Infantile Mortality.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 110, 13 May 1904, Page 2

Infantile Mortality.

TEE PREMIER SUGGESTS REMEDIES. (X'er Press Association). WELLINGTON, May 2. Mr'Seddon Ims written a long memorandum witli regard to iho prevention of infantile mortality,, and a copy thereof lvas been postal 10 every newspaper in tile colony. Jn a covering letter the Premier says the decreasing liirth-rate and its effect calls for instant and serious consideration, with what is of paramount importance, namely, the death-rate among infants ol' our colony which is almost as startling. " Feeling sure that something ought to be done to save this life I have been impelled to look into the matter with a view of applying some remedy. Perhaps the conclusions 1 have arrived at, and which are now submitted, may be imperfect und may extend the functions of tile State further t.hun many persons will support, but where aiilictioTi and sorrow can be prevented, our best efforts are necessary."

In his memorandum Mr Seddori points out that in ten years twenty thousand children under four years old have died in tho colony. He recommends legislation to provide for (1) registered midwives, some of these in each centre to give their services to poor people gratis; (2) Stato maternity homos and foundling hospitals; (3) State nurses for the poor ; (4) training oi nurses ; (5) prevention of cruelty to und neglect of children ; ((i) day homes for children ; (7) maintenance oi illegitimate children.