THE CHILDREN'S CHARTER

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 7, 8 July 1922, Page 16

THE CHILDREN'S CHARTER

SOME QUESTIONS,

The following are come of the questions sent by the International Council of Women to national councils all over tire world, for consideration and) reply. Their decisions on the matter will be forwarded to tlie World Parliament of Women. In the matter of pre-natal care the questions asked axe : —ls compulsory instruction regarding the care of infants in all girls' schools and continuation schools usual in' New Zealand? Is carefully -prepared instruction in sex hygiene fOT both boys amd girls by specially-trained teachers .. approved? What is the education of tho general public regarding the causes .of maternal: and infant mortality, and how would you prevent it by means -of welfare exhibitions, lectures, etc. ? Is there am undertaking by those afbooit to marry that they are free . from communicable or hereditary diseases in your country, and have you public health nurses and district nurses who ai. trained to act as advisers to expectant mothers ? Have you clinics, including dental clinics and venereal disease clinics, under special) medical direction, .where expectant mothers oan be treated when necessary? Is- there an adequate medical, mMiwifery, and mrrsing service for cbildibirth, and midwives registered, and) required by law to show adequate training, and to be licensed and supervised: ? Is there legal prohibition of work for women for six weeks before and after childbirth, and are there maternity benefits for all working' women and aU needy mothers, with free hospital and nursing care during the same period, and whilst musing their children? Do you think voluntary committees should be appointed in regard to all these matters under the local.health authorities?

Theft the questional, goes on to ask is there early compulsory notification of birth and still-births to the public health authorities within three days after birth? Is there compulsory registration of births within "one month, and is there adequate laws to prevent infant blin,ctae_s by ' enforcing treatment of eyes of every infant at birth? Do you consider that, provision of maternity audi infant centres, through which medical consultations, and advice, and instruction of mothers in the upbringing, feeding, and clothing of their children can be organised? Do you believe that dental clinics for mothers and. oliildiren, ear, nose, eye, and throat clinics, venereal and tuberculosis, and other clinics should be available where medical treatment can be provided? Have you hos* pitals amdi homes for children requiring special care, and for defective children!, preventive, convalescent, and. hoJidjay homes for mothers, and young childtren needing care, and rest, and nourishing food? Have your local authorities madia adequate provision for a sufficient audi pure milk supply, with special arrangements whereby it shall be available. for ■mothers, young children, and invalids? Have you playgrounds and playrooms, with specially-trained play teachers for young children, and; have you licensing and strict supervision of all institutions undertaking the care and education of young children? Is there in your country a scheme for boarding-out orphan and deserted children in suitable families undiar State supervision ? To some New Zealand! can answer. Yes, but to many No.