SAVING THE BABIES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 135, 30 July 1941, Page 4

SAVING THE BABIES

GIVE liberally to the war appeals, but don't forget the debt we owe to our own Civic and Social organisations. We have a duty to our for without its ordered life, its freedom of expression, its independence we would have nothing to fight for, and of all our institutions who can deny that the Plunket Society is the most vital, the most deserving of all. Initiated by Dr. Truby King, sponsored by Lord Plunket, this great movement has built New Zealand's child mortality figures from the highest in the world to the lowest. It is directly responsible for saving for this country, thousands of healthy young New Zealanders, preserving' the new colonial race, creating citizens for the future, building the nation and maintaining the British, blood. Yet, the Plunket Society, recognised as it is, as the most vital force for the construction and, maintenance of our peoples, languishes for lack of interest and support. The Whakatane branch ha,s concluded a year's operations, an analysis of which might be sized up under three simple heads: increased expense, wider fields of operations; decreasing finances. The position is one which has caused the local committee considerable alarm, and may mean the enforced curtailment of the service unless there is a better public response in future. True to type, the same workers are serving on the committee, as were appointed years ago. Theirs is a thankless and onerous task, which they could quickly be rid of the simple expedient and resigning and tossing it a,side. Genuine interest and recognition of the worthiness of cause, however prevents them from taking the easy way out, but on the other hand, surely they have the right to expect the rest of the community, which is receiving the benefit of their efforts, to respond, by way of active association and service, or by straight-out donation. Already the Plunket service is extended through the county, the sub-branches, and the smaller depots demanding a regular service which automatically increases the travelling costs. Funds are required to meet each new extension, yet the same free service must be maintained. New members are needed.. The old battling committee has carried the Plunket service through trying times, building it up until it has assumed the well ordered organisation it is today. In the past it has been recognised. To-day it is being crowded out by the endless war efforts. But we cannot be blind to the one organisation which sitting at the source of life itself, directs its energies towards the perpetuation of the race, the alleviation of suffering, the creation of healthy young and* vigorous bodies of future generations, towards correct dieting, regular habits and finally the dissemination of knowledge to mothers irrespective of their social status, which is vital to their own well-being as well as to the children. Give more than a passing thought to the Whakatane Plunket Society, take a pride in being actively associated with it in its wonderful constructive work, or if you cannot give your services, your donation will indicate your interest and your genuine support.