WATER SUPPLY FOR MAORIS

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21989, 13 January 1937, Page 14

WATER SUPPLY FOR MAORIS

POSITION AT LITTLE RIVER TREATMENT OF NATIVES IN HOSPITAL A water supply for the Maoris at Little River was again'discussed By the Wairewa t County Council- at its monthly meeting, over which Mr F. Coop presided. Cr. W. H. Montgomery reported having met the Maoris at Little River with Dr. L. B. Burnett and Cr. J. V. Chapman. It appeared, he said, that the Maoris had applied for a water supply and that inspections had been made by the Public Works Department, but that nothing had been done. The council should assist them, he said. The Maoris had a fund of about £6OO and were prepared to spend £4OO on a water supply. They also wanted better housing.

Dr. Burnett .waited on the council and discussed the matter with it. He said well sinkers had offered to s\ik a well shaft at a cost of about £55. Cr. Montgomery said he thought the Public Works Department should make an examination and commend the best scheme. The Prime Minister should be approached because the Departments of Native Affairs, Health, Education, and Kailways were all interested. The chairman suggested that the Canterbury Progress League would be willing to assist in getting something done, and that the Prime Minister should be invited to visit the district.

It was agreed that a letter should be drawn up by the committee appointed to deal with the matter, and that the chairman should be added to the committee. Hospital Treatment Dr. Burnett drew the council's attention to the fact that Maori women were being charged atr the Little River Hospital. Hd understood they were entitled to free hospital treatment. Cr. Montgomery said that in the purchase of the land in Little River in 1856, the first agreement was that the natives were to be supplied with hospitals and schools. Dr. Burnett remarked that there was provision for the treatment of natives within limits. The condition of the dwellings was unfit for confinements, and it was not in the public interest that the Maoris should be treated as paupers and not allowed proper treatment in. a hospital. He considered it insanitary to attend the natives in their dwellings, and said he intended to place this matter before the Health Department.