POSITION SERIOUS

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 260, 29 July 1932, Page 13

POSITION SERIOUS

Disease Among Maoris WANGANUI DISCLOSURE By Telegraph—Press Association, s Wanganui, July 28. ‘ An unusual charge against a young Maori from up the river was heard before the magistrate, Mr. Salmon, this morning. It was founded on the Social Hygiene Act, 1917. For some time the Health Department has been concerned at the spread of venereal disease among the Maoris, and has been doing its utmost to get them to submit themselves for treatment. In the present case the accused came to the hospital for treatment, but cleared out after two injections. The evidence disclosed the serious state of affairs and led the magistrate to remark that it was no use saying anything to the accused about the enormity of the affair, as he appeared to be unintelligent. Senior-Sergeant McLean said 1 that the Maoris were defying the authorities.,

In ordering accused to be detained for . twelve months, the magistrate said that he could assure the authorities that where action, in these cases was justified he would support them to the u tmost.