PLUNKET SOCIETY’S IMPRESSIVE RECORD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22732, 2 September 1948, Page 4

PLUNKET SOCIETY’S IMPRESSIVE RECORD

OVI !R 40 years have passed since the now world-famous organisation popularly known as the Plunket Society was founded. There is. in consequence, a danger that the splendid work of the society may tend to become accepted as a matter of course. For this reason it is only right that from time to time, and particularly on the eve of a street appeal, the public should he reminded that the scope of the society’s activities is to a large extent dependent upon tlie generosity of individual donors. Without monetary assistance from the public, it would not he possible to record the impressive figures which in all parts of the Dominion illustrate clearly the good work that is being done in the hospitals, in the clinics and in the homes. The four decades or so of successful development find the Plunket system more strongly rooted than ever in the social life of New Zealand. With the lengthening perspective of the years it is possible to estimate flic historical significance of the organisation and lo acknowledge the amazing originality, vision and energy of the founder. Not only was Sir Truby King a world authority on the welfare of mothers and young children; he also combined with medical skill a deep understanding of human beings. He saw that the movement had to he built on individual enthusiasm and localised control if it was to have permanent growth and to confer the maximum benefits. Tn the host and fullest meaning of the word Plunket stands for a community service and now, when its principles are winning international recognition, New Zealand can take pride in the fact that so much fame has come to the society and to its founder. Nowhere in the Dominion is the work of the Plunket Society being carried out more conscientiously and efficiently than in the Gisborne district. Behind the statistics bearing on the work of the nurses and the members generally is the salient fact that the life of every child at birth is still lengthening. The care of mothers and * the teaching of wise mothercraft also come within the scope of the various activities. Altogether the merits of tomorrow’s street appeal for public support cannot he too strongly emphasised.