PLUNKET BABIES

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1930, Page 3

PLUNKET BABIES

WORK FOR MOTHER AND CHILD LEAD TO THE WORLD. WELLINGTON, November 19. The annual conference of the Ro.vni New Zealand Society for the Health ol Women and Children was opened in t. Paul’s schoolroom yesterday, when about 230 delegates were present. The opening of the conference was presided over by the Mayor, Mr G. A. Tioup, who was supported by Sir Trnby' King founder of the movement; the Hon. A. .J. Stall worthy, aiuiister of Health; Mr J. A. Young, who was M luster oi Health under the Reform Government Mr P. Fraser, M.P. ; Mr J.A.John stone; Mrs J. A. Johnstone, president of the Central Council; Mrs M.cGeorgc .vice-president; and Mrs Henry Hull, president of the Wellington branch. The Mayor remarked upon the significance of so large a gathering, representing the Domin on from AucKland to the Bluff. They had, lie said, been tola that “a little child shall lead them,” and it was the babies in the cradle that had brought them together to consider a most important question. The conception of the ideals of the Plunket.. Society emanated from tb“ outstanding New Zealander, S r Truby King., sometimes womfered how it vvasy that the idea was. poll.though! of before lie took it up. Great ideas were .usually....simple in character.; Sir Truby King in his conception of ;tbis great work, had gone hack to' the fundamental th ugs of life, and :tlj r outcome was that society, established in all 'parts- of -the -Dominion for the health of women and children. There was not a township that had not .sonic link with it. FAITH AND COURAGE. It might be said that the foundations of the society had been laid, cont nue(i Mr Troup, but they were still laying them', and must see that they were strong enough to bear the superstructures which wou'd lie erected upm; them. They were laying the foundations for all time of a work that was not only nation-wide hut was bound' to become world-wide. Behind that Work was faith in themselves and faith in tlici capacity to carry it out. Faith was the evidence of things not seen, the belief in something that was going to lie, and behind that faith was courage The t ine would come when the baby would have its right, its chance to liv. and be given opportunities in life, and to that end this great and inspiring work had been undertaken by. tlr women of the Domin on, although the idea yvas .brought into being .by a man. OUTSTANDING FACTS. Despite depression and shortness, of money there had been no 'falling back iii the activities of the society. ThV births in New Zealand n the past year were 26,747, of which number 13,49 i, were “Plunket babies,’ in addition to lyliicH there had been the services rendeied to mother and child. In addition to the executive in Duncd n they had seveiity-two branches iii the Dominion, with "district societies in every hamlet in the country. There was not a home in which the soc.ety was not known and not-a mother who was not anxious to take advantage of its services. It had a large staff of resident and relief nurses, and others were being trained.

Eight,v-oi’ie had completed their training during the past year. " The Mayor also dewit on the finance of the Society, and the assistance given by the Government, which was equn' to £i tor every £2 contributed by the public. The balance-sheet showed the revenue in round figures of £72,000, to which the Government’s contribution was about £21,000 and lie was sure the Minister would be only too pleased to 'ncrea.se the amount if possible. In declaring the conference open Mr Troup wished it every, success. . MONEY WELL. INVESTED., The Hon. A. J. Stallworthy expressed the view that the name of Sir Truby King would not only go down in the history of New Zealand, Imt in the history of the Empire when it came to be more fully written. The inspiration which had given the movement to New Zealand was stimulating other Linds than New Zealand. In spite of his advanced years, Sir Truby King was one of the busiest and most energetic men in the' Dominion. He was a dynamic force, and the Minister said lie took off his hat to liiiu on account of his wonderful energy and -the magnificent direction off his efforts. Last year the allocation of the Government toward the work of the society, the Plunket Society and allied services totalled just on £28,000, and no doubt the money was well applied and was one of the best investments the Government bail made during the year. . / /■

The Minister expressed,; his unstint#d admiration for tli(#|dfiety’s .work, paying lie only wished heoiiul £IOO,OOO at his disposal, for lie believed it was better to build a fence at the top ol a precipice than to have an ambulance at the bottom. Such work was worthy of the support of any Government. In New Zealand and other countries a great deal of prudislmess was breaking down, and young people were getting a ■ good deal more in the direction of sex education. The education system in New Zealand needed- to accomplish, something more than it had done in the past .• :

In ’the' Minister ’ quoted' the' advice in regard to children Which, lie had-seen cn the traijicars in Pli laclelphia, which was to. the effect that every, child, should lie born to life and liberty, wisely directed in the.-pursuit of "happiness! ’’ j W WOH K.:. : ''

' Mi; J..,A. .Young, ALP,, .said,,Hi,at as a past. Minister of, HyalQi,, he. , was ; pleased to .associate h msyL.'vwitb. whal.. had been. said. He haddioen associateCr with tlijp s > many, l,t was not; a ph ila n thropic but. a-, hunvy anitai'iaii...w.oi'jv.--> He felt, he-must: pa.vp tribute -J0,.-the - national .and wovld-wid:;--work, of iSir-Wiiuli.y. King, who had fefi a,.sick room to l e present at* the conference.. . The--movement was- well am-’ truly estabUshed in. -the heartoil' tin Empire, and was -spreading To'’every other country 'in. the worth ’The’’ prjn•jplcs of that great organisation were being printed l in other- languages,-.:so’ g-rentlv were thev-Valued. • Hd wikllecE • ■ i the. conference '-every--success. : i! '

The ordinary bustiesS’of theWrtiifbrPiice proceeded in the afternoon. • ! ■ . -r.v

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