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Star (Christchurch), Issue 12670, 18 June 1919, Page 4

About a year ago, actually on April 6, 1918, the first anniversary of America’s declaration of war, a great campaign in the interests of children was inaugurated in the United States. The main objects were tho establishment of new health centres to advise mothers in the care of their children, the weighing and examination of children, and stimulation of tho movement to keep children in school and provide them adequate recreation. More than 11,000,000 women participated in the activities of the year,, and it was planned to save at least 100,000 of the 300,000 children who die annually of preventible diseases. One of the activities was a test of children under six years of age to see whether they wer© up to the standards of weight and height for their ages, and over 2,000,000 records were tabulated. The record issued by the chairman of the movement shows that the work planned was carried out enthusiastically and systematically and that much valuable information was secured. In fifteen States 184 children’s health centres, to which mothers may gp for expert advice concerning the best means of caring for their children, were established; in many communities swimming baths, playgrounds and new leisure time activities have become a part of the daily life of boys and girls; forty-three States are engaged in a campaign to prevent boys and girls from going to work before they have the training they need to secure success; a number of communities have provided scholarship funds to enable children of needy parents to continue their education aiter they reach the legal working age. Although the children’s year Officially closed on April 6 last, it is not intended to drop the campaign, plans being under way m several States to make every year a children’s year, and it is stated that in these States it is proposed to introduce laws which will recognise the value of the child and his need for good health, wholesome piny, adequate schooling and protection from premature work.

Tho importance of Kaikoura to tho fishing industry in Canterbury was stressed by a correspondent whose letter we published yesterday. He pointed out that the locality was an excellent fishing ground, but that the condition of the port was against the proper development of the industry. Tho port, it is pointed out, docs not provide the shelter which is necessary for fishing craft, and any owner who anchors there runs a serious risk Of disaster. The improvement of the port has been urged for some considerable time, and it is a matter which should receive attention from Christchurch bodies. The least that can be asked is that Kaikoura harbour should be made safe in all weathers for tho vessels which have to use it. It is contended that the fish supply for Christchurch would be placed on a better footing, and that large quantities of food could be marketed here at a cheap rate. There is certainly rOom for inquiry, and possibly local effort in Kaikoura could be supplemented by a grant from the Government.