THE PLUNKET SOCIETY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 180, 1 July 1937, Page 8

THE PLUNKET SOCIETY.

Had New Zealand given nothing else to the world, its contribution through Sir Frederick Truby King’s child welfare system, known in every Dominion household as the Plunket scheme of caring for babies, has earned for it a place of admiration. To-day, thirty years after its inception, the system is functioning in many parts of the globe with splendid results, and interest in it here shows signs of increasing rather than diminishing, albeit fewer babies there are to benefit by its good works. There is no need to reiterate that the Dominion continues to enjoy the lowest infant death rate in the universe; on that score alone full credit must be given the Society. Wherever its. methods have spread, in Australia and parts of England particularly, the benefits are becoming increasingly apparent, and the founder of the system has given to mankind something that ranks with the most important discoveries that have benefited the human race. Less commonly known, the ante-natal guidance of the Society also has proved an invaluable aid. In the past few days, branches of the. Society throughout the Dominion have been brought more before public attention by reason of . the fact that their annual meetings have been held, and it is most encouiaging to find that all of these meetings have been marked by a continuation of that . enthusiasm which has for almost a . lifetime been characteristic of Sir Truby King. In our own city and the surrounding townships a healthy interest in the Society prevails, and it should continue, for the benefits of the service are incalculable. It is a monumental work, built up on an enduring faith backed by expert knowledge. This has been gained from many years of study by one whose name will live long . after those who as infants derived benefit from it have passed away.