HEALTH OFFICE FOR TARANAKI.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 April 1927, Page 12

HEALTH OFFICE FOR TARANAKI.

The decision of the Department of Health to establish a district office in New Plymouth, with a medical officer in charge of public health matters throughout the province, is quite a wise one. The population of New Plymouth is growing rapidly, while th© marked increase in direct shipping to the port has increased the necessity for vigilance in order to prevent the introduction of disease from overseas. In welcoming the department’s decision to intensify its services in Taranaki; there is no reflection whatever upon the excellent work which its officers have hitherto rendered. The slogan of health authorities generally is that “prevention is better than cure—-and a lot cheaper,” and the essence of prevention of disease is usually promptitude. This the new arrangements will make for, as well as for closer supervision generally. The medical inspection , of, primary school children, one of the piqst important factors in the prevention .of. chronic disorders, and in regard to .Tviiiph the pioneer work of Dr. Elizabeth Guun will always be remembered, is to: be-i come one of the duties of the; newly; appointed health officer. This arrangement should make for a completer and more continuous supervision of The health of school children, with lasting benefit to the future of the Dominion. From every point of view the new appointment has much to recommend jt and, in view of the progress that is in evidence throughout the province, it is not being made' a moment too soon.