OBSTRUCTION ?

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 226, 24 September 1934, Page 8

OBSTRUCTION ?

MAORIS CHARGED.

CHILD FOR HOSPITAL. HOSTILE DEMONSTRATION. HEALTH INSPECTOR'S OHDEAL (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WAXGAXUI, this day. On the information of the Health Department, Peter Taliau, Ware Pukenaniu Waitai, and Mrs. Ratu wore charged with obstructing a health inspector 011 September 10 while attempting to remove to hospital a child of Tahau's which was suffering from typhoid. The inspector, Mr. Pargeter, remarked that in his long experience as an inspector this was the first occasion 011 which' lie had had to seek police assistance. Had lie attempted to remove the child he feared the consequences would have been serious. Constable Hcrcoek, of Marton, said that when he arrived with Constable Bastion, Taliau said ho would not allow his child to go to hospital. He stood I with his back to the door and refused I entrance to the house. Waitai acted as interpreter, and a crowd of 100 to 120 Maoris gathered in the vicinity, and while Waitai was speaking they became very excited and hostile, and ordered witness and his party off the pa grounds. One woman had an axe and others table knives and sticks. It was decided, witness said, to open the door, which was barricaded with a half-cwt of potatoes. Mrs. Ratu was standing outside and called out, "Pull him out of there and chop his head off." By this time the Maoris were very worked up, and by their actions indicated that if the inspector touched the child there would be a riot. Witness said Taliau refused to allow the child to be taken unless he had authority from Ratana. A telegram from Ratana to Inspector Pargeter was of 110 avail. He said he wanted one direct, Ratana being in Wellington. Corroborative evidence was given bv Constable Baskin. Inspector Pargeter said that eventually Taliau did get a telegram from Katana and allowed the child's removal. (Proceeding.)