PLUNKET SOCIETY AND W.D.F.U.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 290, 30 May 1929, Page 4

PLUNKET SOCIETY AND W.D.F.U.

(To the Editor) Sir, —I should be grateful for a little space in which io answer the letter by “ Observer ” re Women’s Division and Plunket Society matters. Ooserver '’ states that tne V/omen’s Division have set themselves the task of depleting the Plunket Society of its memoersiup, with tne object of enrolling those members in its own ranks ; also that the Women’s Division and trie Plunket Society cannot possibly pull together in any project, least of all the building of the rest room, so sorely needed in Putaruru.

From these remarks I can only conclude that “Observer” is not conversant with the rules and aims of the Women’s Division, and in order that he or she may become enlightened on the subject I should like to invite “ Observer ” to attend the . next meeting of the Women’s Division. However, in the meantime a short explanation may not be out of place. i may say that I know of no other two public bodies more adapted to work together than the Plunket Society and the Women’s Division, especially in the matter of a rest room, for I think I can safely say that the rest room will be used more extensively by these two bodies than by the general public. In the first place the Plunket nurse must have a base from which to work and this must possess the necessary facilities for that work. Then, the Women’s Division, composed as it is mainly of women living at varying distances from the town, must have a place in which they can give their children attention, and, in a lesser degree, rest, write letters, eta. In addition to this, both societies must have a room in which to hold their periodical meetings. A rest room supplies all the needs mentioned above, and considering these needs are almost identical in both cases I fail to see why the two bodies cannot work together.

In fact to prove this statement I need only quote the Marton, Levin and Pio Pio branches, all of these having co-operated with the local Plunket Societies in the building of their rest rooms. In all these cases, I believe, the buildings consist of a common meeting room, the ‘ usua.conveniences shared mutually, a private room for the exclusive use of the Plunket nurse in her work, also another private room which members of the Women’s Division use as a rest and writing room and a place in which two or more can enjoy a quiet cup of tea and a chat. As for the first charge of our depleting the ranks of the Plunket Society, well, I fail to see how such a charge can be maintained. The Putaruru branch’ of the Women’s Division includes members of the Plunket Society, just as the latter society includes members o* the Women’s Division, and I may say that those particular members are among the most active of both bodies.

| The Women's Division, composed mainly of mothers, are quick to recognise the urgent necessity of the work of the Plunket Society and have always proved staunch supporters of that work. It is not proposed to merge the objects of both societies, as each has a very definite aim in view, but each, it has been proved, can rely on the other’s help and co-operation whenever asked for.—l am, etc., B. A. KARL. Acting Hon. Sec. W.D.F.U. [This letter arrived too late for insertion in last week’s issue.—Ed. Press.] (To the Editor) Sir, —Thanks for your introduction ( to Mrs. Wiggs; tile near old soul, she makes me ieel as though l have ueen trying to drive a wedge wicn a tacit hummer. Vv hat an excellent idea, of course ; two sets of rooms unaer one rooi. Why did we not think of this before ? Has Mrs. Wiggs ever read a little poem, “ Not Understood ’'! She will find it worth wnile. Now we aie aii to help each other to obtain a common object, but let me warn Mrs. Wiggs that she cannot join the society lor 2s Cd ; the subscription is ss. Thanks lor the many cakes and dozens of eggs sent in for the various Paddy’s markets, which were all held on sale days. As a mat.er of plain fact only one Paddy’s market has been held, and that was on a Saturday, on which occasion we will not deny that many- farmers graciously gave their share, but not one of them would claim that he gave the majority. We will be careful in future to avoid sale days, or, if we inadvertently choose one, we will take the market stall, say, out on the Waotu road.

Pleased to learn that the W.D.F.U. is getting on so splendidly with its fund for a rest room. Good luck to them all. We do not want to be independent of the Civic Fathers (the Town Board), and they in turn are of too generous a disposition to allow such a thing ; their word is their bond ; they have promised to help, and the; will help for the good of town and country alike. Now, my dear Mrs. Wiggs, Tet us get back to serious thought. We are afiaid that you do not quite understood the aims and objects of the society or else you misquote the phrase in “ give the public value for thoir money.” The society is not a trading concern paying regular dividends to those who care to subscribe ; profits there are, it is true, but they -lc not shown in the cold

figures of a profit and ]oss accountln a Daiance-sneet. llie pronts of the society are the healUiy babies of to-day, the sturdy men and women of to-morrow, assets of New Zealand in particular and the British Empire in general. Again referring to value for money, a mother who is a member may have at least twelve consultations with a trained liuise for 5s (good honest value), or a mother in poor circumstances may have, the same privileges for whatever she cares to deposit in the collection box. Moneys from these sources alone are not sufficient to carry on the good work, and in each district there is to be found a body of publicspirited ladies and gentlemen ever ready with cash and assistance. These are not looking for value for their money ; such mercenary thoughts are far from their minds. They are simply satisfied and amply repaid by the smiling faces of the happy, healthy children around them, be they sons and daughters, grandj children or strangers. A few years i ago the infant mortality in New Zea- ; land ranked in percentage among ' the highest in the world ; to-day the I percentage is among the lowest or i 1 record. Is this not a sulendid , achievement ? And under the cirI cumstances it is quite unnecessary for “ Observer ” to get to work as suggested, as the work is going on quietly without any great flare of trumpets. More assistance and increased membership means increased service for those who deserve It. Thanking you for your valuable space.—l am, etc., OBSERVER.