future. A wise politician was not satisfied to legislate for the present only; he must look farther afield. There was no short cut to the political millennium. Regarding the infantile mortality rate of New Zealand, Mr. Young said it was the lowest of any , civilised country in, the world, and it » was brought about largely by the work of tlie Blanket Society. It was remarkable, he said, that many people who had not been blessed with children had associated themselves with those organisations whose activities tended to improve conditions for the mothers and children of the country. Since coming into office he had endeavoured to infuse enthusiasm into his Department in its work to make for the health of the people of the Dominion. Referring to Parliament, Sir. Young said that although the Opposition members agreed to disagree, there was always personal good-will, and all of them were ever ready to assist his department in its work. Associated with the infantile mortality rate was tlie maternity mortality rate. The latter was satisfactory compared with other countries, but it had to go far to equal the low rate of Holland and Denmark; however, the position was improving. The Health Department’s duty was to do those things that would fortify the women of the country so that they would know how to care for their health. The great purpose behind the department was to have the community avoid disease. It was better to spend money to prevent, disease than to have to tax themselves to support hospitals to fight disease. He said that the death-rate of mothers in urban areas was 50 and in the country, 80. A large proportion of the rate in the country was due to ignorance and lack of information available. Infantile mortality was BS.B in 1907, and was now 35.75. Another record to be proud of was that the death-rate was the lowest in the world. He stressed the importance of healthy material: if we had healthy men and women the future was sound.

Mr. Young then paid a tribute to the Wanganui Fire Brigade. The fire losses in 'Wanganui were 52 per cent, less than those in other towns in New Zealand. He congratulated Superintendent Williams and his brigade on their efficiency.

On behalf of the Prime Minister Mr. Young returned thanks for the welcome that had been extended to him. Had he been able the Rt. Hou. Mr. Coates would have been present at the function. Those present included the Mayor of Wanganui, Mr. Veitch, M. 8., Mr. J. S. Barton, S.M.. and the Superintendent of the Wellington Fire Brigade.