DR. TRUBY KING.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 781, 3 November 1922, Page 7

DR. TRUBY KING.

VISITS PUKEKOHE. AN INTERESTING LECTURE. There was a large attendance at the Meihirtiist Church on Thursday of last week to hear a lecture by Dr jTruby King on'Health and particularly .the health of the baby. Rev, J. ‘ulphert presided and introduced the doctor as “King of His Majesty the Baby.” At the outset the visitor dealt hvith the enormous increase in mentally defective cases, which cost the country a considerable sum of money annually for upkeek. He contended that mental diseases could be obviated if more care was taken of the babies and their mothers. These mental institutions were a vast burden on a country, and instead of being proud of these hospitals they should be utterly ashamed of them. [Dealing with physical fitness, Dr King pointed out that the Japanese physically were far better than ourselves. The cause of their fitness was obvious. He contrasted' the fine specimen of the Maori of years ago with t'he race to-day, and maintained conclusively that their degradation was due to being set an example of physical idleness by the Europeans. He claimed that New Zealanders had the worst teeth on the face of the earth. He advocated that people should be induced to get out into the .country instead of living in the cities. The country life, with its beautiful surroundings, was the life 'and it was a wonder people did not leave the attractions of the cities to go forth where life was a pleasure to live,, He pointed out that Japan, which land was not nearly as fertile as that of New Zealand, was extensively cultivated. The average holding in this Eastern country was 2 acres and off this small area the Japanese had fed themselves and their families, and’ built up a line race. They had achieved ’this from a state of absolute primitiveness. The Japanese women attired themselves in a very simple garb, and: had plenty of exercise—work, whereas he added, that our women were ruined through not having healthy exercise. He also proved "that the modern feminine attire was not conducive to good, health. The lure of the city, with picture palaces and other vices,*won the hearts of the people. He told his hearers that they coujd not build up a life in this way. He again emphasised the need of country life, and urged that the Government oi this fine country should do something with the conception of encouraging the people to quit the cities co l’-ve in the country. The speaker contended that tomatoes were the healthiest of all fruits, and he was a strong advocate of cold bathing. He condemned the modern methods of gfris smoking, jazzing and attending picture shows for naif of the tlay, He was glad l that a branch of the Plunket Society had been .formed in this district-, and he

appealed to all to do their very utmost' to support the society, to carry on the good work, of which the foundation had been laid. If the mothers and babies were properly cared for and the young offspring properly fed on lines laid .down by the Plunket system he was sure the future physical fitness qf New Zealand was assured. His interesting lecture was illustrated by some very fine lantern

glides. At the conclusion of his address the speaker was heartily applauded and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Mr Hardy, who had kindly loaned his magic lantern, was also thanked for his generosity.