HOMES, MOTHERS, AND BABIES

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 235, 1 July 1944, Page 6

HOMES, MOTHERS, AND BABIES

Rearing A Race FOUNDATION PROBLEMS Foundation problems involved in- the rearing of a virilo race of New Zealanders were reviewed by (Dr. H, M. Wilson at a meeting of the Blunket Society and kindred organizations in (Hastings. “We are today fighting for our existence,” he said, “and we often feel, what else is worth bothering about. We know that our country is to carry on after the war, and- it is by nurturing her and keeping her in good heart and spirit that we can face the future. Have not the countries of the past fallen into decadence because they have sent their best men to wars and made no great effort to replace them? “We think of Greece, of Home, of Poland, of Sweden, of France in the times of Napoleon. The birth and rearing of children of their own races did not interest them in the times of their greatness. The birth rates fell, and in some countries, Greece and Borne, the children were even killed. Sacrifices and Effort. “I wonder if it is right that visiting people, and even our own servicemen, who come back, should say that we are far too complacent in our Avar effort. How can it be so? Look at what our effort has been on paper. What family has not their men or women away on service? What family has not suffered, or been closely allied with those who have? “I rather take comfort and pride in what Brigadier Hurley, of the United States of America, said when he was in Wellington, that when he saw the Holl of Honour in the paper each morning, he was filled with admiration for the courage of our women.. It gave me comfort because I knew that it was true. “One knows how you have all worked in your patriotic effort —young and old —many of you have worked too hard. It has given you great comfort as you sit and sew up your parcels to think of what pleasure they will give to those overseas'. Then after many months you get a letter: ‘Thank you, my dears. The parcels were splendid and the boys enjoyed them so much. . . .’ “Your letters, with all the light and cheerful news, mean so much to those away. The everlasting cry is, ‘Letters, and still more letters, from you. . , .’ “You have your work in the home, which does not become any lighter as time goes on, and yet here am I calling for something more. At any rate, if I put forward some suggestions to you they are to help you, and they are made by one who has a very real idea of what you have all done for your country. The Fundamentals. “Two most important things as I can see them in the social life of this country are adequate housing and instruction as to proper diet. .Take houses: What percentage of houses grow their own vegetables, which can be done so easily here? I feel very strongly that the idea of the flats in Wellington for a soldier and his wife and one child is totally out of accord with our national existence. “Let the women’s organizations go round and have a look at the State houses, and make up their minds if they think they' are suitable for the rearing of families. Homes and diet are an essential part of the duties of our women folk. “The bringing up of an infant is much more of a business now than it, was in times gone by, and if we want to increase our birth rate, as we must if we are to survive as a people in the Pacific, then our women folk must have more help in the home. “Incidentally, is it right that the first child in a family receiving benefits from the -Social .Security, should have a greater subsidy than subsequent children?. Personally. I would increase the subsidy as the number of children increase. It is a difficult question, one knows, but it has to be overcome. Sound Stock. Dr. Wilson sounded a warning note. “In 1924,” he said, “several very distinguished American doctors visited New Zealand. Apart from medicine, they were great men; whenever they spoke they said, “Don’t mix your Races.” On their return to America they said that the purest strain of the Angjo-Saxoa race existed in Australia and New Zealand. “Racial blending in America has not always had the happiest results. History has shown that intermingling of blood is inevitable. What we must aim for is blending that gives us the best types. We in New Zealand have no racial, problem because our European population is overwhelmingly British and our Maoris are a native race,/equipped mentally and physically for the Christian civilization that the British people have evolved. “I have only bred one lot of animals —racing pigeons,” added the speaker, “and I was impressed by how some strains, some good strains, if mixed, never did any good. We must remember that in our national outlook. A Call To Women. “Why won’t women earn their living in domestic service? No doubt it is more irksome. The hours are not set. Relaxation is less than in other ways of life, but the big factor is the social outlook. Now what can be done? “You must set out to create and give a suitable name—e.g., Karitane—to a service for expectant and sick mothers and those with young families. You must get recruits to do so many hours’ training in a children’s ward at a hospital; you must become assured that they can cook, and curry out other household duties. If necessary, give them a uniform. See that conditions and pay are reasonable, and in such cases where the people cannot afford to pay they receive a subsidy, but those able to pay must pay in whole or in part. Make the organization yourselves, so that the human side comes into it. “All this must be non-political, nonparty, but the women have the power to insist that these things should be done, and your political power is to advertise your very just demands day and night, until whatever Government is in power is forced to make a start in helping you. “Just to give you an example, which I can vouch for. A young woman in the bnckblock centre of New Zealand is married to a farmer; she has two young chijjlren, and is expecting another child in about six weeks' time. Her husband has an accident, and is taken into hospital. She is 14 miles from a town on not too good a road, and two miles from another neighbour. She is alone; no help can be obtained for her, and one of her friends from another part of New Zealand goes np to stand by. Surely the women of this country can do better than that. Today some girls should be co-opted for such a service. “One wonders if in the future mon have to face conscription for Territorial service, if our girls should not be called upon to give some service such as this. Women do not appear to have realized their power in these matters. What we want is a Truby King to lead in this great national need. More Babies, More Help. “What is my right to talk to you?” concluded Dr. Wilson. “I am a New Zealander; my people have now reached three generations in this country; my wife's people have reached the third generation, and one of ray wife’s people was Prime Minister of this country. Our people have served from the Maori War to the present war. and I have had the long experience of some 40 years in medical practice in this country, and approximately that time in the'public hospital service in Hawke’s Bay. All this has given me an idea of the strivings that our people have to face. ' The many kindnesses and courtesies shown me have given mo more than an affection for them. When you and I pray to God to prosper, bless and keep this country safe, we must never forget that ‘God helps those who help themselves.’ What I mean is. we must have more children, the mothers must have help in their homes and the women must, see that they get it,”