CANCER CONFERENCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 40, 17 February 1939, Page 10

CANCER CONFERENCE

WELCOME TO DELEGATES

GOVERNMENT RECEPTION

An official reception to the delegates to the Cancer Conference was given by the Government in Parliament Buildings yesterday" afternoon, the guests being received by the Minister of Health (the Hon. P. Fraser) and Mrs. Fraser.

The Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) also attended, and in extending a welcome to the delegates, emphasised the importance of scientific investigation in relation to the health of the people. In New Zealand they wanted to see the best medical service in the world and the very best working conditions for those who gave that service. "That is the Government's objective, and we are going straight ahead," said Mr. Savage. "People from overseas might have heard that we are not what we should be, but we are not as black as we are painted. We are just ordinary individuals, perfectly sane, as far as I know, and we have one objective in view, and that "is the best service imaginable to the peoplethat is, service in all lines." Referring to' cancer research, the Prime Minister said that Governments did not do everything they might as far as scientific investigation was concerned, but in this sphere they could not afford to neglect their obligation to the people. "I want to assure you in the name of this Government that there is nothing that we can do that will not be done to push forward the work of the delegates to this conference."

The chairman of the conference, Sir James Elliott, said that the friendly relations that existed between the Australian and New Zealand doctors would do much to promote that good will in this part of the world that was so desirable. He thanked the Prime Minister for his welcome, and Mr. Fraser, who had always been most helpful in every way to the delegates. Thanks to the present Government, .particularly the Health Department, medical research had had its proper place.

Dr. W. H. L. Cumpston, DirectorGeneral of Health for the Commonwealth, remarked on the hospitality that had been extended to the delegates since their arrival. It might be said that they had been surrounded with an atmosphere of complete social security. (Laughter.) The future of the white races rested largely in their hands. "What the future holds, Ido not know," he added, "but whatever may come we will work with you in the same spirit of happy co-operation as we have experienced here."