DIET AND HEALTH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23075, 28 June 1938, Page 11

DIET AND HEALTH

SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY NEW ZEALAND PROBLEMS NUTRITION OF CHILDREN [BY TELEGRAPH —PRKSS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Monday "A scientific inquiry into nutrition in New Zealand, an important part of which will be the question of infant nutrition, will be conducted bv Professor .1. Malcolm with the assistance of Dr. Muriel Bell, Dr. C. E. Hercus and Dr. Elizabeth Gregory," said the Minister of Health, the Hon. P. Fraser, addressing the annual meeting of the Wellington branch of the PJunket Society to-day. He asked his hearers to reserve judgment on the question of child nutrition and the society's work until Professor Malcolm made his report. It was not a subject for controversy. "The first question to bo considered by the Medical Research Council recently set up will be that of nutrition," added Mr. Fraser. "There are many pressing problems in front of it. The tremendous question of cancer, the researches of Dr. Hercus into goitre, and of Sir Louis Barnett into hydatids, will still be gone into, but tho first question before the council will bo the nutrition of adults as well as children." Tho Minister added that evidence would be taken from anyone willing to give it beside scientists, students and research workers. Criticism of Society Mr. Fraser said that at the present time tho Plunket Society was faced with a certain amount of criticism, which might or might not have a certain amount of foundation, but its achievements in the course of years was the best testimony to its work. He did not complain of any criticism that had a fair scientific basis, and the society should welcome any constructive and helpful criticism. "The point at issue apparently revolves round the question whether the dietary provisions embodied in the Plunket system contain sufficient calories or sufficient proteins," he continued. "I do not think that is a matter to get excited about. If it is demonstrated scientifically that adjustments are necessary, such adjustments can easilj' be made. It is not a matter to be determined by controversy, by writing letters to the newspapers, or by leading articles, but by scientific investigation. Greater Future "The society's attitude is that, if any improvements can be suggested, it will gladly accept them, provided they are improvements. That is the right attitude to adopt. "There is nothing in the national life of our country that has contributed more than has the Plunket Society," added Mr. Fraser. "In my opinion, great as its work has been in the past, it is only beginning. Whatever modifications scientists may show to be necessary—if, indeed, any are necessary— I am convinced that the future of the society will be greater even than its wonderful past."