OUR BABIES

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2982, 20 January 1917, Page 5

OUR BABIES

fßi HiGzu.l under the auspices of the EoyVil New Zealand Society for tho Health of Women and Children. 'It is wiser to put a fence at the top: of a precipice than to maintain an ambulance at the bottom." . \ THE STEWART BEQUEST \ (WANGANUI). All those interested in the progress and work of the Society will be glad lo hear about, the munificent bequest to Wanganui bv one of its citizens, the late Mr. J. T. .Stewart, C.B. ■ . The following extracts .from a communication by Dr. Truby' King to the Wanganui newspapers,. in furtherance of an appeal for funds to enablo the local committee of the Society "to ensure that full effect shall be given to the beneficent and far-sighted intentions of the donor of the beantiful home and grounds," speak- for themselves:— (Extracts from Dr. King's letter.) The : Stewart bequest is a matter of such widespread' importance ill connection with child-welfare throughout a large area of the North Island, that I shall be glad if you will grant me spaco to lay before the public some of the more essential aspects - of tho matter. . When Mr. and Mre. Stewart spoke to mo warmly some years ago, at tho con-

clusion of the Society's first public exposition and demonstration in Wanganui of its ideals, aims, and field 1 of work, one could have no idea that this first expression of appreciation would so soon take the practical shape conveved in the generous deed of gilt—a gift which is just becoming available at the very time when it is most needed, and most certain to bear good fruit. The will makes quite clear what were Jlr. Stewart's wishes and intentions, and 1 these agree exactly with what we all of us feel to be most wanted here at the present moment-namoly, a local centre for the work of the Plunket' Society, where its . nurses can be located, and where infants and little children, who for the time being are failing or who cannot be got. on to the right track, can bo taken ill hand and looked after on tho lines of .'the Karitano Baby Hospital at Dunodih. If I quote a short passage from tho will of the late Mr. J. T. Stewart, this point will be made quits clear:— I regard the saving and well-being of children in early years, under five years of age, as one of tho most important problems of tho age, and I lenvo and bequeath this property for tho uso and advancement of sucli purpose. This view is in strict accord with what wo nave been specially trying to impress ou_ the public, from the patriotic standpoint throughout tho present campaign tor tho promotion and extension of tho Plunket Society's work. In this connection I may summarise a few of the more relevant matters dealt with in my lecture in Wanganui last Friday evening: . ]

How About New Zealand? " Our facts and ..figures show that, on .the whole, we are suffering in a 6imi!ar way to the Old World from tho luck of I attention to home life and babyhood which has been a growing evil of modern civilisation, especially during the last 40 years. Decay of tho teeth is graver and more extensive in tho Dominion than at Home, adenoids are not loss prevalent than in England, and rickets, though much less common than in the Old World, is a grave factor in damaging the race, both in Australia and New Zealand—countries where the disease ought to be practically -unknown. Our medical inspectors of schools are thawing attention to the fact tfcaf, in a large proportion of oases where d-ildren are'found to be weedy, they have been artificially fed in early infancy, and show evidences of . having suffered more or less from rickets in consequence. The main aim of the Plunket Society is to stamp out these avoidable disabili-

ties and diseases by training aod helping the mother, besides doing its best to bring about', a further reduction in the infantile death rate. But, it may be asked, how far will tiiese subjects bo furthered by . tho foundjng of a Baby Home in Wanganui? The institution could not only form tho local centre for the Plunket Nurse's' work, but would also be a. standing''object-lesson and school for mothers from all directions. Tho Karitane Baby Hospital, Dunedin, has been for years a kind of Mecca for mothers, somo thousands of visits being paid yearly, including women from all parts of the worjd. Visitors aro welcomed and encouraged, and oveiy opportunity is mado use of for giving practical instruction in matters affecting the health of mothers and children. • A properly-equipped and efficientlymanaged sanatorium and hospital -for babies—such as cannot bo restored to health in their own homes—established in Wanganui, would servo not only, for local requirements, but would also meet the needs of the whole Taranaki Province, and serve as fur as Palmerston and Taunmrunui. What the problem of ,a failing or sick baby, who cannot bo got on to the right track in its own home, means to many parents in this country, only those intimately in touch with the facts can form any idea. How is the Stewart Bequest .Suited for the Purpose of a Baby Homo? One can scarcely imagine any home or more naturally adapted for tho purpose—they are quite ideal—not only as regards tho premises and beautiful and well-sheltered garden, but also in being at a pleasant, healthy elevation, and served by two tram lines. Ono rarely finds a private house with such spacious balconies all round, and with such admirable sanitary conveniences and provisions as to vonfcilation, etc. These facts are, of course, accounted for by the late Mr. Stewart's profession of civil engineer. In general, I'am rather averse to adapting private houses to meet the requirements of institutions, but in the present case the conditions are exceptional and ideal for the purpose contemplated. The president of tho Wanganui branch 1 of the Plunket Society (Mrs. Gibbons) has outlined a financial scheme which, in my opinion, will meet tho needs of the case, and no doubt this will be at once gono into by tho committee, and the public will be duly appealed to to fulfil their part. Wanganui will soon be as proud of and noted for its special facilities and advantages iu practical teaching in mother craft and infant welfare as it has long been in regard to other aspects of education.