TEETH OF CHILDREN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20594, 19 June 1930, Page 9

TEETH OF CHILDREN.

TREATMENT IN COUNTRY.

TRAVELLING CLINIC SCHEME.

HEALTH MINISTER'S OPPOSITION.

"The Minister of Health has missed the point," said Mr. J. Boddio, wlion tho Auckland Education Board received a reply yesterday to its request for the provision of a travelling dental service for> the country districts. The Minister of Health, the Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, wrote,stating he did not favour the opera? tion of dental caravans,

The Minister said ho had received many letters regarding travelling dental clinics, especially from the Auckland district. Ho had inquired fully into travelling clinics, and lie was of opinion that they could not be compared to stationary clinics. The stationary clinic system had now been definitely established and was already reaching out into the country districts. The present system was in the best interests of tho health of the children, and was more effective than a travelling system. Mr. R. Hoe said it was not intended that tho travelling clinics should take the place of tho present system. Caravans were desired only for districts where there were no clinics and where none would be established for some time. Mrs. U. Donaldson said a caravan travelling through North Auckland would treat children who would not bo reached by a clinic for at least five years.

"There are districts other than North Auckland where there i 3 no hope of obtaining permanent clinics," said Mr. Boddie.

Mr. H. S. W. King said the board should not rest until dental treatment was obtained for those who could not now obtain it.

The chairman, Mr. A. Burns, said tho Health Department was against the travelling caravans, but the board did not wish to stipulate any particular method of service. An extension of tho facilities was all that was desired.

It was decided to again state the position to the Minister of Education, requesting him to approach the Minister of Health.