FUTURE OF RACE

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14473, 28 June 1940, Page 2

FUTURE OF RACE

NECESSITY FOR PRESERVATION

MAYOR ADDRESSES PLUNKET SOCIETY. Since the last annual meeting, much had happened to disturb the fabric of their very existence, said the Mayor (Mr S. J\. Siddells), addressing those present at the annual meeting of the Pahiatua branch of the New Zealand Plunket Society on Tuesday afternoon. “One naturally pauses to ask what can societies such as yours do in these troubled days,” he continued . “Can you visualise any more patriotic work than caring for mothers and babies of those brave men who, from a decent and honest appreciation of their responsibilities, have gone to fight our battle? 1 can’t. At a time like this it is obviously more than ever necessary to preserve the future of our race. Not only is it essential that the children of to-day shall be safeguarded, for they are the nation builders and men and women of to-morrow, but a very grave responsibility lies upon the shoulders of your society in educating the women as to the healthy requirements of ante-natal care and treatment. Fifteen years ago five out of every 100 mothers died at childbirth but last year statistics show that only 3.64 lost their lives. This is a splendid achievement, but it must be bettered, and by co-operation of your society with the Health Department and medical practitioners, I am quite sure education and practice along these lines will result in even a greater saving of valuable lives. “It is pleasing to note that the Government is fully conscious of the splendid work of your society throughout New Zealand, for it has now extended Social Security hospitalbenefits to all Karitane hospitals as well. Mothers and babies now receive treatment and care in Karitane Homes free of charge, and rightly so, too. One can only urge every man and woman in this district to rally to the aid of your society by becoming financial members ot least, to provide funds for the great work that is being done in the future due to the war. Sacrifices must be made and it usually falls to the Jot of women, although I graciously say it myself, to make the greater sacrifice. All I ask is for every woman in New Zealand, as part of her war effort, to resolve stoutly to make any sacrifice she is called upon to make, cheerfully and rc solutely and by so doing she will encourage her menfolk to go about the practical side of winning the war," concluded Mr Siddells.