Nutrition in New Zealand

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 150, 28 June 1938, Page 6

Nutrition in New Zealand

Inquiry to be Conducted PLUNKET SYSTEM UNDER REVTLw Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. Tho scientific inquiry into nutrition in New Zealand, an im, ortant part of Which will be tho question of infant nutrition, will be conducted by Professor J. Malcolm with the assistance of Dr. Muriel Bell, Professor C. E. Hercus and Dr. Gregory, said Hon. I’. Fraser (Minister of Health), addressing the annual meeting of the Wellington branch of the Plunket Society to-day. He requested his hearers to reserve judgment on the question of child nutrition and the society’s work until Professor Malcolm had made his report. It was not, he said, a subject for controversy. The first question to bo considered by the Medical Research Council recently set up would be that of nutrition, said Mr. Fraser. There were mauy pressing problems in front of it. Tho tremeu dous question of cancer, the researches of Dr. Hercus into goitre and of Bir Louis Barnett into hydatids would still be gone into; but tho first question before the council would be tho nutrition of adults, as well as children. It ha ! been placed in the very capable hands of Professor Malcolm, of the Physiology Department, Dunedin, one of the most honest and sincere scientists tho coun try had known. Associated with him were Drs. Bell, Hercus and Gregory, and he was satisfied tho investigation was in capable and reliable hands. They would take evidence from anyone will ing to give it, besides scientists, students aud research workers. The whole question of nutrition would be thoroughly” investigated and a very important part would bo the nutrition of children Mr. Fraser said at tho present time the society was faced with a certain amount of criticism which might or might not have a certain amount of foundation, but the achievements of the society in the course of years wris the best testimony to its work. One could only marvel at tho progress that had been made. He did not complain of any criticism that had a fair scientific basis, aud the society should welcome any criticism that was constructive rind helpful. The point at issue apparently re volved around tho question of whether the dietary provisions embodied iu the Plunket system contained sufficient calorics or sufficient proteins. He did not think that was a matter to get excited about. If it was demonstrated scientifically that adjustments were necessary such adjustments could easily be made. It was not a matter to be determined by controversy, by writing letters to newspapers or by leading articles, but by a scientific investigation. The society’s attitude was that i■' any improvements could be suggested it would gladly accept them, provided they were improvements. That was the right attitude to adopt. Like all Min isters of Health he came into daily contact with the work of the Plunket Bocicty and he assured tho society that the Government appreciated what it was doing and would help it to the fullest extent. Borne of the younger doctors who had studied dietetic problems in other parts of tho world were entitled to express their opinions auJ to have them duly weighed and fully considered, but it would bo deplorable if any iconoclastic attack were to be made upon the work of tho society. “There is nothing iu the national life of our country that has contributed more than the Plunket Society,” he said. “In my opinion, great as its work has been in the past, it is only beginning. Whatever modifications scientists may show to bo necessary, if in deed any are necessary, I am convinced that tho future of the society will be greater even than its wonderful past.’’