PARLIAMENT

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 251, 21 September 1929, Page 4

PARLIAMENT

DISCUSSION ON ESTIMATES. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Sept. 20. The House of Representatives resumed at 2.30 p.m. when the discussion of the Police Department estimate was continued in committee of SU ftt! y Hon. J. G. Coates asked tire Minister whether he would make provision for female searchers and women T. M. Wilford said that he had always been in favour of women patrols. He contended that it was impossible for women to take the oath under the Police Act and thereby become police women, but all the duties that could possibly be desired could, be carried out by women patrols. Actually, the only dispute between, those advocating women police and himself was over the name. The vote (£461;688) was then passed. . MENTAL HOSPITALS. When the Mental Hospitals Department estimate (£309,121) was taken, Mr P. Fraser stated that the overcrowding of mental hospitals was a growing problem along with the growth of population. He asked that more money should be provided to meet this need and to bring the institutions up to date. Mr W. H. Field said that wonders were being done at the mental institutions and it was satisfactory that no complaints had been made. Rev. C. Carr commended the separate housing’of feeble-minded children and congratulated the Minister on the establishment in Wellington of a psychological clinic, which, he hoped, 'would be extended. He hoped also that mental hospitals would be •brought under boards, though he thoilght the present hospital boards had enough to do. Mr W. D. Lysnar complained of inadequate expenditure on mental hospitals and also referred to the lack of accommodation. The Minister stated that in a few days he would introduce a bill that would give relief in the matter of the overcrowding of theso institutions. It would enable infirm cases'-to lie removed and pi need in other places, where they would have greater freedom. The vote was passed. SCHOOL DENTAL CLINICS. An .appeal from several members for an extension of the facilities of school dental clinics was made during the discussion of the Department of Health estimate (£247,737). Mr A. M. Samuel repeated his plea for an improvement in the remuneration and conditions of probationers and nurses in hospitals. Hon A. J. Stallworthy said that he was entirely in sympathy with the request for an extension of dental clinic services and the Government was doing its utmost in the matter. It could not do any more until the next group of nurses was available on completion of their course of instruction. The Minister said that he was also in sympathy with the request for an improvement in the nurses’ conditions and he was constantly considering all possible constructive measures to achieve that end. CANCER CAMPAIGN. Replying to a point raised by Mr R. McKeen, the Minister stated that the cancer campaign had been extended to New Zealand and a committee was working vigorously. In addition, the Government had granted large subsidies to the radium fund. The Minister added' that a specialist from England was conducting valuable research work in Otago. The vote was passed. The estimate of £88,123 for the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts was then 'submitted and passed after a brief discussion and the House rose at 5.30 p.m.