THE BACK BLOCKS

Southland Times, Issue 18623, 22 August 1919, Page 7

THE BACK BLOCKS

MEDICAL AND NURSING SERVICES,

POWERS OF LOCAL BODIES,

(Per United Press Association)

WELLINGTON, August 21

The Minister of Health stated to-day that the question of extending the medical service throughout the dominion had been receiving full consideration. A number of nurses were already established under the Government’s new scheme, which provides that fees be collected in various districts in order to recoup the consolidated revenue for the cost of nurses. The Minister also pointed out that under the Public Health Amendment Act provision was made for the appointment of resident medical practitioners in local districts under County Councils or other local authority, power being given to such body to pay the salary of the ddetor either out, of the general rate or from a separate rate. Power was also given for two districts to combine for rids purpose; also power was given to a local authority to pay out of ordinary funds, money to any society, organisation or institution whose object was to promote public health. The Minister added that (he proposals were so far-reaching in their effect on public health that it was a source of satisfaction to him before his retirement from the position of Minister of Public Health in the dominion to be able to point out that during his term of office two great reforms had been established which he lieved would have enormous effect in the promotion of medical sendee to people iq the outer districts.