GREAT HUMANITARIAN

Evening Star, Issue 22880, 11 February 1938, Page 10

GREAT HUMANITARIAN

SIR TRUBY KING'S ACHIEVEMENTS TRIBUTE FROM MINISTER OF HEALTH jPeb United Press Association.] '■V WELLINGTON, February 10. n if one were endeavouring to form an opinioxl' as to who has been the most famous New Zealander, there are certain names that would immediately come to mind. Undoubtedly one or the first would bo that of Sir Truby King,” said the Minister of Health (the Hon. P. Fraser). . “ Observing the large wastage of infant life, due largely to ignorance of parents. Dr King with almost fanatical zeal embarked upon what has proved to be a most outstanding contribution to the public health of the Dominionnamely, the saving and the welfare of young life,” Mr Fraser continued. The reduction in infant mortality ' which has taken place during the past 30 years is almost incredible. That New Zealand to-day can claim to have the lowest infant mortality rate in the world is Sir Truby King’s achievement. His influence, of course, lives and will continue to live, and he will undoubtedly be known as one of the world’s greatest men—as one of mankind’s outstanding henefactors. 1 - PERPETUATION OF HIS NAME PLUNKET SOCIETY A LASTIHG MEMORIAL [Pza United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, February 10. ¥ It can bo said that the movement of which Sir Truby was the founder originated in his mind, was animated by his energy and enthusiasm, and its success was in no small degree due to his capacity for enthusing others equally with himself,” said Dr M. H. Watt, Director-General of Health. “ The Blanket Society,” he added, “is a lasting testimony to this great New Zealander. Although he has gone, the movement of which he was_ the founder is filmly established, and in it his name will be perpetuated.” Dr Watt also paid a to Sir Truby King’s work as Director of Child Welfare, which position, he said, he had filled with distinction, bringing further lustre to the name of New Zealand in the particular sphere of public health activity to which he had ' devoted himself. ■ FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS [Pan United Peess Association.] WELLINGTON, February 11. The arrangements for a State funeral to Sir Truby King have been completed by the officers of the Department of Internal Affairs. The body will lie in state at St. Paul’s pro-Cathedral tomorrow morning, and from 9.30 to 12.30 nurses .and officials of the Plunket Society will be stationed at the casket. The service will be conducted by the Bishop of Wellington, commencing at 2.30 p.m., and the cortege will proceed to Sir Truhy King’s home on Melrose heights, where the interment will be made in the vault. The. Governor-General will be represented and invitations will be sent to Ministers of the Crown, such judges of the Supreme Court as are in town, the Speakers of both Houses, the Leader of the Opposition, the Mayor of Wellington, members of both Houses of the Legislature, representatives of the naval, military, and air forces, the "magistrates, the heads of departments, private secretaries, and local body representatives. Special places will be allotted to the_ Plunket Society, tbe medical profession, the Nurses,’ Association, and representatives of the various religious denominations.