THE FARMERS' UNION

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17574, 1 December 1928, Page 15 (Supplement)

THE FARMERS' UNION

WOMEN'S DIVISION. Within the last few days much has appeared in the correspondence column of this paper upon the subject of dental clinics. The writers, both those who criticise the Minister of Health's attitude and those who defend it, seem to consider that all State schools are benefiting under the system. This is not a fact, for the majority of country schools are in no better case than the private schools. At the present rate of development of the system there seems no chance of the State schools in the more remote parts of the country receiving any benefit for another eight years, and if the policy of the present. Minister of Health is adhered to by his successor we understand that the private schools will come in after thai, II is in view of the Women's Division Dial this benefit of free dental treatment, being paid for by the Stale oul of the Consolidated Fund is the right of all children whether attending Stain or private schools. If Ihe dental staff is not sufficient to cop'' with Ihe lolal number then such an age limit should he imposed as would reduce the qualified applicants lo :i number the staff could handle. If national welfare had been the chief consideration this service would have started in those remote districts where dental attention is hard to obtain and the travelling expenses of the tittle patient would probably amount to three or four times the cost, of professional treatment when the surgery is finally arrived at, Putururu branch of Hie Women's

Division held its usual monthly meeting on Saturday, 24th inst., when two new members were enrolled. The establishing of a local rest room is the object of this branch and ways and means of helping on the fund were discussed. It was decided to lend each member haif-a-crown to invest in the most profitable way to help on this worthy aim. It was also decided to hold a tennis afternoon on Mrs. Karl's court to welcome home Mrs. Tomalin. who is returning from her overseas trip. At this function the division will also hold a small " bring and buy" stall to help on the fund. The usual monthly meeting of the Hamilton branch will be held in the Y.M.C.A. Building, Bryce Street, on Friday, December 7th, beginning at 1 p.m.