Maternity Homes

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume XXV, Issue 1309, 29 January 1926, Page 4

Maternity Homes

Dominion Death rate On Wednesday last, a maternity hospital, ereeied by tbe generosity of tbe trustees in tbe Lissie Rathbone Estate at a cost of £7343, was opened by the Hon. Sir Maui Pu-m-ire, who made reference in tbe course of bis remarks to the high maternity death rate. Sir Maui Pomare said that the maternal mortality rate in Denmark was 2.13 per thousand, and in England 3.8, while io New Zealand it was 5.1 per thousand. A special report on the couses had now reached him. Briefly be was advised that the reason tor the death rate being to low in Denmark was due to the efficiency of the m'dwives and tbe non-interference by d c'ors. Up to very lately in New Z‘aland they had not bad the efficiency aimed at in the midwives, and there had been too much inter ference by tbe doctors. Ho confi denlly expected the establishing of maternity hospitals would bring about a great improvement, especially when worked in conjunction with ante natal olirict.

Dr Valin’ine, Direo'or of Health, said Now Zealand bad enough general hospitals, but more maternity hospitals were needed. They were no' only lor the prospective mo’hers, but also for the adequate and scientific training of midwives. In New Zealand there are 2000 midwives 1129 of whom are in bo ual work, and there are 279 class D midwives.