A HYGIENE EXHIBITION

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8357, 18 February 1913, Page 5

A HYGIENE EXHIBITION

The Australian Natives’ Exhibition, which is being held in Melbourne at the present tme, nas a section which is of the utmost interest to - women. It is tne hygiene section. Like the rest of the exhibition it is purely educational, borne months ago the co-operaion of the Women's Medical Society was asked for, and the ladies who comprise it called together representatives from the different, societies and institutions, in order to plan an effective scheme of action. A splendid result is now the reward of those who have devoted many hours to the working up of this most comprehensive scheme. A splendidly-equipped creche, with trained nurses in attendance, is ready for the reception of young children . There is a comfortable resc-room for tired mothers. and a wonderful playground has been planned for the enjoyment of older children. This is furnished with safetyswings, miniature merry-go-rounds, sandheaps, and even a safety “chute” is provided. The free kindergarten system will be explained later on by groups of children from the different city and suburban centres, who will demonstrate each day. A model kitchen, laundry, and pantry, suitable for a very modest home, has been planned by a lady who is an autho-’ rity on such matters, and an attendant is ready to explain the different arrangements, and to point out the conveniences, and also to give an estimate of the cost of equipment, which has been brought down to a very small sum. and quite within the expenditure of most of those who occupy three or four-roomed cottages. Upstairs the hygiene section becomes more varied, and the newest appliances for bathrooms are shown. The menace of the household fly is also demonstrated, and the importance of the war against tuberculosis in all its forms is shown by a series of convincing charts, some of the statements ..nd statistics being distressful indeed. However, on all sides, assurances are given tbat the "white plague” is curable when taken in its earlier stages. Other departments are both amusing as well as instructive. In tho food sections much is shown that will Arrest attention, especially, the corner where the deleterious composition of the cheaper class of temperance drinks, cakes, preserved fruits and such like commodities are exposed. These are only a few of the many exhibits which are gathered together in the hygiene section, which is perhaps the most important one of the entire exhibition.