“Maoris Dislike Hospital"

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 111, 13 May 1939, Page 4

“Maoris Dislike Hospital"

Evidence at Inquest Into Young Boy’s Death JURY ADDS RIDER Per Press Association. GISBORNE, Last Night. The opinion that Uo case should bo brought before the Health Department with a view to Departmental action to make natives more appreciative of the value of hospital and medical treatment was expressed in a rider by a coroner’s jury at an inquest into the death of a Maori boy, Makihi Te l’eeli, aged eight, who died at Tahunga on May 9. Dr. Harold Angell expressed tho opinion that death was due to tuberculosis. Medical attention in the past few months would not have saved the life of the child.

Peata Te Peeti gave evidence to tho effect that he had not called in a doctor nor a district nurse, but asked Jack Waikato to treat tho boy, whom he did not want sent to hospital. Waikato, who advised sending the child to hospital, took the boy to his camp. Witness told the coroner that he did not like tlio hospital or doctors. Jack Waikato testified that Maoris did not like hospital, consequently Te Peeti would not send tho boy there. During the three weeks tho boy was in his camp his health seemed to improve, but the boy died on Tuesday. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.