OBSTETRICAL APPEAL

Hokitika Guardian, 28 March 1930, Page 1

OBSTETRICAL APPEAL

A meeting was held at the Town Hall last evening, uie Mayoress (Mrs G. A: l'erry) presiding, who introduced Mrs Cecil Wood, of Chris tell urch, and particulars were afforded of the New Zealand appeal for the Chair of Obstetris. It was explained that the movement had the support of the Government. Hon J. A. rituilworthy, Minister ol Health, in the course of a recent interview, said that the Government was fully alive to the necessity of improving the position as regaids maternal mortality. New Zealand had the lowest general death-rate,, the lowest infantile death-rate, and the lowest T.R death-rate, hut in relation to the welfare of women who were performing a supreme duty and service to the State the country was in a very invidious position. New Zealand’s maternal mortality figure was 4.75 per thousand. In such a young country something must be wrong to produce such a position.- However, he thought he could claim that the present Government had faced the position in a statesmanlike manner. Government had committed the country to an expenditure of £200,600 in direct relation to the problem of maternal mortality. Mrs Wood explained that the fund was being supported all through New Zealand. It was tno desire that every woman should take an interest in the profit, and contribute to the fund. Shilling coupons were on sale and the movement was thus in the reach of every one. It was decided to support tne appeal, which it is interesting to note has also the personal support of Her Majesty the Queen, while Lady Bledisloe in her desire to give practical support to the movement, will address a women’s meeting at Cliristcnu roll shortly. It was decided to hold a meeting at the Soldiers’ Hall at 4 o’clock to-mor-row afternoon to organise a social arteruoon in aid of the Chair of Midwifery appeal, and Mrs Perry would lie glad to see a large and representative attendance present, including convenient representations from the countrv districts.