AFFAIRS IN THE KING COUNTRY.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue LXXIV, 22 November 1918, Page 8

AFFAIRS IN THE KING COUNTRY.

Speaking on Tuesday on the motion for the adjournment of the House of Representatives, Mr W. T. Jennings, M.P. for Taumarunui, said that he wished to call the attention of the Minister for Public Health to the very serious state of affairs in the outlying parts of his constituency, as shown by telegrams from the Mayor of Te Kuiti, the chairman of the Otorohanga Town Board, and the chairmen of the Awakino and the Ohura County Councils, which he had given to the Prime Minister. He very much regretted to say that two doctors who covered between them over 300 square miles were both down with pneumonia, and people were dying very rapidly, as there were no doctors, no nurses, and no attendance in any way. He would like to suggest 4to the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, and the Minister for Defence whether it was not possible in the sad circumstances for some trained soldiers to be instructed and sent to those districts at once. He offered his services to go with them and assist as far as possible. The telegrams were very alarming, and something had to be done, and done quickly. The matter was referred to the 'Minister of Health.

The Health Committee are stiiil in need of women who could go out into the country to give help. No doubt it is difficult to find such women who are not already under responsibility, but thore may still be some who could go out in the country oars to give advice and attention, and if so the committee would be very glad of their services