MORE NEEDED NOW.

Evening Star, Issue 23697, 3 October 1940, Page 8

MORE NEEDED NOW.

The daffodil can be an eloquent, as well as delightfully decorative symbol of the Plunket Society, it .was of this flower that the poet lamented its propensity to “ haste away so soon.” 3be Plunket Society exists to sec that that does not happen to tho babies. No one ever questioned the charm ot tlie daffodil. The work of the society is* as much beyond dispute. Time was when to bo a baby was to live dangerously. That is far less true to-day, A year ago it was recalled that in 1907 eighty out of every 3,000 infants born died before they could celebrate their first birthday, and the calculation was made that if that mortality rate had continued New Zealand would have lost in 1939 1,500 more babies than it did. The reduction of the rate, and all that saving of life, with increase of health and happiness in many instances lasting far beyond the initial years, have been due to tho ministrations and teachings of tho organisation that is now - world-renowned more than to -any other single cause. As an indication of its scope, 43,743 visits of ( adults and children to Plunket rooms wore made in Dunedin and suburbs alone last year. 'The number of visits paid by nurses to homos was 15,939. Something like 74 per cent, of the babies born in Dunedin may be called Plunket babies. . The work is ante-natal, post-natal, and pre-school, and, with increasing recognition of its value and endeavours to perfect it, it grows. It is only maintained with the aid of public subscriptions, and in war time tho necessity for it is quite obviously more. It is impossible to wage war without wastage of life, and that gives increased value to every influence which works for the preservation and strengthening of life. As guide, philosopher, and friend, the Plunket nurse must bo more than ever needed by mothers on whom the task falls of rearing small.children while fathers are at the war. A year ago, when the yearly street collection was made, this additional need of war time was recognised by the public, and tho amount collected was a record one. No doubt it will be kept in mind to-morrow, when “ Daffodil Day ” will be held again. A special appeal for donations is ma'dc to parents who receive, or have received, tho direct benefits, but, in a real sense, tho benefits accrue to all.