MOTUEKA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 3 October 1924, Page 3

MOTUEKA

OFFICIAL OPENING OF PLUNKET AND BEST 1100 MS

The inclemency of the weather was undoubtedly responsible for the only moderate attendance at the official opening . of tlie Plunket and Best Booms, High Street, by the Deputy Mayor (Mr E. S. Wratt), on Friday afternoon. Mr Wratt apologised for the absence of the Mayor (Mr J. A. McGlashen, who was in Nelson on business, and in the course of his address, stated that this was the first occasion on which he had been called upon to officiate as deputy-flavor. 110 was very pleased indeed that it should be in connection with the Plunket Society and its work among the women and children. The aims and objects of the Plunket Society, which commenced operations in New Zealand in 1907, were, said the speaker, to bring mothers and future mothers to recognise their responsibilities, to acquire information and knowledge on matters affecting the health of women and children, to distribute this knowledge to the parties concerned and to train and employ qualified Plunket nurses to give instruction, .advice and assistance free, to any member of the community desiring such services. Mr Wratt stated that -the work of the Plunket Society has been so successful that the infantile mortality (children under 12 months) has been reduced from 7 to 4 per cent. Deference was made to the Motueka branch. When it commenced five yen's ago, the Plunket nurse paid only one visit per month to the district. With progress, the Society here had now' a permanent nurse of their own, whose activities extended as far as Tasman, Orinoco, Takaka and Collingwood. This advanpemetn has placed the local branch under ,an obligation of £175 per annum for flic,upkeep of a- nurse. The Society is applying for new members, minimum subscription 5/- per annum, so that their work may be advanced. Mr Wratt spoke of the Best Boom and of the Borough Council giving financial assistance to' establish it. “Had it not been for the Plunket Society,” continued the speaker, “the Best Boom would not, in all probability, have come inio existence.*’ The room would be a. great convenience to women and to country mothers in particular. He was glad to hear that the Society had visions of further progress in that they were looking forward to owning Plunket buildings in the tow'n. The deputy-mayor in extending a hearty welcome ■ to Nurse Rogers, expressed the hope that she would have a happy and pleasant, time during her stay in Motueka, and that she would make friends with the people and have many Plunket babies in her charge that would be a credit to the Society. Mrs McCallum (vice President of. the Plunket Society) apologised for the unavoidable absence of the President (Mrs L. Mackav), and for other members. On behalf of the Society she tendered thanks to the public generally for their support during the five years that this branch has been existence, and particularly ro the Borough Council for their donation, which had enabled the Society to establish the Plunket and Rest Booms. Thanks were also tendered to the sports bodies, especially the Bugby Union, which had assisted in every way powible and were at present considering putting on cl, benefit match to enhance the Society’s funds. Appreciation and thanks were extended by Mrs McCallum, to Messrs Newman Bros., Emms’s, Gibbs, Hill Bros., and to the Nelson Plunket Society for the valuable assistance they nave given the branch since commencement of its activities in- the Motueka district. On behalf of the Society, Mrs McCallum extended a w'elcomo to the permanent nurse, ; Misa Bogers, arid expresesd the wish that her sojourn in the district would be a happy otm. Nurse Bogers thanked the speakers for the way.in which they had welcomed her to Motueka.

The deputv-Mayor then called upon the Mayoress (Mrs J. A. McGlashen) to officially open the Plunket and Best Rooms. After the ceremony, all present were entertained to afternoon tea, by the Society, at Mrs Hargreaves’. Mr Wratt- thanked the Society for the pleasant time they had given him and expressed regret that moro of his colleagues were not present.

The Plunket and Rest Booms are being fitted up by public contributions, and are already presenting a comfortable appearance, although further requirement in the way of furnishings, are still needed. A list of these is being compiled and will be posted, up at the rooms' for inspection.