FIGHT AGAINST TUBERCULOSIS: ALL SEEK ACTION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22697, 23 July 1948, Page 3

FIGHT AGAINST TUBERCULOSIS: ALL SEEK ACTION

(P.R.) WELLINGTON, July 23. ‘•The whole community will wish the Minister well in her attempt to grapple with tuberculosis,” said Mr. R. M. Algic (Oppos., Remuera) in the House oi Representatives last night.

The bill created a machine but a machine could creak and groan and produce little, he added. A possible cause of infection was infected milk, said Mr. W. J. Broadfoot i Oppos., Waitomo). There should be close co-operation between the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture regarding the elimination of tubercular cows. A niggardly attitude had been taken in compensating farmers for animals which had to be destroyed. Morn Victims Than Tolio

Tuberculosis claimed far more victims than poliomyelitis, even in times of epidemic, pointed out Dr. A. M. Finlay (Govt., North Shore). An extension of the school medical service was urged by Mr. D. M. Rae (Opos., Parnell,). The examinations were at present inadequate, though the ages which came under scrutiny were most important for the early discovery of tuberculosis.

It should be recognised that tuberculosis, though still fairly widespread, was lessening in its intensity over the years and the striking downward trend in deaths showed what could be done when co-ordinated steps w re taken to grapple with the problem, said the Minister of Supply, Mr. A. I-I. Nordmeyer. It was important for people to realise that if they were suffering from the disease, there was a good chance of recovery. Unclean Drinking Utensils

If it were not for the prevalence of tuberculosis New Zealand would have the lowest death rate in the world, not the second lowest, said Mr. C. G. G. Harker (Oppos., Hawke's Bay). He recommended the sterilisation of glasses in hotels as unclean drinking utensils must be conducive to disease. The system the bill sought to inaugurate and the discussion on it would give a great deal of comfort to thousands of people in New Zealand, but the bill was not a cure. It was not the first of its kind and it would not be the last. The Minister of Health, Miss M. Howard: Hear, hear.

The clause providing that a person might be sent 'o an institution by a magistrate interfered very seriously with the liberty of the subject, said Mr. R. M. Algie (Oppos., Remuera).