MINISTER OF HEALTH

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 10, 12 January 1929, Page 10

MINISTER OF HEALTH

HUMANITARIAN POLICY / CONDITIONS FOR NURSES (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) CHEISTCHUECH, 11th January. The Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, Minister of Health, in an interview to-day, was emphatic in his declaration that in the administration of his ' Department he would adopt a humanitarian policy. 11 He would consider the human'element, and 'always attempt to be fair. and, just iv all matters. . He was' a firm advocate and follower of the late Mr. Seddon's humanitarian policy. : The Minister was . very'j sympathetic when approached on ' tKe , question of the improvement of working' conditions of nurses. "Nursing' is^aii honourable profession, and I ■ shall use my influence to make the profession as attractive as possible'in order, to: make it an inducement to the young womanhood of the country," he said., "Cases, have Come to my knowledge of nurses working for such long hours; and under such arduous conditions: that :bbth the nurses themselves and patients -are -prejudiced. I realise that'the question is largely a domestic one with local hospital boards, and do not wish to, interfere', but I" shall certainly take steps:to ensure an improvement in the working conditions for nurses."' ' • "-':,. ■ : Ho was fully aware of the'seriousness of unemployment in New, Zealand,, and said that the Government would treat the question as one of the most urgent and important matters, coming before party. Other - matters embracing living conditions, housing, etc., .were discussed by the Minister, who said legislation was being prepared, for' these matters. Already there :was" more money about, he said, and a big improvement in economic affairs was 'evi-. dent.., , ', ■'■:' ...