SOCIAL EVENING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 November 1939, Page 8

SOCIAL EVENING

PLUNKET MOTHERS ENTERTAINED. ADDRESS ON HEALTH & FOOD. The committee and nurses of the Masterton branch of the Plunket Society entertained the Plunket mothers at a social evening in the Arcade Hall last night. There was a large attendance. over 150 being present. The president, Mrs J. Caselberg. extended a welcome to all and said how important Sir Truby King considered the social side of Plunket work. In introducing Miss Barnett, Matron of the Public Hospital, who addressed the gathering, Mrs Caselberg said how much they all appreciated Miss Barnett’s ready response to help the work of the branch. In the course of her address, Miss Barnett emphasised various important points conducive to healthy living. Referring to diet, around which so much controversy raged, she dealt with various kinds of food and the composition of school lunches, and gave much valuable information on when to eat and how to cook. Information on how to dress for adornment and protection and not to smother and compress was given. She stressed the value of fresh pure air, day and night and of sunshine. which was a marvellous disinfectant. Rest and sleep and regular habits were of the utmost importance. Constant nerve strain was due to noise, such ns by shouting, loud voices and radios. Peace could be obtained by avoiding hiss, worry and nagging. Arguing and squabbling at meals destroyed digestion. Children and adults needed an atmosphere of peace and happiness if they were to thrive. The placid mother often had the healthiest children. In New Zealand we seem so far from the front line that we feel we are of little use to our Empire in this terrible war,” said Miss Barnett in conclusion. "We can do something and start today. We can form a health front with a line of defences stronger than the Siegfried Line, defences that will never let the enemy disase or malnutrition break through. By using our brains and by remembering the important factors that make us healthy we can turn out children and men and women who have a health record second to none, just as we have done today with the babies. Finally, we can breed peace and happiness in our homes which will be the strongest weapons we can use in combatting hatred and terror.” Miss Barnett, who was presented with a beautiful bouquet by Mrs Eton, was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for her practical and interesting address.

Songs and recitations given by Mesdames R. Miller, Speight, W. H. Snowsill, and Dingle, accompanied by Mrs Miller Hope, were greatly enjoyed. Supper provided by the committee was served and consisted of wholemeal cakes, sandwiches, biscuits, etc. The room and supper tables were most artistically decorated by members of committee.