PLUNKET APPEAL

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 133, 2 December 1944, Page 8

PLUNKET APPEAL

OBJECTIVE IN KARORI

"We need children in this Dominion. The position is becoming dangerous," said Mr. C. M. Bowden, M.P. for Wellington West, in supporting the appeal for funds being made by the Karori Plunket building committee, of which he is president. In 1881 children under 14 years were over 42 per cent, of the population; in 1938, under 25 per cent., said Mr. Bowden. During the years 1926-42, the number of children under 15 years of age had declined by 11,000, but people over 50 years had increased by 148,000. There were 6000 fewer children at school in 1942 than in 1936.

"Where are we heading for—particularly when we think of the young men sacrificed in war, . who would have been fathers in the future?" he asked. "Obviously we must endeavour to save every child who comes into being and help all the mothers who bear them.

"What organisation does a better work in that respect than the Plunket Society? Throughout New Zealand, over a period of years, their work has gone on, and in Karori the branch-has done noble work.

"Now it is desired to give the committee and nurses proper'accommodation in which to work and extend their scope. ' The proposal is to erect a modest cottage building suitable for. their needs on land centrally situated which is the property of the society. The buildinr; plan is designed in' accordance with the experience gained in other centres. The cost will be about £ 1000, and an appeal is made to residents of Karori to contribute the sum required." '