MATERNAL MORTALITY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19200, 17 June 1924, Page 6

MATERNAL MORTALITY.

The resolution on the subject of maternal mortality adopted by the delegates attending the British Medical Association meeting at Wellington may bo regarded as a timely contribution by the medical profession at large in New Zealand, to the discussion concerning a very important question. The resolution may not go very far in an informative direction, but it gives expression to a very definite opinion respecting the general aspects of the situation. It is not surprising to find that this opinion is at variance with the views of the Public Health Department. It has been made apparent previously that the department and the medical profession are not in agreement on aspects of this maternal mortality question to which public attention has been drawn. The attitude of the department, especially in connection with its publicity campaign, has evidently not the sympathy of the medical profession as represented by the B.M.A. To a certain extent the credit of the medical profession is involved in this matter; statements have been made which members of that profession no doubt more or less resent. The doctors have incurred criticism, perhaps more indirect than direct, at the hands of the Minister of Health and others in respect of their methods of dealing with maternity cases. Interference with Nature’s process is being pointed to as a conspicuous cause of mischief. That is not made a subject of reference, however, in the resolution adopted by the doctors in conference. The council of the B.M.A. deplores the “alarming and exaggerated statements made on the public platform and published throughout New Zealand” with regard to maternal mortality. It raises the question of the reliability of the statistical comparison by virtue of which New Zealand is made to appear in an unfavourable light in respect of the relative proportion of the deaths of mothers due to child-birth, “While we cannot, unfortunately, gainsay our own figures,” it is observed, “this council is firmly of opinion, from its knowledge of obstetric work, and of conditions in some of the other countries mentioned, that the relative position of New Zealand in respect to maternal mortality is in reality better than has been stated.” The resolution goes on to deprecate particularly certain statements “attributed” to Dr Truby King, who was associated with the Minister of Health, Dr Valintine (Director-General of Health), and Dr Paget (Inspector of Hospitals), as a speaker at the recent meeting at Palmerston North at which a public campaign was inaugurated as a means of assisting to bring about a reduction of the rate of maternal mortality in this country. Dr Truby King’s statements were certainly of an arresting nature. In the opinion of the B.M.A. they are “absolutely contrary to fact and seriously and unnecessarily alarming to expectant mothers.” What, it may well bo asked, is the layman to make of this decided clash of medical opinion ? The Health Department, supported by Dr King, says one thing and the B.M.A. another. A letter written by a medical practitioner which appeared very recently in our columns contained some rather searching criticism of the “Back of Nature and Nature’s ways” campaign of the health authorities, with some particular reference to the St. Helen’s Hospital system. In face of such controversy the layman is not likely to advance much beyond the conclusion that there arc two sides to this question. Difference of opinion among those who should speak with authority is not going to be very helpful from the viewpoint of an educational campaign. It would be veiy satisfactory if the view of the B.M.A. that New Zealand has not received justice in the statistical comparisons of maternal mortality, could be established. If it is not a fact that New Zealand is as conspicuous for a high rate of maternal mortality ns has been represented to bo the case then there is not the reason for raising an alarm upon which the Health Department seems prepared to rely. It is very desirable that this point of whether the statistics have led to misleading conclusions or not should be settled, if possible. It is evidently necessary that there should be such statistical information available as would disclose accurately the specific causes of death in what are roundly described as cases of maternal mortality.

The Prime Minister states (reports our Wellington correspondent) that so far ho lias received no word of the appointment of a. successor to Viscount Jcllicoe as Governor-General. Following are the infectious .diseases returns of cases in the Dunedin and Fever Hospitals for the W'eek ended yesterday at midday: —Diphtheria, admitted 6, discharged 5, remaining 42. Scarlet fever: Admitted 5, discharged 1, remaining 5. Pneumonia: admitted 1, discharged 1, died 1, remaining none. Typhoid; Remaining 1. Totals, admitted 10, discharged 7, died 1, remaining 48. Following on the Dunedin Farm School courses of instruction, the local office of the Department of Agriculture has received a number of inquiries from farmers asking if the services of an officer of the department would be available for their districts. Mr R. B. Tennent (Instructor of Agriculture), stated yesterday that he intends to visit a number of farming districts in Otago and Southland during the winter, with a view to delivering addresses of interest to farmers. The upstair bars which have been established in some of the hotels in Dunedin for the convenience of boarders are not looked upon with favour by the City Licensing Committee, which has emphatically decided that they must no longer remain in existence. This decision waa conveyed to the licensees concerned by Mr J. ii. Bartholomew, S.M. (chairman of the Licensing Committee) at the adjourned annual meeting yesterday. In stating the committee’s views Mr Bartholomew said that upstairs bars were a recent innovation that existed only in Dunedin. He mentioned that the committee would not object to the establishment of a service-room, where liquor could be stored and served out for the convenience of guests, but it would not permit the continuance of a bar, vyhere liquor could bo consumed. The echo of the recent railway strike was heard in the Wanganui Magistrate’s Court yesterday (reports a Press Association telegram) when Charles Downey, guard, was charged with using insulting language m the Kai Iwi station platform on April 24 with intent to promote a broach of the peace. Tiro evidence showed that when the skeleton service train reached Kai Iwi a group of men were on the platform. Downey remarked to the inspector, Mr Vi trams, that ho would not be a scab. Clio traffic inspector replied: “I will get off and you get on the train.” Witness replied again, using the word “scab. Defendant said he merely asked in a friendly way how the inspector liked his job, and, when the latter offered (o let him run the train he said he would not be a scab. The Magistrate said he was satisfied the charge had been proved. Defendant was foolish to have used such an expression, A fine of £2 10s was inflicted, with £1 14s costs, in default 14 days’ imprisonment. It was stated in evidence that defendant had an .nblemished record of service of 20 years. With the object of ensuring that reasonbio provision was made for escape in the event of fire breaking out in any of the hotels within the Dunedin licensing district the Licensing Committee for the city secured a report from Superintendent Napier, of the City Fire Brigade, bearing on the quesbjjijn. In his report, Superintendent Napier, who was accompanied by Mr G. Lawrie (assistant city building inspector), on his visit ,to the various licensed premises, stated that each house was reported on individually, but there were certain broad aspects which might be considered by the committee. For instance, he believed it would be well for a ruling to bo given in regard to the remodelling of hotels in that where such alteration took place outside fire escapes should be provided on each floor, having ladder ways to the ground. He considered that in premises situated at a distance from the fire brigade services or where such services were not available immediately if required, some system of first aid, such as a good hand chemical fire extinguisher should bo compulsory, thus providing means of chocking an incipient outbreak of fire. He also considered that where it was found necessary to use bedrooms as the only means of access to fire escapes the internal fittings of these bedroom doors should bo only stout enough to guard against a quick, unwanted entry, but v capable of being easily burst away in case of emergency. After the business before the committee had been completed the chairman (Mr J. R. Bartholomew) said ho desired to express the thanks and indebtedness of the committee to Superintendent Napier and Mr Lawrie for their very valuable report on the hotels in the district They had gone very thoroughly into the matter, and had taken a commonsense view of the existing conditions. The duties of the committee had been lightened very much by the report, and it roust be reassuring to the public to have reports from men so well qualified to express an opinion on the subject. As was recently announced a dairy herd and suitable buildings were being established on Galloway Experimental Area. Central Otago. Inquiries made at tne Agricultural Department yesterday elicited the information that the buildings were well under way, all the plans having been prepared, and the material being on the property ready for erection. The herd will bo purchased during the next few months, and it is hoped to start milking early in the spring. The opinion was expressed that as the future of Central Otago would bo closely bound up with the dairy industry, the establishment of a herd on Galloway farm should prove very advantageous to settlers desiring information regarding dairying. The Taxation Commission’s report has been received by the Government from the Governor-General. The Prime Minister states (reports our Wellington correspondent) that the value of the report is enhanced by the fact that it is a unanimous finding. The report will be presented to Parliament in due course. The Dunedin waterfront presented a verv busy appearance yesterday when seven vessels, both overseas and coastal, were engaged in discharging and loading operations. The vessels were the Federal Line steamer Dorset, the A. and A. Line steamer City of Adelaide, and the Union Steam Ship Company’s inter-colonial cargo carrier Wnikouaiti, from Sydney, via Bluff, and the coastal steamers Wingatui, T’orinna, and Wanaka, and the Canterbury Steam Shipping Company’s Breeze. The Corinna, from Wellington direct, which arrived on Sunday morning, and the Wanaka, from Auckland direct, which arrived here yesterday morning, were expected earlier, but were delayed for over 12 hours by bad weather in the later stages of the passage. All the available waterside labour was absorbed yesterday, and while several vessels wore worked with full gangs, the Waikouaili and Corinna could only secure two or three gangs All the available labour had been engaged before the arrival of the Wanaka shortly after 10 a.m., and consequently she remained idle all day. The Wingatui and the Corinna were despatched for Oamaru early yesterday evening, and the Breeze sailed for Timaru several hpurs later. Owing to bad weather in the north and the fact that/ several of the northern ports were congested. shipping has been delayed, but as the Navua, which is due here to-day, from Lyttelton, is scheduled to sail to-night for the same port, and the Wanaka to-day for Bluff, the vessels will be widely apart on their passage north, and, provided the weather remains fine, they should resume their ordinary time-table with but little delay. The City of Adelaide is to sail to-day for Fremantle and the Dorset will also probably sail to-day for Sydney. The Hain Lino steamer Tromeadow, from St. John, via northern ports, is due here on Thursday, and the .Federal liner iurakina is due to-morrow to discharge over KKX) tons of general English cargo. The Union Company’s inter-colonial passenger steamer Mceraki, from Melbourne, via Wellington and Lyttelton, is duo here on Sunday, and is to sail on Monday afternoon for Bluff and Melbourne. Several coastal vessels are also expected shortly, so the waterfront will remain busy for some time. Probate has been granted by his Honor Mr Justice Sim in the estates of Maria Donlan (Dunedin), James Allen (Mosgiel), and Isabella M‘Leod (Dunedin). The Otakou gold dredge, which was put up for auction at Upper Kyeburn on Friday last was not disposed of, the only I being £9O. The attendance was r small, the weather being unfavourable, and the sale was adjourned till j»«ersuii,. •last.

The local office of the Tourist Department is at present experiencing a quiet time. There are few tourists passing through Dunedin, and most of the visitors now are business men. It was stated that this state of affairs is usual for the winter months, but bookings will begin to come in about October or November when the Christmas holidays draw near.

The response to the fund which was originated for the benefit of the widow and children of T. W. O’Connell, the jockey who was fatally injured as a result of the fall of the horse Isla Bank at Wingatui during the Dunedin races, has been a very satisfactory one. The Dunedin District Committee is controlling tlio fund and the amount in hand has reached the largo total of £595 5s Bd.

The announcement was made at a meeting of the Dunedin Liberal Executive that Mr T. M. Wilford, Leader of the Opposition, though ho much regretted it, would be unable to visit Dunedin before the opening of Parliament at the end of this month. He intimated, however, that he would endeavour to deliver a political address in this city at a later

In connection with the distress signal received at the Wellington radio station on June 15 (says a Wellington Press Association message), the Secretary-General of the Post Office announces that no reply has been received to the broadcasted request that any station having received the call in question should forward particulars to the Wellington radio station. It is stated that the S.O.S. signal was clearly received at the Wellington radio station several times before the vessel's cal! sign and name, which ended with Maru. From the strength of the signals it is possible that the vessel waa some considerable distance from Wellington. The call sign used denotes that the vessel is of Japanese registration.

The Chamber of Commerce has received the following letter, dated Juno 12, from Mr F. W. Furkctt (Under-secretary of Public Works) with reference to the new post office: —“I have to acknowledge receipt of your communication of 11th January last addressed to the Postmaster-General, which has been referred to me by the Acting-secretary of the Postal Department r garding the proposed new post office building in Dunedin. Concerning vour inquiry on behalf of your Chamber as to when the removal of the old building is likely to bo commenced preparatory to the ejection of the new cost office, it is regretted that I am unable to give you the desired information. I might state, however, that the preparation of the plans .and s ocincations for the new building will bo taken in hand by the Government architect at an early date.” The president (Mr Peter Barr) stated that the Chamber had stayed its hand in connection with this matter owing to other requirements, and possibly j might be well to maintain that attitude ii the meantime. It might bo advisable, however, to express the hope that the plans and specifications would be gone op with at an early date. It was decided to acknowledge receipt of the letter and to express the hope that it meant that progress in the direction desired would bo made.

Reference to the question of trade with the East was made at the meeting of the Council of the Chamber of Commerce last ■wening. Mr J. B. Waters reported that the manufacturers and others interested thought it waa possible that sufficient support might be obtained from exporters to s.md a representative to investigate. The Chamber and the manufacturers’ Association were conferring with tire Dairy Control Board, and with the Stock and Station Agents’ Association and other bodies interested in tire development of trade with the East and the maintenance of a steam service giving them a connection with Java and Japan. The maintenance! of that ser■v’ce was important, particularly to the wool exporters, because it provided direct freight to the East. The matter was still undecided and all he could report at present was tlmt it was being pushed forward.

At the meeting of the Council of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce last evening the following letter from Mr Jae. Begg was read: —“I wish to draw the attention of the Chamber to the foes suffered by Otago in the railing of large numbers of Otago lambs to Canterbury for freezing. This has been going on for years, and many hundreds of thousands of lambs which should be frozen in Otago have been sent north, and these lambs are shipped branded ‘Canterbury quality.’ I would suggest that those lambs, if they are Canterbury quality, should have this brand placed on them where they are bred and fattened in outgo, II they are not Canterbury quality then n it not something like fraud labelling them with a Canterbury brand? I would suggest that steps should be taken either tc prevent Canterbury works from putting the Canterbury brand on Otago lambs, or ir tiie alternative that the brand ‘Canterbury quality’ should be placed on them in Otago. The lambs railed and frozen in Canterbury lose condition and quality in transit. Tests have been made which show that lambs lose from 11b to lj,lb in weight during transit, and a larger proportion become second quality. It would be greatly to Otago’s advantage if these lambs were retained and prepared for export from Otago. I would ask the Chamber of Commerce to assist in bringing this about. Mr Gow moved that the letter be referred to the Export Committee. The president asked if there was any outside organisation which could assist. Mr Price said that for many years Otago lambs had been railed to Canterbury works, and graded on the Canterbury brands. The first brand in point of quality was prime Canterbury, and a very large proportion of Otago lambs came under this brand. He would suggest that members of the Stock Agents’ Association might be able to throw some light on the subject and give some advice ..that might be useful to the Chamber. He moved that the Chamber address the Stock Agents’ Association on tne subject. Mr J. B. Waters seconded the motion, which waa carried A Queenstown resident, Mr L. Burberry, has just invented a rabbit trap that is quite different in character from any of the devices already on the market for coping with the pest (writes our correspondent). It is an ingenious affair, which in effect, “lures” bunny into its first compartment and then automatically passes it into a second compartment, or receptacle, where it is imprisoned alive and unharmed. Its chief merit lies in the fact that almost any number of rabbits can be caught in one and the same trap without its being reset or re-adjusted, that is, its capacity for dealing with the rabbits is governed mainly by the capacity of the holder or receptacle. The latter may even be improvised by the trapper or settler himself out of a kerosene tin, if he so wishes, as the trap is made in two parts, and will bo sold separately if the purchaser so desires. Those persons who have seen the trap on trial say it must have a successful future before it. Mr Burberry has already secured his invention by patent rights iin New Zealand, Australia, America, and the Homeland. The reports of the Dunedin Municipal Trading concerns were discussed at the meeting of the. Waikouaiti branch of the Farmers’ Union on Saturday night. The fact that such concerns were constantly on the market with loans, covered by excellent security, and that no income tax was paid by them, was thought to be quite inequitable, and was at present preventing money being employed on various primary and secondary industries, and or. mortgage security. The following resolution was carried : “That this union reads with surprise and disfavour the report of the Finance Committee of the Dunedin CityCouncil dealing with the suggestion that municipal trading concerns should be liable to taxation. Bearing in mind the large amount of capital employed and the handsome profit of approximately £50,000 shown, the union can think of no reason why urban citizens should be enriched at the expense of the general taxpayer.”

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