PLUNKET SOCIETY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5273, 11 May 1928, Page 2

PLUNKET SOCIETY.

BRANCH FORMED AT PAEROA.

AN ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING. A meeting convened by the Mayoress for the purpose of considering . the possibility of forming a branch of the Plunket Society at Paeroa was held at the Centenary Hall on Wednesday afternoon. His Worship the Mayor (Mr W. Marshall) presided over an attendance of 25 persons, including the president of the Te Arolia branch (Mrs G. Hedge), t’he secretary (Mrs McGirr), and the treasurer (Mrs Wykes), and Nurse Houghton, Te Aroha Plunket Nurse. Mr C. N. O’Neiii was appointed minute secretary.

After welcoming the members: of the Te Aroha branch the Mayor explained that an effort had been, made to form a sub-,branch at Paerpa a year or two ago, but after several meetings the project was not proceeded with. It was rather, a pity that a little more courage had not been shown. It was now felt that a. real need existed for a sub-branch, and he hoped something material would result from that afternoon’s meeting. The Mayor, said that It gave him pleasure to introduce the Te Aroha president, and he would ask her to explain what was necessary to form a sobbranch at Paeroa.

Addressing the meeting, Mrs Hedge said that the corr.ect designation, of the Plunket Society was the Royal New Zealand Society for the Health of. Women and Children. (Inc'orportcd.) The object of the society was principally to carry out the work of the Phinket Society founded by Sir Truby King. The rules of the society as set' out in the hand-book showed that fm'ther objects were to uphold the of the body and; the duty of health ; to inculcate at lofty view of the responsibilities of maternity and the duty of every mother to fit herself for the perfect fulfilment of th© natural calls of motherhood, both before and after, childbirth, and especially to advocate and promote the breast-feeding of infants. The acquisition and dissemination of information and knowledge of matters affecting the health of women and children and the training of suitable nurses were also important features of the society’s activities. SUB-BRANCHES. Continuing, Mrs Hedge explained that a sub-branch of the Te Aroha branch could be formed at Paeroa and the services of a Plunket nurse made available. The sub-branch would be under the jurisdiction of the parent branch, but it could elect its own officers, collect and control its own finances, and also have representation on the committee of the parent branch. As soon as possible after March 31 in each year a sub-branch was required to furnish the branch with an audited statement of its ac-i counts for the year, and a report of progress: and work. ■ LOCAL REQUIREMENTS. It was considered by the speaker that once a sub-branch was formed there would be little difficulty ini carrying on successfully, as love and keen interest in the work would carry the members through. There was no need for members to know anything about Plunket nursing. The. most important matters were to secure a couple of suitable rooms, with heating arrangements- and furniture. A set of baby scales were necessary, and they were a costly item, -but could be obtained reasonably from the headquarters of the society at Dunedin, the cost being about £l2. COST TO SUB-BRANCH.

In addition to the items mentioned, a sub-brahch would be required to contribute towards the salary of the nurse on a basis of £35 for attendance on one day a week ; £lB for one day a fortnight; or £lO fJr one day a month. Tlie branch paid the railway fares for the nurse, and the amount expended was later refunded by the Governs ment. The sub-branch was expected, to pay the expenses of the nurse getting to and from the railway station, and also to provide meals.. NO GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES. It should be clearly understood that moneys raised for carrying on the work of Plunket branches did not carry a Government subsidy, but th'b Government contributed £125 a year, towards the salaries of Plunket nurses. MEMBERSHIP FEES. Tiie minimum fee to be paid was ■us a member, which entitled a member to a vote on the branch or subbranch. A branch’s year commenced on April 1, and any member who was. in arrears of subscription for three, years after, the close of the - year was liable to be struck off the list of members. For a donation of not less than £25 a person could become a life member of the society without being bound to pay the annual subscription. ADDRESS BY NURSE HOUGHTON. In an interesting address Nurse Houghton said that this year the society was celebrating its 21s ; t birthday, and it woubl be most appropriate if a sub-branch could be formed at Paeroa. The society in New Zealand now comprised 72 branches, with over 100 nurses regularly employed. This Dominion had the lowest infantile mortality in the world, the average being three babies in every thousand dying during the first year of life. The record was a proud one, and’Hucli a happy state of affairs was vcrly largely due to Sir. Truby King and his society. The nurse said that it Was to be clearly understood; that the society did not claim to nurse sick babies, or otherwise trespass; on the province of a doctor. The principal aim was to keep well babies well, and start them off in life healthy. Children then came under the Education Department’s system of medical and welfare attention, including the dental clinics. A -movement was now on foot for girl guides to receive instruction to the society’s work, and encourage them to carry on its aims and objects. The Plunket Society stood for. sound common sense where natural feeding and care of babies was concerned.

The speaker said she had heard it

remarked that the plunket Society in time would become a Government department ; but she failed to see how an institution mana’ged by New ?ear land women who devoted their lives to loving and* caring for women and children would ever become defunct, especially when it worked for the benefit of all classes and was free of “red tape.” The work of Sir Truby King on infant feeding, said the speaker, was the foremost in. the world to-day. The Plunket system was known in everyi English-speaking country in the’ world, and in many parts the system had been adopted. The Plunket handbook had been printed in every known language. New Zealanders might well be proud of its achievement, and it was- a fitting tribute that Sir Truby King had been honoured and revered throughout the worldl In conclusion Nur’Se Houghton said she sincerely hoped that a sub-branch would be formed at Paeroa. and she would be pleased to do all she cbulil to assist. After the purse had* answered several questions it was moved by Mr O’Neill, and seconded by Mip S- Silcock, that a sub-branch of the Royal N.Z. Society for the "Health of Women and Children (Plunket Society) be formed at Paeroa. In putting the resolution, which was carried unanimously, the Mayor said that he was particularly gratified with the decision arrived at. There could be little doubt that a subbranch was required at Paeroa, and he saw no reason why it should not be a real one and fulfill a long-felt want. "The question of suitable rooms and finance was the next considerar tioik but judging by the enthusiasm shown that afternoon he felt confident that the public w’ould'lend its support to so ; worthy an object. He could assure the meeting of his support, and he wished the sub-branch every possible success. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers resulted as follows,: President, Mrs W. Marshall; vice-presidents, Mrs G. S. Taiboys and Mrs 0. N. O’Neill; committee, Mesdames O. G. Thornton, W. B. Pickering, S. J. Hedge, R. S. Carden, H. J. Hare, E. P. Fathers, with power to add to thei number; hon. solicitor. Mr C. N. O’Neill. The positions of secretary and treasurer and auditor were referred to the committee. On; the motion of Mr! O’Neill a hearty vote of thanks wa7~aecorded the president and members of the Te Aroha branch and Nurse Houghton .for attending the meeting and for offerh of assistance.