LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 March 1940, Page 8

LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

MASTERTON BRANCH MEETING

ADDRESS BY DR. MULHOLLAND

The first meeting of the Masterton League of Mothers was held in the Parish Hall on Wednesday. There was a good attendance of members and friends. Mrs L. B. Maunsell (president) who presided, asked all to stand as a mark of respect to two members who had suffered bereavements since the last meeting, Mesdames D. Speedy and H. Pearse. The League Choir gave two items and Mrs Grace, of Dunedin, was the soloist.

The president reported on the Centennial meeting of the League at the Exhibition on March 14. where she was pleased to say special mention had been made of the work done by Mrs Miller Hope with the combined choir from the Wairarapa. The meeting in Wellington had been an inspiration for those who had attended it.

The speaker for the afternoon was Dr. Sarah Mulholland, of the Department of Public Health, who gave a most interesting address, which was entitled ‘'Preventative Medicine.” How many of us had acquired the habit of visiting a doctor when were not ill? she asked. This should be done by everyone in order that disease could be prevented instead of cured. The Chinese paid their doctors only as long as they remained in a state of good health and when they became ill they ceased to pay. A lesson could be learnt from them. The examination of the children in our schools was a step to the good in this direction and she looked forward to the day when everyone would be examined regularly. Dr. Mulholland went on to stress the importance of regular meals and regular habits as the main factor in building up resistance to disease and outlined the cause cf inspection of seven of the most prevalent diseases. She urged all. to take advantage of the services available and pointed out that, science, with the co-operation of an intelligent public, could do much to completely eradicate disease. This was illustrated by two movie films, which were shown to illustrate her lecture. Dr Mulholland was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for her interesting and instructive address. The tea hostesses were: Mesdames Rich, Prior. Judd, McNeur, Miller Hope, Hancox and Parker.

MEETING AT CARTERTON. MUCH APPRECIATED ADDRESS. ("Times-Age” Special.) The monthly meeting of the League of Mothers was held on Thursday in St. Andrew’s Hall, Carterton. Mrs Every presided. Owing to the holidays and the boisterous afternoon, the meeting was not as well attended as usual. A special welcome was extended to Mrs Jimmison, who had been away for several months. Regret was expressed that Mrs H. White is shortly to leave for Tauranga. Several apologies for absence were received. A practical hint dealing with stains was given by Mrs G. Stefl'ert Junr. The thought for the month was read by Mrs Every. It was reported that wool for the knitting of comforts for the soldiers was available, and anyone wishing to help was asked to leave their name at the close of the meeting. The speaker for the April meeting is to be Mrs Kersley, of Wellington, whose subject will be "flowers for the home.” Items by the ch’oir were greatly appreciated. Letters were read from Mrs C. King and Mrs H. Goodin. In introducing the speaker Dr. Mulholland, Mrs Every said she was sorry there were not more present to hear her. Dr. Mulholland chose for her subject "Preventive Medicine.” As school medical officer for the district the speaker said she believed in the very important side that prevention was better than cure. In trying to prevent diseases it was advisable when sick to go to a doctor and have a general overhaul. So many, through fear, put off getting advice in the beginning and perhaps later were past medical aid. To keep the body fit«it is necessary to lead a normal life — start with the infant, and teach the child to form regular habits. If this were not done the easiest way was to resort to medicine. The speaker then illustrated how diseases were spread, and urged members to be most careful in the preparation of food and the protection of milk from contagion. She advised parents to take advantage of the school medical service whose officers were always willing to help them with their children. At the conclusion of a most informative address, Dr. Mulholland was warmly thanked and presented with flowers. Mrs H. White was also the recipient of flowers and both ladies gracefully acknowledged the compliment paid to them. Mrs G, Brown who is on the sick list was also remembered. The meeting closed with the singing of the National Anthem.