THE INFANT LIFE PROTECTION ACT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2929, 4 May 1910, Page 18

THE INFANT LIFE PROTECTION ACT.

CHILDREN IN LICENSED HOMES. Mr James Allen, M.P., has received a letter in the following terms from the Minister of Education :

" Minister's Office, Education Department "Wellington, 22nd April, 191 C.

" Sir,—With reference to the representations of the "deputation, from the Society for the Promotion of the Health of Women and Children, which you introduced to me in Dunedin on the 11th I have nor to let you know that I have very carefully reviewed the whole of the circumstances connected with the death of the infant Margaret Hughes, which tcok placein a foster-home in Dunedin, registered under the Infants' Act, and have also considered the matter of the qualifications and functions that visiting nurses should have in order that there may be* capable and sympathetic supervision of children placed in such homes. " As regards the infant's death, I am of. opinion that Miss Herbert was not to blame in the matter. " (1) As to the executive officers, I see no reason to think that any of the district agents or visiting nurses appointed under the Infante' Act are not competent for the positions they occupy. 11 (2) In view of the difference of medical opinion on the subject of the feeding of infants, I do not feel warranted in adopting one system exclusively. " (3) While I am satisfied that the visiting nurses are competently carrying out their duties, I have decided to make arrangements, in such cases as I think it necessary, that will ensure their receiving further " training for their varied and special work. " (1) The responsibility for the medical treatment of these infants must be in the hands of medical practitioners only: it car.not be left to the district agents, the visiting nurses, or to any other nurses. " (5) Arrangements will be made whereby approved medical officers will be always available for attendance upon, children in licensed homes "I am convinced that much success has attended the administration of the infant life protection system under the present act, and hope that it will be considerably increased when the changes outlined have been effected.—l have, etc., " Geo. Fowlds, " Minister of Education."