FOR THE CHILDREN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 358, 8 April 1910, Page 4

FOR THE CHILDREN.

There is 110 truth that will stand repetition so often ass the one declaring children to be the finest asset this country possesses; and there is no society that deserves better of the people than the Society for''the Promotion of the Health of Women and Children. The necessity of such societies is, in the first .place, an acknowledgment that civilised human instinct is at fault. Where it is necessary to teacii civmsed people what the savage understands, it follows that civilisation fails. Nature's methods are perfect, and in a state of nature, where science hay not developed, a disobedience of her laws would spell decimation of the species. Science and civilisation having to a large extent been the means of killing instinct, science and philanthropy now try to •heal the wound by imitating nature. Since the institution of the flunket nurses in New Zealand an immense number of infant lives have been saved. The Society has always emphasised the point that the baby is entitled to be treated and fed naturally. It has demonstrated that a frayed instinct in .most cases can be mended, and that under such conditions, not only the cnild but the .mother has a better chance of health and happiness. It .has taught the mother who cares to learn that Her own health is of paramount importance to her baby, that air and light and sunshine are as essential as food, and that stuffiness is as dangerous to infant life as to vegetable life. It preaches! the gospel of cleanliness and care, and not only preaches, 'but skilfully demonstrates. And so the Society' has brought happiness to innumerable mothers and their children. The results' are practical, philanthropic and demonstrable. Millions of babies the world over die before they are a year old from over-feeding and ill-feeding—killed by the ignorance of mothers. The Society fights ignorance. For these reasons, and for many others, we cordially commend the work done locally, and ask that the public may extend their know ledge of a vital subject by attending Dr. Allen's .lecture to-night. i ■