FALLING BIRTHRATE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIV, Issue 20982, 10 March 1938, Page 8

FALLING BIRTHRATE

SITUATION VIEWED WITH ALARM By Telegraph—Pi ess Association WELLINGTON, March 9. "Relative to certain correspondence from the English Population Investigation Committee, the New Zealand branch of the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society views the situation in New Zealand with alarm and approves a thorough investigation also of the reasons for the failing birthrate, possible remedies and any other revelant matters and offers its services to the Government in order to initiate such investigation.” This was the text of a resolution passed at an executive meeting of the Society to-day. Another resolution approved the Canterbury section’s efforts to ensure that a up-to-date St. Helen’s Hospital be erected. Remembering that the Christchurch St. Helen’s was listed for rebuilding as far back as 1930, the Society urged the Minister of Health to proceed with the erection of the building at the earliest opportunity. The Society reaffirmed its policy that all measures of pain relief in labour compatible with safety to mothers and babies should be utilised in New Zealand maternity services. At the annual meeting Professor J. B. Dawson, of Dunedin, Was elected president and Doctor Selwyn Kenrich, of Auckland, vice-president.