HEALTH AND THRIFT

Southland Times, Issue 18936, 24 September 1920, Page 5

HEALTH AND THRIFT

DR COLLINS’ PROPOSAL. ENDORSED BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, September 23. In the Legislative Council this afternoon, the debate on the Hon. Dr Collins’ motion urging the initiation of a scheme for improving the welfare of the people, the encouragement of thrift, and prevention and early detection of disease was resumed by the Hon. J. B. Gow, who said that every effort should be made to build up a strong and virile community. While sympathising with Sir John Sinclair’s remarks, he feared that the desired end would not be reached by preaching. The Hon. G. M. Thomson congratulated the Government upon the child welfare scheme, and suggested its extension to eleven years. Although the expenditure would be large if would be economically sound. The Hon. P. J. Nerheny said it was all very well to talk of economy, but it must be remembered that there we.re many people in such a state of poverty that they could not afford to buy enough food. The State, instead of putt’ng drunkards for instance on an island and keeping them idle, should put them on public works and use their wages to maintain their families. The Hon. E. J. Garland suggested a form of nationalisation of the medical service, and supported the movers proposal for an extension of systematic examination. Sir William Fraser said the Government ! was strongly imbued with a feeling that something in the direction suggested should be done. It could not be attempted immediately, but he hoped to see a return of normal conditions and a chance to give effect to the scheme. The Government was in sympathy with Sir John Sinclair's opinion expressed yesterday. He said Mr Ncrheny’s proposal was impracticable, for drunkards must be under control for curative purposes. Dr Collins replied briefly, and the motion was carried on the voices.