MAORI RACE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 169, 17 June 1940, Page 8

MAORI RACE

TUBERCULOSIS DANGER. REMEDIAL STEPS EXPLAINED. "With the object of explaining how to eliminate 'tuberculosis from the Maori race, Dr. Cook, of, the Health Department, gave an address to a number of Maoris and a few Europeans at the Rauka'wa' dining hall, Obaki. Rev. Paora Temeura presided. Tuberculosis was a preventable disease, said Dr. Cook. It was caused by a germ which could be picked up in various ways, and therefore all should do their best to Diotect themselves against this germ. Persons who walked about with tuberculosis were the dangerous ones, he said, as they could spread it easily. A healthy family could become infected by the neglect of an infected person. Of 1000 pakeha babies born each year some 30 died, but among the Maoris 90 out", of 1000 died, because of a lack of knowledge and application of well-known hygienic principles. It was hoped to get more and more Maori patients voluntarily to enter modern sanatoria, said Dr Cook. Not only would they receive the best form of treatment there, but would also be taught to live a life which would prevent a reversion of their disease, and how to protect themselves from infecting others. Dr Cook spoke in praise of the Palmerston North Hospital Board, which had done much for tuberculosis in the Otaki district. It was hoped, he said, that some special portable rooms suitable for nursing Maoris at their own homes would soon be available in Otaki. One of the great difficulties at present was that Maoris did not stay sufficiently long at either hospitals or sanatoria for a cure to be effected. The Otaki area was fortunate in having in its midst a sanatorium under the capable charge of such an officer as. Dr Francis. Dr Cook concluded his address by suggesting that a village committee be formed with, a view to helping both the natives and the Health Department in their work among the Maoris. Dr Francis supported this suggestion. Films dealing with several aspects ol tuberculosis were then shown. Rev Paora Temuera thanked Dr Cook for his address and assured him of every support. He said that the considered that splendid work could be done bv ,the formation of an official body, and that Europeans could help if they so desired. ~ . Mr Matanga Baker, who also thanked Dr Cook, said he also favoured the appointment of a committee and he knew that the Health Department would give every possible assistance. Rev. Father Venning, in endorsing these remarks, ■ said people in many instances had been apathetic, but after hearing such an, address he felt sure that good would he the outcome.