THE LADIES' WORLD.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2681, 10 December 1909, Page 3

THE LADIES' WORLD.

IMPORTANCE OF MATERNITY ' ‘ HOMES, /

Th-q following letter oh behalf of the womqn and children of New Zealand has been forwarded to the Government by the Canterbury Women’s Institute : “The members of the Women’s Institute desire to approach you on a matter of wide importance to the life and health of the people of New Zealand. We are in possession of strong personal evidence that the function of child-birth in outlaying country districts -is often accompanied by grave difficulties and dangers such as do not exist in town centres. The passing of the old-fashioned nurse and the arrival, of the highly-specialised maternity nurse have caused serious difficulties for country women in procuring proper attention and service during tho most critical and perilous time of their lives. The old of unregistered nurse is becoming extinct through wise legislation, and the new type is not yet sufficiently plentiful to reach all the furthest corners of the Dominion ; lienee a certain dislocation. In view of the increasing importance attached by all thinking persons to the function of motherhood and its extensive influence on national life, we venture to call your attention to certain injurious effects arising from distressed motherhood and then to suggest measures that might remove the) evils: (1) Refusal of child-bearing. If childbirth bo attended by grave difficulties and dangers over and above what the usual natural function necessitates, then women will seek to avoid and prevent it. Result, a loss of vital wealth to tho community., (2) The mental anguish and distress of the women expecting child-birth without full attention and services may re-act on the unborn child, producing in it undesirable characteristics. Result, a weakling thrown on the State. (3) Difficulties and worries attendant on childbirth often have disastrous effects oil a woman’s mental and physical health, thereby weakening her moral influence and control over her young family. Result,; neglected childhood, a distinct danger to the nation. Dr Saleeby, cf Eugenic fame, says: “In days te come the value of the maternal function will be more adequately appreciated by society, and thus a great difficulty under which women labor will be removed, It will be perceived, for instance, that the pregnant woman is already performing arduous work of supreme importance, and she will be expected to perform no more.” “I venture to predict,” continues the doctor, “that a part of the practical, religion of the future will consist in something not far short of the apotheosis of maternity." We beg, therefore, to suggest:—(l) The establishment of St. Helens Maternity Homes in country towns. (2) State subsidy to maternity nurses attending cases' in outlying country districts, such subsidy to be granted where the husband’s income is the same, or thereabouts, as that of the men whose wives are eligible for St. Helens Institutions. (3) State premium or bonus to the mother on the birth of each child, subject, of course, to certain conditions. We fell convinced that on the above, subject the Government of New Zealand will find ample scope for just and humane administration, and tho reward reaped by the community will be a stronger womanhood and a healthier and happier childhood.