DOMINION’S WELFARE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 12 January 1929, Page 2

DOMINION’S WELFARE.

SOUND ECONOMIC CONDITION. VIEWS OF MINISTER OF HEALTH (By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 11. That the country was in a sound economic position, that confidence was evident in the business community, and .that a note of optimism regarding future prosperity was being sounded were the views expressed this morning by the Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, Minister of Health, who is in Christchurch for a few days visiting relatives.

The Minister said that in touring round .the country one was at once cognisant of a change in the atmoshere in . business and farming circles. The depression of the past year or so had given way to new expansion and a feeling of confidence since the election.

There was no doubt, he said, that people had wanted a change and that they were looking to the United Party to improve and stabilise conditions. Mr.'Stall worthy was emphatic in his declaration that in the administration of his deparatment he would adopt a humanitarian policy. He would consider the Human element and always attempt to be fair and just in all matters. He was a firm advocate and follower of the late Mr. Scddon’s humanitarian policy. The Minister was very sympathetic when approached on the question of the improvement of the working conditions of nurses.

“Nursing is an honourable profession, and I shall use my influence to make the profession as attractive as possible in order to make it an inducement to the young women of the country,” he said. “Cases have come to my knowledge of nurses working for such long hours and under such arduous conditions that both the nurses themselves and patients are prejudiced. I realise that the question is largely a domestic one with local hospital boards, and I do not wish to interfere, but *1 shall certainly take steps to ensure an improvement in the working conditions for nurses.”

Mr. Stallworthy. was fully aware of the. seriousness of unemployment in New Zealand. He said the Government would treat the question as one of the most urgent and important matters coming before the party. Other matters, embracing living conditions and housing, were discussed by the Minister, who said legislation was being prepared for these matters already. There was more money about, he said, and a big improvement in economic affairs was evident. . ...