PLUNKET WORK IN WAR-TIME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24419, 3 October 1940, Page 8

PLUNKET WORK IN WAR-TIME

“The baby was really delightful; he took his food with a will, stuck out his toes merrily whenever his legs were uncovered, and did not have fits.” These, observed Anthony Trollope, some eighty years ago, were regarded as “the strongest points of baby perfection.” They still are, perhaps, fundamental, but it is the measure of our age, compared with the age of Trollope, that it enables babies to-day in most cases to achieve these virtues. In the Victorian era it was the toughest of them that did so—the rest had fits, and died! The change that has been brought about to assure that even the babies weak at birth, or born prematurely, or otherwise afflicted with primary handicaps in the struggle for survival, shall be given their chance in life had its inspiration in New Zealand in the establishment of the Plunket Society in Dunedin only thirtythree years ago. The work of that society now extends throughout the

Dominion and is recognised the world over. It requires no written testimonial, when thousands of happy mothers, healthy children and thriving babies are everywhere providing eloquent tribute to the success of the system that is identified with its name. And as with the passing of the years the population of the Dominion has grown large* so the demand for the services of the Plunket organisation has increased. To-morrow the annual street appeal of the society will be made in Dunedin, and there can be confidence in a generous response of the public. This is a cause to which the people of New Zealand and of Dunedin in particular can be expected to contribute liberally whatever additional demands are being made on them. Indeed, it is desirable to recognise that the work of the Plunket Society is not alone peace work but war work also. The declining birth-rate in many of the countries which represent the vanguard of that civilisation that must to-day be upheld by war threatens in time to weaken the race as an aggressor can never do. The tragic conflict must have its effect in depleting the population, and in the assurance that the coming generation is given every opportunity to take its place worthily in the community lies our hope for the future. Science and devotion have been joined in the activities of the Plunket Society in caring for the mothers and babies. Its efforts must not now be allowed to falter from poor support, but rather must be intensified. Since the work is carried on largely on a basis of voluntary contribution, the public is most reasonably asked to recognise an obligation to this famous and valuable institution.