HEALTH OF CHILDREN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 148, 25 June 1931, Page 3

HEALTH OF CHILDREN

COLD BATHS ADVOCATED. DEFECTIVE HYGIENE. “I want to dispel from the minds of the public altogether tho idea that New Zealand children suffer appreciably from rickets compared with tho rest of the civilised world,” said Sir Truby King in an interview in Christchurch. “But they are suffering in nutrition—in common with the rest of the civilised world—from the effects of defective hygiene, including insufficient outing and exercise during the pre-school ami school age. “Every normal child should be taught to take, and actually like a cold bath, shower or sponge. If people say they cannot stand cold baths then they can hardly be in really perfect health. Adjacent to every school there should bo a swimming bath, and every simple facility necessary to ensure the health of the children. ‘’There is difficulty i»i the matter of the financial aid that can be given by tho Government to various humanitarian societies and institutions—such ns tho hospitals; but fortunately tho successive Governments ot New Zealand for nearly 20 years have both realised aml recognised that the Plunket Society’s work is really a national matter. I feel sure that, whatever Government is in power, the Plunket Seeiety will always receive its necessary subsidies. The difficulties of the society are also duo to the fact that there is special need for its aid in time of adversity such as the present. ‘‘The Plunket Society cannot do more for tho. pro-school child until the Government provides tho funds to enable it to deal with the situation. Alembert of Parliament should realise that it is a matter of tremendous importance. Th« Government should make adequate financial provision for safeguarding children throughout tho pre-school age; and if this is done it. can rely on the Plunket Society to co-operate through itfl nurses. Tho society would like to worli in close co-operation with the Health Deupartment and the Education Department; they should not be in watertight compartments. Educated publif opinion is wanted.”