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Hokitika Guardian, 29 March 1930, Page 4

The appeal for funds to aid in the endowment of the Obstetrical Department of the Dominion School of Medicine, is something which should capture very general support. The effort is directed towards the better equipment of those concerned in midwifery, and is really a national effort to reduce the maternal death rate, which, according to statistics, is considered unduly high for this Dominion, The Government has recognised its obligations in this great social service by the promise of a grant of £50,C00 for the erection of an entirely modern midwifery hospital, where proper training and experience can he gained. The amount available from the Government is not adequate for all requirements in respect to instruction, and an additional fund of £25,000 will he needed as a foundation for the staff payments, and it is this sum the present movement is designed to find. The effort is a very worthy one, and should appeal to people of all classes. The appeal is being so organised that all may contribute. Provision is made for con'Hbutions from one shilling upwards of the purchase of a coupon, and Die incentive should be there for all to co-onernte. Once the Department is established and the fund provided, it will be self-supporting and further financial help will not be called for. The value the Department should retir n will repay the present effort over and over again. Anything that can reduce the maternal death rate and lessen I bo disabilities of confinement, must be a great gain lo the cmmfrv. The scheme must appeal specially to women folk, for it is niooWl in the desire lo assist them directly, and in turn must effect national benefits. This obstetrical movement is now very general throughout tho Empire, and its value is very fully recognised. "Now Zealand lias made a name for itself in what has been done for the babies and llie preservation of infant life after

birth. The value of that work is very great and is a definite movement to ilio credit of the workers within the Dominion. ti'inKurly. •this pre-natal movement must he* also of great value. It co-ordinates with the work conducted by the Blanket movement, and might he considered really part and parcel of that very useful national work. Generally, therefore, the present effort has the best of claims on ';:iie community—and to the appeal now being made, there should he a general and generous response.