The Dominion WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 1940. A PERTINENT PUBLIC QUESTION

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 138, 6 March 1940, Page 8

The Dominion WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 1940. A PERTINENT PUBLIC QUESTION

Ln the February issue of the New Zealand Medical Journal there is a reference to the Obstetrical Scholarships founded originally by funds subscribed by the women of the Dominion which raises a pertinent public question. These scholarships enable the holders to go abroad for specialized study in obstetrics and gynaecology—in lay language, the problems associated with child-bearing. As originally founded in 1928, the scholarship provided for six months’ study in Melbourne. Later, the period was extended for two years, and financial provision was made to enable the holders to go to. Europe or America for eighteen months after completing their studies in Melbourne. It appears from the annual report of the New Zealand Obstetrical Society, as published in the Medical Journal, that of the two scholars who benefited under the original foundation, one is practising in England, and the other in Palmerston North. Of the nine selected for overseas study and training under tbie extended provisions, “two have settled outside New Zealand, two have returned to this country, and five.have not yet settled anywhere.” It is laid down in the conditions of the scholarship that candidates in making application shall intimate their intention as to future practice, and preference shall be given to a candidate who lias shown special proficiency in obstetrics, “and who intends to practise in New Zealand. Why is it, then, that so many have failed to give the benefit of their studies to the country which has provided the means ? The answer is given in the Society’s report: “No positions for gynaecologists aie available in New Zealand hospitals.” It is scarcely fair (it is added) for authority to blame the scholars for not returning when, so far, New Zealand has refused all opportunities for these men to utilize their training within her shores. Other parts of the Empire are prepared to avail themselves of the unique training of these men, and part-time or honorary positions are at this moment available for all those who have finished their course provided such positions are for purely obstetrical or gynaecological work. If there is a moral obligation for the scholars to return, surely there is a moral obligation on the part of New Zealand to give the scholars a chance to practise their art when they return.

This appears to be a question of policy in which the New Zealand .Health Department and the public hospital boards are concerned. For some reason or other these authorities have failed to appreciate the point that if this country is to have the services of these specialists, opportunities must be provided for them. The secretary of the New Zealand Obstetrical Society. Dr. Doris Gordon, who returned from a tour abroad in November last, was authorized when in England to investigate the position of the New Zealand scholarships, and in an interview in Auckland remarked that the title “New Zealand Obstetrical Scholar” was an “open sesame” to the most coveted residential positions in England. “The failure to return,” she said, “is akin to the failure of Rhodes Scholars to return, with the difference that in this instance the endowment was given by thousands of humble New Zealand women to better the lot of the mothers in the Dominion who succeed them. It appears that the money given is merely being used to provide England with specialists.”' A debt is due, as Dr. Gordon points out, to the women of New Zealand, and as far as the evidence-goes, to the extent that default has been made in the honouring of this obligation the responsibility rests with those in authority.