DEPUTATION TO MINISTERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8782, 11 July 1914, Page 6

DEPUTATION TO MINISTERS

WORK OP THE ORGANISATION COMMENDED. A large deputation representing the society waited on- the Prime Minister yesterday to submit certain requests in accordance with resolutions carried at the annual conference. The Hons. J. illen and R. H. Rhodes were present at the interview. Mr T. K; Sidey, yl.p,, introduced the deputation, which was also accompanied by Messrs G. MThomson, T. EJ. Wilson, D. H. Guthrie and T. Buxton. Mrs Parkes (Auckland) said that the deputation represented 40 delegates ol the socioty. With a view of assisting the society to still greater achievements than it hod already accomplished, it was asked that Dr Truby King mit'ht be relieved from his duties at. Seactiff so that he could devote his time wholly to the great work of the society. This application was made in consequence of requests that had come from all over New Zealand. There cculd be no doubt as to the success obtained from the society's _ work. They had the lowest death rate in the world, but they wore not satisfied with that They were determined that every woman in the Dominion should possess the knowledge which was absolutely essential for the well-being cf herself and children and the betleiment of the race. The movement was decidedly a patriotic one, and there wore i 500 women working in connection with it. AU the branches were unanimous in the view that if they could have a visit from Dr King once cr twice during the year it would be a great help. They knew it was a tremendous thing to ask, and ao an alternative they suggested that if it was not possible to secure the whole of his time he might give his services three months in the year. One great point was that the St. Helens hospitals would bo benefited by the lectures of Dr King and the nurses receiving instruction there went all over the country. Mrs Myers (Auckland) drew attention to the mischief that was wrought by germ-laden milk, and urged that everything possible should be done in the direction cf enforcing purity of supply. Instances of the harmful effect of impure milk wore heir** continually brought forward by the Plunket nurses—especially in the warm districts.

Mrs Theorem (Dunedin) applied for a grant of £IOOO for the Karitane-Harris Home, and gave some statistics indicating the increasing operations of that institution. The annual expenditure had risen to £2274, 128 babies were received last year (the jiumber being limited by tbe inability of tbe nurses to attend to more children and yet go satisfactorily through their examinations), there were 47 nurses, 1186 oases had been dealt with, and 7534 visits had been made. There mere over 700 subscribers in Dunedin, and everything was done in an honorary way apart from the nurses and the staff. The £5 baby bonus in Australia cost the Commonwealth over a million. The amount the Government had given this home did not amount to more than 2s 6d per baby. The Karitane Homo was the only hospital for the training of nurses in the Dominion. Mrs Carr (Dunedin) thanked Ministers for the splendid recognition they had received in the Governor’s Speech, and Mr Rhodes for his sympathy in associating them with the Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards and promising them subsidies for the future. MINISTERIAL REPLIES. Mr Massey said he was very pleased to have the opportunity of meeting the deputation. The Government thoroughly appreciated the good work of the Plunket Society, and anything that could be done to assist the objects they had in view would be done gladly and willingly. As to tho services of Dr Truhy King, ho would have to consult tho Minister for Public Health. Re-* garding the milk supply, it was rather

a matter for the municipalities. Still, tbs Government departments had their duties, and the Agricultural Department was perhaps principally concerned. As head of that department he had been looking into what was going on. He admitted the present system was far from perfect, but still it was much better than most people supposed. The milk supply of Auckland was under more 'satisfactory control than was the case in any of the other large centres. The cows were inspected regularly by competent men—very often veterinary surgeons —and the examination of pasturage, the food supplies to the animals, and the water supply went on regularly. He should bo glad if he oould say the same conditions existed in some of the other cities. Still, there was room for improvement, and Mr Rhodes, as Minister for' Health, and himself, as Minister for Agriculture, proposed to do all they oould to keep the milk supply up to the highest possible standard. Any practical suggestions offered would receive serious attention. With regard to the proposition of Mrs Theomin, he oould bear personal testimony to the good work done at the Karitano Home. If they could ask Parliament to make the grant asked for he should be perfectly willing to do so. But it must be recognised that similar institutions would be presently established in other centres. He understood there was a movement in Wellington at present for such an institution. Mrs Theomin: “ Karitane will be the only training institute.” Mr Massey could not make a definite promise, hut when the Supplementary .Estimates were being prepared consideration would be given to the claim put forward. If at any time during the session or recess any matter was presented affecting the welfare of the Plunket Society the Government might be depended upon for assistance. (Applause.) Mr Allen said there was one aspect of the work of the society that was not fully realised —the influence it had upon the ladies connected with it. One thing-he had realised was the enormous change that had come over some of the women of this country because of the interest they were takingin this philanthropic work. It was one of the most valuable assets the country had. (Hear, hear.) Mr Rhodes stated that he did not want to lose Dr. King. Still he was prepared to fall in with the wishes of the deputation if Dr. King was willing ‘to make the change. • That gentleman, however, would be reluctant to give up his present work, and the suggestion that he • should devote three months annually to the work of the society would be more acceptable to him. The matter would be very carefully considered. He (Air Rhodes) was glad the society had taken up the question of milk supply, and hoped they would continue to make their influence felt. He had always been in favour of the municipalities controlling the milk supply. Wellington was moving in the matter and he understood Mr Ell had a bill dealing with the matter in Christchurch. The Health Department, through its inspectors, was endeavouring to see that the milk supply in the cities was up to a certain standard, but the great difficulty was that the convictions of the Magistrates, principally for the addition of water, had not acted as a deterrent. , .