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Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1930, Page 4

The appeal for funds for the Cancer Research Campaign is now being taken up in this district, and next Thursday a public meeting is lo be held m the Town Hall .to organise for the movement. The meeting will have the effect of arresting public attention on this important .matter. Cancer takes great toll of life year by yefir, and is a heavy scourge m New Zealand. The figures compiled from time to time are quite alarming, and everything that can be ..one to arrest so fell a disease should be attempted. Medical opinion is unjuiimous as to the necessity' for research work, and this will be possible only by creating a substantial fund to ensure persistent and consistent effort in the task necessary. The movement is world wide, and New Zealand must oe alert also, and keep step with other countries in the search lor remed.es to check the ad van. e of so ravaging a disease. If-there is the intensive work which is hoped for all round the Empire and in other countries, some advance will surely be possible. Science is for ever forging its own advancement, and by the consideration proposed favourable results may surely be hoped for According to the statistics cased on present conditions, canter will claim a victim in every ten of the men, women and children now living. That appalling fact presents ah equally appalling prospect. The unanimity of the medical profession on the very .urgent need for research work, can therefore be well understood,. Much is being uone now through radium treatment, and no doubt of the money raised, a substantial amount will be required for the purchase of radium to permit of its wider use in eases where there is hope of checking the ravages of the disease. It is possible that the early diagnosis of the disease will he of are at help, and medical knowledge in hat direction will be of assistance, too. Where suffering can be alleviated it will surely be a blessing for the patient, and the effective organisation of medical work to ensure that should fie possible under the scheme now proposed in the research branch of the "iresent movement A very large sum of money is being raised for the main objective and a, very large sum will be required, for the surrounding problems ire indeed mystifying. The impressive facts as to the malignancy of can e: cannot be denied, and seeing that there is not a certain cure, it is necessary to seek for it till successful. Great help is given hv the State, but-here is an issue of national importance, and private interests should realise its obligations also. There is a reason why all who can should contribute to this fund which is to be used essentially for the benefit of humanity. The appeal is therefore of the widest public interest and its call should not be ignored.