DEATHS AMONG MAORIS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 111, 10 April 1929, Page 6

DEATHS AMONG MAORIS.

OUTBREAK OF DYSENTRY. DISEASE REPORTiD IN JANUARY Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, April 9. Dysentry is still prevalent among Maoris in South Auckland, especially in the Rangiriri district. The number of cases has been large and the mortality fairly serious, in the past fortnight, ten deaths have occurred, several being those of children. The disease was first reported early in January and cases occurred as near the city as Avondale and Orakie. The outbreak did not give cause for great alarm and was fairly well under control until a large Maori gathering was held at Ngaruawahia, commencing on March 16 and continuing for several days. Although sanitary precautions were taken at the camp, the congregation of so many natives spread the disease and it was carried back into the native settlements when the gathering dispersed In coping with the trouble, the Health Department has been hampered by the reluctance or delay on the part of the Maoris in seeking advice, or their failure to notify cases at all. An inspector, nurses and a native interpreter have been sent into the district chiefly affected and their efforts have been to teach the natives the correct methods of treatment and sanitation. Assistance lias been given in nursing and visits have also been paid by subsidised doctors.