TYPHOID AMONGST MAORIS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1040, 1 February 1911, Page 3

TYPHOID AMONGST MAORIS.

(/3y Tolegraph.-Specia! Correspondent.) Auckland, January uO. The. "Herald's" Kortiiern Wairca. correspondent wires:— Aurses Haiiy and Gill, of tho Health Doavtmont, arrived last night from Auckland, ami to-day proceeded to tho Native settlement at Searrotts, whero they will take charge of tho typhoid patients. Sanitary Inspector Hogcl has alMi arrived, and will make a detailed inspection of all Native settlements in tho district. 110 is acting under Dr. Horton, who is rigidly supervising matters. 4.11 cases of sickness amongst tho Maoris have bean ordered to the lent hospital at Scarrotts, and the regulations of the Department are bc-iiiK closely enforced. In recent years outbreaks of typhoid have occurred in the Kniliu Valley, and occasional cases still crop up. Every case of sickness is now looked upon with suspicion, and, yesterday, one case from Maropuia was ordered into hospital. Another patient, with symptoms of typhoid, was also refused admission to travel by train, and was ultimately lakeu by the Native'sanitary inspector to Scarrctis. A large portion of the Native population is simmering with excitement over tho reported healing powers of an unregistered pokeha practitioner in tho Hokinnga district, aud this i»akes it more difficult for the medical authorities. Ono patient, who secretly visited that locality, was informed that his case wus hopeless, and, after beini; carried by vcliicle and train, and residing in towns and settlements en route, was returned to tho hospital, whero he succumbed. Dr. Ilcitor. is ot opinion that the epidemic is often transmitted by the NMives nofc-rnbbins and kifshiij with patient;, and has issued an edict that such-cus-toms must bo discontinued. Tl'e better class of Natives, recognising the gravity of the situation, ara now supportin- the medical men, and it is anticipated that the epidemic will soon bo conquered.