THE PUBLIC HEALTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17109, 14 March 1919, Page 4

THE PUBLIC HEALTH.

The Minister for Public Health is perfectly sound in the contention that his Department has suffered from false economy. The officers are too few, the districts tney are required to watch too large, and medical men are compelled to waste their time on routine work that could be performed by a competent clerk. In short the Department is understaffed, and the best use is not made of the material it does command. Reorganisation is urgently needed, and if it results in efficient protection of the public health, the country will gladly meet the bill. Contrary to Mr. Russell's opinion, the public is willing to pay for "brains and scientific training." The politicians are to blame for attempting economies where economy can only lead to disaster. It is necessary, however, to point out that an increase in staff will not bring salvation to the Department. It needs also a proper perspective and a Minister who takes himself less seriously than does Mr. Russell. This gentleman appears to mistake altogether the nature of his duties as political head of the Department They are to act as a link between parliament and the doctors who are in charge of public health, and to lay down broad lines of policy. It is not his function to supply - brains and scientific training."' Neither was it his business to make the decision which resulted in the Niagara being cleared. Such matters are best left to experts, and until the Department has a Minister who will not rush in where only doctors should tread there can be no method in its business, and no efficiency in it ßj practice. Zeal covers a multitude of sins, but it does not excuse usurpation of functions which do not belong to the Minister, and for the exercise of which he has no training