A HIGH HONOR.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 September 1917, Page 4

A HIGH HONOR.

The name Dr. Truby King is not onlywell known throughout the Dominion, but is deservedly held in high esteem. That his fame, especially in connection with his humanitarian work in his campaign to save infant life, has spread to the Motherland is not surprising, so that a general feeling of gratification will ibo felt at the high honor he has received by being invited to proceed to the Old Country on a mission of saving 'Britain's babies, thereby placing the seal of recognition of his magnificent work as promoter of the New Zealand Society for Promoting the Health of Women and Children. What the work has been is eloquently proved by the statistical records of the Dominion. In 1904 the rate of mortality of infants under one year was 104 out of every thousand male children, and 87 out of every thousand female children born in New Zealand, but in 'lß*lo this mortality had fallen to 57 males and 42 females per thousand—a reduction of one half, mainly due to th« zealous and persistent efforts of Dr. Truby King. It may be claimed that this successful specialist is a world-wide benefactor to the human race, for although his work has been carried on in New Zealand, his publications on this important national problem are recognised throughout the civilised world as standing high above all others on the [subject of infant preservation. Like all pioneers in science and lnmianitariauisni, Dr. Truby King has had to fight his battles, to run the gauntlet of criticism aud to bo set down as a faddist; but with heroic courage and undaunted determination he has won through so signally tliat his life's work has become a triumph. His worst- foe was, and. still is, ignorance, with its twin brother, neglect, but the goal at which he aimed—that every child should have a fair chance of survival—is within view of attainment, though much still remains to be done in educating mothers as to the proper diet and care of their infants. We heartily congratulate Dr. Truby King on the 1 Imperial recognition of his great services, tho more so because at the present time the building up anew of a population depleted by the ravages of war is of paramount importance. New Zealand's model scheme, which Dr. Truby King has built up, has attracted the attention it deserves, and his acceptance of the invitation to go to London will be heartily applauded and should emphasise the tribute of praise and gratitude which ought to emanate from all classes in the Dominion,