THE PUBLIC HEALTH

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8655, 13 February 1914, Page 4

THE PUBLIC HEALTH

.WHAT IS BEING DONE IN NEW SOUTH WALES. Press Association. AUCKLAND, February 11. The Modioai Congress was addressed by Mr W. A. Holman, Premier of INcw South Wales, on the subject ot “Administration in Regard to Public Health.” His. Government, he said, was giving special consideration to tha question of maternity and tho pro tection of child life. Special women's hospitals existed, and their functions had recently been specially enlarged. It Was proposed to build others to meet the growing feeling that confinements should, as far as possible, occur ■where the most modern scientific facilities for obstetric treatment were available. Tha Government encouraged the confinement of women in hospitals specially adapted to tho purpose rather than in their own homes; and proposed to make every new hospital in country districts provide .sufficient beds to meet possible requirements. The Federal Government gave a maternity bonus to all rases of confinement, and l the State aimed to provide a medical staff and nursing assistance without charge . to those unable to meet it. A babies hospital had recently been provided for the specific purpose of combating gastroenteritis, and the Government was now- building special hospitals for children in the large country centres to - counteract tho high mortality of child life there. .... In connection with the medical inspection of schools, it was intended, said Mr Holman, to start almost immediately what might be called a travelling hospital, staffed hy two medical officers, one dentist, andf one nurse, to deal with eye troubles, and, where necessary give anaethetios in minor operations, such as the removal of adenoids,- large tonsils, etc. Himself and his colleagues were strongly impressed by the need for preventive treatment of mental cases and it wm intended to provide for this work on modem lines. ____