BABY'BONUS

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 46, 23 August 1922, Page 5

BABY'BONUS

REVIEW IN AUSTRALIA (rsox out own coMiirowiM.) SYDNEY, 16th August. There are indications that the present •yitem of payment, of a Federal baby bonus to mothers, in which legislation Australia is said to have led the world, it to go by the board. The Federal Treasurer has been considering whether the sum of approximately £750,000 per annum paid in maternity allowances could not, De more profitably spent >on the provision of medical attention for maternity cases It is believed that a caving of £250,000 could be effected by a more judicious application of the money distributed for maternity allowances ' Proposals have been forwarded to the Ministry on behalf of the Federal Committee of the British Medical Association, urging the more effective spending of the money provided under the Maternity Allowances Act, so as to obtain a reduction'in maternal mortality and morbidity and in infantile mortality The proposals, which were drawn up by the Committeo after consultation with the State branches of the association, are as fpllow.— 1 The extension of maternity hos pilals and anti natal clinics and infant, iy elf are centies 2 The psbvision. of mole efficient midwifeij training for nurses and mcdi cal students ' 3 The provision of holp for mothers and expectant mothers in necessitous circumstances 4 Such other measmes as are advised fiom timo-to time by medical expeuence A lotuin issued by the Treasuiy shows that claims foi the maternity allow ance* lepreseiiting a payment of £5a 530 were gianted dunng July The total numbei of claims was> 10,906, compared with 10,934 dmnii! July last you) and 11,134 m July, 1920,