DESERVING CAUSE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 141, 13 August 1941, Page 5

DESERVING CAUSE

DONATION; TO PLUNKET SOCIBTTfI

ASSISTANCE OF BOROUGH \ COUNCIL

An application from the local ' branch of the Plunket Society for the usual annual grant from . the Borough Council which, fol- j loyed a call by the President of j the Society to the Mayor foun<F {

the Council members in a s(ym-

pathetic mood on Monday night

and resulted' in a grant of £20

being made instead' of the usual

£5 donation.

His Worship said that the president Mrs C. G. Southey had called on him and explained that the- Society in Whakatane was not in a

very happy position owing to lack of support. Of 117 mothers taking Advantage of the nurses services very few gave actual support and the annual meeting was so poorljn attended that a committee was m;C fully? filled.

"The Mayor was also rapped over the knuckles," said His Worship, "but I didn't know I was supposed to preside. However, I have endeavoured to remedy that omission," ho added, continuing to state that only four women were actually carrying on the Plunket organisation.

His Worship continued to explain that the Society had a considerable credit balance but was holding this a reserve as it had been suggested that the Government grant might*, be stopped.

Cr A. J. Canning suggested the lack of support might be the re* suit of the free services received under the Social Security arrangements

Cr W. Sullivan: "I am surprised at a father of Cr Canning's experience saying such a thing—the Pluu-» ket Society is nothing to do the hospitals. There the doctor and nurses are provided but the Plunket Society does its work afterwards In helping to bring up the child."" .

C'r Sullivan continued that the So-» ciety was doing wonderful work he felt that local women had not lost interest but at the moment had their hands very full with patriotic activities. He felt that the Society deserved every assistance and moved

that a grant of £20 be made, adidj* ing that the money would be well spent. The Society had raised most of its own funds, controlled its own business and should receive the support of all. He felt that if "the council raised its contribution then \ other organisations! might do" likewise. Cr Canning seconded the motion. "I thought I, would get a bite from Gr Sullivan," he said. Cr Sullivan; You didn't know I. knew so much about it—that's the trouble. Cr S. S. Shapley supported the motion stating that New Zealand led the way in Plunket activities i» the Avorld, and the whole system was a voluntary one that deserved support. The motion was carried unanimously.