Remits Discussed At Women's Council Conference

Wanganui Chronicle, 6 October 1950, Page 7

Remits Discussed At Women's Council Conference

Remits which had been considered by the health sub-committee were discussed at the conference of the National Council .of Women held in Christchurch. A remit urging the Government to appoint as soon as possible tiie most highly qualified specialist procurable as director of the obstetrical and gynaecological postgraduate school in Auckland was adopted. The Auckland branch submitted a remit—“ That the Health Department be asked to draw up and enforce suitable rgulations forbidding smoking in public eating rooms.” This was withdrawn on the advice of the sub-com-mittee. “I am perfectly certain that the Health Department would not be willing to pass a regulation prohibiting this. They would never be able to enforce it,” said Miss M. I. Lambie, convener of the Health Sub-committee. . Auckland’s second remit—“ That the Health Department be asked to give further publicity to the regulations governing the handling of foodstuffs In business premises and in transit,” was carried. GUIDANCE CLINICS. “That the Government be urged to set up child guidance clinics; such clinics to be staffed by trained and qualified personnel,” was a remit submitted by the Wellington branch and carried after some discussion. Consultation was going on at present between the Department of Health and Education regarding the establishment of these clinics, said Miss Lambie. It was for the authorities who were experts in the subject to decide on the type of clinic which would be suitable. A second remit dealing with the same subject was also carried. It stated:— “That in view of the actue shortage of qualified personnel in New Zealand to staff child guidance clinics, the Government be urged to award scholarships and bursaries to allow students and qualified persons to proceed overseas for further study”; and “That where financial assistance is given to students or qualified persons to further their training overseas or in New Zealand, such students or qualified persons shall be bound to give a stated period of their service in New Zealand on completion of such training.” . “The National Council of Women is aware that in the Auckland health district a part-time pediatric specialist has been appointed to co-operate with school medical officers,” stated a further remit from Wellington. ‘This organisation requests the Government that this system should be extended where practicable.” This remit was also carried.