HEALTH OF THE MAORI.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 164, 11 July 1907, Page 5

HEALTH OF THE MAORI.

SANITARY INSPECTORS' CONFERENCE.

The conference of Maori sanitary inspectors was continued yesterday at the otnce of the District Health Department. Dr Purdy addressed the visitors, promising hearty co-operation in the good work they had undertaken. He then spoke about the effects of the contact of native races with those more highly civilised,. and pointed out that whilst they liv-fd in a state of nature, their own sanitary regulations were satisfactory, but ceased to be so when they adopted customs. In a state of nature. War and the chase were their salvation, but now, if the Maori wished to live he must work to develop those energies formerly required for war. Physically, he certainly considered the Maori the highest developed of any native race. Dr. Purdy concluded with the Arab salutation: ''May all your years be good, may God bless you, your people, and your land."

Some time was then devoted to giving practical demonstrations of ventilation, and it was announced that Mr Haines, chief sanitary inspector, would give further demonstrations at the Technical School. Mr Symon, of the Health Department, gave an address upon sanitation from a scriptural point of view, referring to the Mosaic laws of the Hebrews. This was listened to with manifest interest, and Mr Hbri Pukebika said, on behalf of the inspectors, that this scriptural illustration was quite a new idea, as it would have far greater influence upon the Maoris if they knew that sanitaiy laws were God-given, instead of mere Government regulations. It would have been well had this been taught the Maori people from the beginning. He had never studied the Scriptures much, but Mr Symon had converted him as to its practical value.

At the session yesterday Dr. P_n_are and*-!, r. __*_._& gave valuable Tnform__._j_.Ti to the sanitary inspectors on flesh food's, fats, starch and salts. Milk supplies were dealt with, also diseases in pork. The means of detecting bad tinned meat and fish were explained. The proper foods for sicj_ness were likewise described.

This morning Dr. Purdy, District Health Officer, gave a most instructive address upon infectious diseases, how to detect them, the way to treat patients, and the requisite to prevent the danger of contagion or infection. Measles, scarlet fever, mumps, smallpox, diphtheria, typhoid', whooping, contagious ophthalmia, influenza, pneumonia, consumption and paralysis, were all referred to, also epidemic diarrhoea and dysentery. Dr. Purdy particularly referred to infant mortality, and pointed out that it was often the result of improper feeding and dirty bottles. He also dealt with the question of suitable clothing both for Children and adults.

The lecture was listened to with manifest interest, and the inspectors took copious notes for future guidance.