CANCER CAMPAIGN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22099, 3 May 1935, Page 13

CANCER CAMPAIGN

GRAVITY OP SCOURGE KING'S JUBILEE FUND APPEAL FOR DONATIONS Comment on the gravity of the cancer scourge in the Dominion, and an appeal to tho public to contribute toward the Royal silver jubilee gift from the people of Now Zealand, subscriptions for which are to be devoted to the advancement of cancer research in this country, were made by Dr. Neil McDougall, who presided at tho annual meeting yesterday of the Auckland division of the New Zealand branch of tho British Empire Cancer Campaign Society. "It is noteworthy that this meeting of the division should be held at a time coincident with the launching of the appeal for the jubilee gift to the Kiug," said Dr. McDougall. It was the business of the division to make tho appeal as widely known as possible, and earnestly to urge every citizen to contribute something toward the funds of a great campaign. The assistance of the Government had made the means of collecting the money very simple by placing the services of all post offices at the disposal of the public, and contributions, no matter how small, could be tendered.

Greater Efforts Urgently Needed

"May I again take this opportunity of emphasising tho gravity of the cancer problem in our midst," Dr. McDougall continued. "The fight against this terrible scourge must be won. It cannot bo accomplished without money. The Auckland division and all the coworkers at the Auckland Hospital and elsewhere are making praiseworthy progress in.dealing with this fell disease. As the malady is still increasing, greater efforts are urgently required to cope with it." To the question, how would tho money bo spent, the answer was, in weapons to conquer the disease, namely, radium and better and more up-to-date X-ray and other appliances for more effective treatment. Money also would be expended for research in the field of causation, for securing statistical data in assessing the results of treatment, and for the study of curative advance. "The citizens of Auckland are confidently expected to make this very worthy campaign an outstanding success by the munificence of their generous and sympathetic response," concluded the speaker, who remarked that there appeared to be an impression that the Auckland division had,a large sum in hand for cancer campaign work. The actual money at present available to the division was only £3ooo. Research in Dunedin The annual report, which was adopted, stated that during the year tho chief expenditure of the division had been the quarterly contributions to the laboratory research work under Dr. A. B. Begg in Dunedin. The Auckland division had raised the question whether the work should be continued in Dunedin, or transferred to a larger centre, such as London. However, the other three divisions favoured Dunedin, and a further contract had been entered into with Dr. Begg for seven years. The Auckland division had promised support at least until next November.

"A comprehensive scheme for coordinated clinical and statistical research throughout New Zealand was prepared by the division," the report continued, "and was favourably received. The division recently decided to press this side of the work with greater activity, and to make it, along with the possible purchase of radium, the main local object." The treasurer, Mr. R. O'Shea, said the assets at the beginning of the year totalled £45512, and at the close _of the year, £4918, a drop of £274. The major payment had been the sum of £306 to the New Zealand branch. The election of officers resulted: — President, Mr. Ernest Davis; vice-presi-dent, Dr. McDougall; lion, secretary. Dr. D. Robb; hon. treasurer, Mr. O'Shea; executive, Mrs. K. Gordon, Mr. Kenneth Mackenzie. Mr. Bruce Mackenzie, Mr. Donald McKenzie, Mr. W. Wallace and Dr. W. Gilmour.