FOE THE MOTHERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 6996, 9 December 1909, Page 2

FOE THE MOTHERS

The following open letter on behalf of Hhe women and children of New Zealand has been forwarded to the Government by tho Canterbury Women's Institute :

The members of the Women's Institute desire to. approach rvou on a mat-' ter of wide importance to the life and health of the people of New Zealand. We are in possession of strong personal evidence that the function of childbirth in outlying country districts i» often accompanied by grave difficultiea and dangeirs such as do not exist in town centres. The passing of the oldfashioned nurse and the arrival of the highly-specialised maternity nurse have caused serious difficulties for countrj women in procuring proper attention and service during the most critical and perilous time,of their lives. The fid type of unregistered nurse is becoming extinct through wise legislation, and the new type is not yet sufficiently plentiful to reach all the furthest corners of the Dominion; hence a certain dislocation.

"In view of the increasing importance attached by all thinking persons to the function of motherhood and its extensive influence on national life, we venture to. call year attention to certain injurious effects arising; from distressed motherhood, and then to suEsest measures that might remove the evils." There follows a list of the evils of refusal of child-bearinj?, and the letter continues:

"We besr. therefore, to subtest:—(!) The establishment of St.. Helens Maternity Homes in country 'towns; (2) State subsidy to maternity nurses attendinK cases in outlying country districts, such subsidy to be granted where the hus-band's-income is ithe saimc. or thereabouts, as that of the men whose Wives are eligible for St. Helens institutions; (3) State premium or bonus to the mother on the birth of each child, subject, of course, to certain' conditions. We feel convinced that on the above subject _ the Government of New " Zealand will find annple scone for: inst and humane administration, and the reward reaped bv the community will be a stronger womanhood and a healthier and happier childhood." ,