NATION’S HEALTH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 72, 24 February 1937, Page 8

NATION’S HEALTH

TASK TO BE FACED. BY MEDICAL MEN. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Feb. 23. The biennial conference of the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association was opened this morning by the Governor-General (Lord Galway), who welcomed the delegates especially mentioning Sir Edmund Spriggs, "representing the parent body, the British Medical Association and the Royal College of Physicians. The rest of the day was occupied by technical addresses and the reading of papers. To-night a reception to the delegates was given by the Mayor (Mr T. C. A. Hislop), the Minister of Health (Hon. P. Fraser) being present. Following the address of welcome by the Mayor, Mr Fraser referred to the advances made in the prevention of disease. The most critical observer. he said, would probably admit that the world to-day was a much healthier place to live in than ever before. Nevertheless, since he had assumed office as Minister of Health he had had it forcibly impressed upon him that there was still too much preventible disease in our midst. “The school medical officers report that in this land of plentiful food and sunshine many children suffer from malnutlrition. Disturbing reports have reached me in' regard to the higher incidence of tuberculosis among Maoris, while the prevalence of goitre and dental caries still constitutes local public health problems. Mr Fraser said there was a great necessity for medical research work. That would be undertaken as far as the resources at their disposal would permit. He appealed, although he was sure such an appeal was not necessary, lor an open mind in all questions affecting health and metlious of treatment, and for a scientific attitude towards methods which might now seem new and even startling. Unorthodox treatment could no longer be dismissed with a shrug of tile shoulders or even by disciplinary methods. Often the distinction between the prophet and charlatan was very small, but they must take care that prophets, even in medicine and medical matters, were not stoned. It seemed to him that the future lay to a very great extent with preventive medicine. The medical service had given them much in that direction; it would give much more in the future. It had been proved that good houses, good and ample food, adequate clothing, sunshine, and fresh air could accomplish miracles. Research work still furtiier along these lines must be continued. Dietetics must occupy a prominent place; physical education must be organised and encouraged; arrangements must be made for the healthful utilising of additional leisure in the future campaign for health, as well as in the fight against disease. The Induction of Mr T. D. M. Stout (Wellington) as the president of the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association was performed by the retiring president (Dr. R. H. Hogg (Blenheim), who said he was satisfied the association was getting a distinguished leader able to look after its interests. The Hunterian Medal, presented by the British Medical Association for an original essay on any subject of general practice, was presented to Dr. F. O. Bennett (Christchurch) by Sir Edmund Spriggs, who said it was a great pleasure to them in England to see this medal come to New Zealand.