VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 June 1921, Page 4

VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

TELEGRAMS.

.EiLKORArn—PER t?RESS association] PETONE GASWORKS LOCK-OUT. WELLINGTON, June 27 The members of the Petone Borough Council to-night discussed the dispute between the Council and its gaswork employees, and the Council’s drivers. Regarding trite former, it was decided to take action to bring the present employees (meaning the men employed to take the place of the stokers) under the provisions of the Arbitration Act, so that if a dispute arose the Court could give a decision. The Mayor and Councillor Cliurchouse dissented. Regarding the drivers, it- was decided to reinstate all but one of them. The matters in dispute were referred to the Conciliation Commissioner. GREAT MORTALITY IN CHILDBIRTHS. HEALTH DEPARTMENT BLAMES DOCTORS. CHRISTCHURCH, June 27. There has been a great deal of discussion lately on the figures published by the Childrens’ Bureau of the United States Department of Labour, which place New Zealand almost at the bottom of the list of nations in respect to the freedom from mortality of women in childbirth. Mr Parr. Minister of Health, asked Dr Valintinc, Director-General of Health, for a report on the subject. Dr Valentine says he is specially advised that the figures given for New Zealand are correct, but be is unable to sav whether New Zealand’s figures arc strickle comparable with those of other countries. Comparisons, ho says, that are based on n single year’s figures are unsatisfactory. The New Zealand mortality rate for 1917 was higher than for any year since 1894. Dr Valintine goes on to sav: "We must await further information before we can condemn either the Health Department or the Medical Profession. At the same time. I may say that the Department officers (not being in practice) cannot be blamed for the mortality. Remedies, if any, are needed to remove this blot on our mortality returns. They must be insisted on by the Department on the practising membei* of the profession, who must be regarded as primarily responsible for this mortality. T believe that the average work of the medical profession in this Dominion is more than comparable with the work in other lands. However, j have good reason for believing that the exigencies of busy practice lead to much hurried midwifery which must be disastrous to both mother and child. 1 have also reason to believe that much of the sceptic disease associated with maternity is not frankly reported to ill,. Department in the early stages, thus handicapping the Departmental officers from preventing the spread of diseases associated with maternity. These /acts will be brought, before the Medical Boards, and no doubt drastic steps will be taken, if necessary, to counteract this apparent negligence.” SUGAR QUESTION. INVERCARGILL, June 25. Apropos of the sugar discussion, a local merchant has been advised from a reliable some,, that the Government is considering the whole position, and that present indications point to a drop in Fiji sugar at the end of next month. PERSONNEL OF N.Z. WOOL COMMITTEE. WELLINGTON, June 24, The following have been appointed by the Minister of Agriculture to be members of the New Zealand Wool Committee. Representing the Woolgrowers: O. J . , llawken, ALP., sTieopfarmer, Hawera, and L. A. Rutherford, slieepfarmer, Woodgrove. Representing the Woolhrokers: W. S. Bennett, wool-broker, Wellington. Representing the wool-brokers and ■Freezing Companies: A. E. Alabin, wool-broker. Wellington. Representing the Government: I’. R. Lees. Controller of the Department of Imperial Government Supplies. funeral of ex-m.p. A SURER TON. June 27. Mr Dickie’s funeral yesterday was the largest and the most representative ’'old in the district. The Government was represented by the Hon D. 11. Guthrie, and Parliament by the Hon C. V. C. Hardy and G. Witty. ALP. Many local body representatives also • M clcd. Messages of sympathy camo from members of Parliament and many others.