LONG-RANGE PLAN URGED

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 17, 15 October 1943, Page 6

LONG-RANGE PLAN URGED

Provision Of Plunket Rooms The need for long-range planning in (lie provision of Plunket rooms to meet the needs of future residents where housing development.was proposed was stressed by Dr. Helen Deem, medical adviser to the society, at the half-yearly meeting of the Dominion council of the Plunket Society, which concluded in AA’ellington yesterday. Mrs. Janies Begg, Dominion president, was in the chair. Dr. Deem urged that the Government be asked to include the building of Plunket rooms and kindergartens in their future bousing schemes. Attention was drawn by Mrs. Cecil AVood (Christchurch) to the needs of earlier settled districts throughout the Dominion, where mothers should receive advice from the Plunket nurse in their own districts and not have to wheel prams long distances to remote schoolrooms. High prices and unsuitability of children's shoes had been investigated by Dr. Deem, who reported sympathetic reception of the society’s suggested reforms. It was decided to approach the Government to bring the prices of children's shoes within the scope of the average family purse and ask for a subsidy if necessary for this purpose. Shortage of Karitane Nurses. It was reported that 37 Karitane nurses were trained last year, but the demand exceeded tiie supply. Because of the extra work entailed, it was recommended that. Karitane nurses should receive 5/- a week extra where more than one child was cared for. It was regarded as the duty of the nurse to inform the employer on engagement that travelling expenses would be involved. Pleasure was expressed by members ot the council at the high value placed ou its work by leaders of the different political parties during the recent, election campaign. All advocated extension of the work for mother and child, and emphasized its importance in the life of the community.