OUR BABIES.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 654, 25 March 1914, Page 2

OUR BABIES.

Published under the auspices of the Society for the Health of Women and Children. " It is wiser to put up a fence at the top of a precipice than te maintain an ambulance at the bottom."

PLUNKET NURSES' SEKVICES FREE.

THE SOCIETY'S BOOK. The Society's little book, entitled "What Baby Needs," can be obtained from the Matron, Karitane-Harris Hospital, the Plunket nurses, the honorary secretaries, and the leading booksellers throughout the Dominion Price, 6d; posted, 7d. OTHER PEOPLE'S DREAMS. I think it will be interesting to many of our mothers to know something as to the dreams and aspirations of leading women in other lands on the subject of improving the lot of children. The following extracts from an article forwarded by our Foreign Correspondent show that many things, which the Society is actually bringing to pass throughout New Zealand, are as yet regarded only as far-off Utopian and almost unattainable ideals in othpr lands. Mrs Frederic Schoff, who was president of the National CongreßS uf Mothers in the United States, writes as follows: THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT.

What gift would I give to this country for its benefit and future welfare as a Christmas gift, were it in my power?—l would make it possible for every child to have a square deal all the time, every day, from infancy to manhood, in every home and in every kind of community.

How could this be done? —The first requisite would be to provide the opportunity for every father and mother to learn more of what they owe their children. I would prevent the sacrifice of infanta' lives by providing ch'sr, accurate instruction for every nt.\v mother in the requirements of babies. I would prevent the later sacrifice of health in schools due to overtaking tha organs which are yet in process of development. I would prevent juvenile crime. Juvenile crime is a reflection on the methods and care given to children It is preventable. Parental ignorance, crnwded tenements physical degeneracy, and lack of space for play are contributing causes. The welfare of the children exceeds all other masters in its importance to the future welfare of tha country. It is of national interest.

Wbat national university can do a more necessary work than to provide the information which will put childtruin/ng on to a higher plane than that of chance?— The national university for the welfare of the child, located in Washington, with a faculty of men and women thoroughly understanding the ahysical, mental, and spiritual growth of the child, and the environment and influence necessary to ring it to the highest devoloDment, could p-rfnrni an estimable service to the world. It should be the centre, with branches in pvery State, country,' and town, easily accessible to aIL Crowded tenements would have to go; playgrounds would be put within reach of every child. Manual training would be a part of every child. Manual training would be a part of every school course The National Congress of Mothers has the work already under way. The help is eagerly sought. It needs to be placed on a permanent basis, which means to do the work in education for which, as yet, no adequate provision has been made.