PLUNKET SOCIETY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 July 1939, Page 7

PLUNKET SOCIETY

MASTERTON BRANCH ANNUAL MEETING THE TRUBY KING MEMORIAL. POOR PUBLIC SUPPORT DEPLORED. “Last week 1 sent away more to the Chinese Refuge? Fund than the whole of this district has subscribed to a memorial for the greatest New Zealander —Sir Trnby King”—said the Alayor (Mr T. Jordan) at the annual meeting of the Afasterton branch of the Plunket Society yesterday, when referring to the disappointing support given to the Trnby King Memorial Fund. “Here is a New Zealander recognised throughout the entire world for his humane work, yet we cannot subscribe anything like a decent amount as our share toward providing a fitting memorial for this renowned leader.” Mr Jordan presided over the meeting, at which there was an attendance of nearly 50 members and friends. Among those present from other districts were Mesdames W. Martin, Walter Martin, W. Blundell and Kershaw (Martinborough), Trapp, Wells and Tiel (Carterton).

In congratulating the society on its splendid year of progress, Mr Jordan said it was very pleasing to notice there were no signs of falling off on the part of members. This, he considered, spoke volumes for the society’s work. He remarked on the interest taken in the society by the older members and expressed a hope that the younger generation would rally to its support. It was up to mothers who have benefited, he said, to join up and strengthen the membership. Mr Jordan also complimented the branch on the manner in which it was represented in the “Keep Fit Week" campaign and the treasurer and committee. on the efficient way in which they' had spent the money collected during the year. I TELEGRAM FROM MINISTER. The following telegram from the Minister of Public Health (the Hon. P. Fraser), dated July 11 and addressed to Mrs Joseph Caselberg (president of the branch) was read: — “I had hoped up till now that it would have been possible for me to visit Masterton for the annual meeting of the Plunket Society, but I regret very much indeed to find that my Parliamentary duties will not allow me to leave Wellington. Mrs Fraser also is engaged at the opening of the conference of the Women's Division of the Farmers' Union. We both regret our absence and hope on some future occasion to be with you.”

ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT. “The work of the society continues io progress, 82 per cent of the babies born in this district coming under the supervision of our nurses, and an increasing number of mothers are seeking the advice of our nurses,” said Mrs Caselberg. “The pre-school work is being developed more and more and if the parents remember that proper care and attention are necessary for the wellbeing of the children at this stage, as in infancy, much will be accomplished.” “You all know,” Mrs Caselberg added, "that natural feeding of the infant by the mother is the chief aim of the Plunket teaching, but there are times when this is not possible. After many years of study the late Sir Truby King evolved a substitute —humanised milk, consisting of cow’s milk and water with Karilac for the sugar and Kariol for the fat. It is interesting to note that the League of Nations Food Research Committee has stated that in its opinion Kariol is the best cod liver oil emulsion on the market at the present time. “Last year many young mothers joined the society, but we are in need of many more. Any work which endeavours to help to improve the health of the community must surely be an asset, and worthy of support. “Unfortunately the Truby King Memorial Fund has not received the spontaneous response we hoped for. It is unthinkable that Sir Truby King is so soon forgotten. Surely the public realise that it ought to be a privile'ge to help towards a fitting memorial for one who devoted his life to the benefit of humanity and, in the words of his daughter, Mary King ‘made the world a better place for little children.’ “In conclusion I wish to thank my committee, Mr Jordan, Mr Owen Jones and all others who have rendered such valuable service to the society during the past year.” ASSET TO THE STATE. Mrs J. Robertson, who was presented with a bouquet, apologised for the absence of her husband, and congratulated the society on its splendid work. She also extended congratulations to the nurses for the work they were doing for the community at large. "I would like to see every mother given a week in a Karitane Home under the maternity benefits," she said. “It would be a great asset to the mothers and the State as well. I too, was sorely disappointed to see the meagre support given to the Truby King Memorial. This is something which should have received overwhelming support.”

Special thanks were extended to the Government, for subsidies towards the nurses’ salaries, Mr T. Jordan, Mr A. Owen Jones, the Borough Council, the Macarthy Trust, the Trust Lands Trust, the Car Committee, Advisory Board, A. and P. Association, the Registrar of Births, the nurses and the Press. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers resulted: — Patrons, Mrs Archer Hosking. Mrs T. F. Watson, Mr Hugh Morrison and Mr L. B. Maunsell; president, Mrs J. Caselberg; vice-presidents, Lady Perry, Mesdames C. A. Cameron, J. M. Coradine, W. McKenzie, T. W. Wardell. T. Jordan, R. C. Drummond and R. Judd; committee, Mesdames R. F. R. Beetham. J. C. Broad. J. M. Coradine, C. Carmine, H. H. Daniell. R. C. Drummond, D. Donald, E. G. Eton, A. H. Falloon, J. V. Gordon, J. M. James, T. Jordan, R. Judd. W. A. Michael, W. McKenzie. P. Nathan, J. D. O'Connor. Sortain Smith, A. F. Stewart, T. F. Watson, T. W. Wardell. C. P. Richardson, and C. Ericson: advisory board, Messrs A. Donald. Jordan. N. Lee. Dr. A. Hosking. Dr. N. H. Prior, Dr. J. A.

Cowie, Dr. J. C. Forsyth, Dr. H. B. Berney. Dr. Parr and Dr. Graham Cowie; hon. solicitor, Mr T. Jordan; hon. auditor, Mr A. Owen Jones; hon. treasurer, Mrs O'Connor; hon. secretary. Mrs S. L. P. Free; car committee, Messrs Neal Irwin. lan Cameron and J. T. Jameson. Afternoon tea was served to those present by Mesdames D. Donald and W. A. Michael, assisted by members of the committee.