PLUNKET SOCIETY

Wairarapa Daily Times, 21 October 1932, Page 6

PLUNKET SOCIETY

PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE. WELLINGTON, Thursday. There had been some criticism of social service work in New Zealand, the lion. J. A. Young (Minister of Public Health) observed in addressing the Provincial 'Conference of the New Zealand Piunket Society to-day. No doubt, he, added, we had our difficulties in 'this country, but they were infinitesimal compared with those of the larger countries of the world. Ttose who read what was taking place in other parts of the would must realise the tremendous responsibility resting on the shoulders of too people in respect to the welfare work of the community. The Government had its troubles arising out of the economic position. A voluntary organisation like the Plunked Bode ty also- had its difficulties, for two-thirds of its funds iwcre voluntary contributions, and the 'State contributed one-third .in recognition of the valuable services rendered to the community by the society. In his responsible, posiLion,. said the Alinister, ho was naturally interested in the excellent work uXi* the Piunket Society, die had noticed in the papers •a few days ago a 'suggestion that, there .should be. an alteration in the policy of the society, particularly with respect to the services it rendered; the suggestion was- that a charge should lie made f-or the work done. The M'busier warned the society to bo careful in regard to making such a change in its methods. The society received a large sum of money from'the people of Ncnv Zealand. The fact that the service was given free was much appreciated. The society was an altruistic body working in a missionary spiilit of service for the people. Remarks made by the Minister in Parliament on the social welfare question were reiterated by him. As they had not been fully reported, and as that had led to a misunderstanding, h« quoted them as follows: — <• We have .social services in this country which require to be maintained, and so far as 1 am concerned and I am sure so far as the Government is concerned —they will be upheld. - 'Criticism has been levelled against our activities on behalf of the mothers and babies; criticism lias also been levelled against what is being done for the Piunket Society. It is true that assistance has been given to the society by the Government, but it should be realised that the cost of such service- would have to be provided either wholly or in part by the Government direct or through our hospitals or in some other way.”

In regard to maternal welfare worn, certain suggestions were made in the report of the Economy Commission, Air Young couliinuccl, which lie was satisfied it would be wrong to entertain and which he proposed to resist. He knew that Cabinet was with him in doing the (right thing for the mothers of the country. AMMicts had every right to protection against disease, and from what might result, through neglect of proper supen isiou of private hospitals. As for the proposal that there should be a slackening off in such work, he said emphatically that no such thing would take place. (P.A.)