HOSPITALS’ CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 July 1922, Page 5

HOSPITALS’ CONFERENCE.

SERIOUS SOCIAL PROBLEM. By Telegraph.—Press A«soeiath,n. Wellington, July 14. Following up the statement made in Christchurch about venereal disease, Dr. Fenwick, at the Hospital Board’s Conference to-day, suggested that a board of inquiry be appointed, to consist of one medical man from each Island, and one lady from each Island, thus obtaining not only the medical opinion, but the view of lay people who view the question from the standpoint of outsider,?. Included on the committee should be representatives of the public- which was opposed to compul- ; sory notification. Nothing effective | could be done without the general sup--1 port of the public. He moved that the conference endorse the action of rhe North Canterbury board in urging i that a committee be set up to inquire ! into the best means of combatting venlereal disease. ' The chairman, Mr. C. sU - . said the Minister had agreed to the appointment of a committee somewhat on the lines , suggested. ' Dr. Frengly agreed with Dr. Fenwick that they must try to educate the present generation to take steps to reduce the disease in future and if possible to wipe it out. Mr. C. J. Parr, in an address, said he had decided to appoint from the Board of Health a committee to inquire into the question and make recommendations.

The conference brought under the notice of the Minister of Health the question of hospital finance. The Minister replied that hospital board securities under the Act last year were the best of all local body securities. The Government also contributed half the interest on loans. He thought the boards ought to pool their loan requirements and thus get better terms for a large amount. It was for the Minister of Finance to say whether they would be permitted to go on the London market, but the Government might assist the boards in getting money from outside sources. He also suggested a conference of the boards with the 'Public Trustee with respect to loans.