THE EPIDEMIC

Northern Advocate, 22 August 1913, Page 5

THE EPIDEMIC

POSITION OF THE MAORIS. PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REQUIRED. EFFECTS OF QUARANTINE SYSTEM. (Special to the "Advocate.") WELLINGTON, Aug. 21. A new phase of the outbreak of sickness among the Maoris occupied the attention of the House this afternoon, trouble having arisen over food supplies as a result of the isolation measures which have had to be taken. The Hon. A. T. Ngata, eastern Maori representative, said he had a telegram from Dr. Te Rangihiroa at Kaikohe, stating that there are not so many acute cases of smallpox being reported, but the Maoris were suffering from the restrictions placed upon them by the Health Department. They were unable to obtain work, and there was a danger of the food supply failing. "The Department is endeavourinig to assist" continued the telegram. "There is still serious danger and I consider it my duty to remain longer to assist in the cordon of vaccination being drawn round. If Europeans desire to assist I consider public subscriptions would alleviate distress, also donations of clothing would help the work of disinfecting villages and the destruction of affected clothing." Mr Ngata said he had been informed that local tradesmen objected to Maoris entering their premises. According to a letter from Te Puke they could not obtain supplies, medicine from the chemist, or meat from the local butcher. They could not get their horses shod and they had difficulty in obtaining letters or the old age pensions from the post office. The Minister of Public Health replied that the Government was doing something but he believed that the people of New Zealand would not wait for the Government but that they would send clothing. The Government would see that the natives did not want for food When Dr. Pomare visited the Waikato he reported that certain houses must be destroyed as they could not be disinfected. As these could hardly be more than mere shells the cost of replacement could hardly be serious. Mr G. W. Russell suggested that an appeal might be made to the Mayors of large towns to open relief funds. There could be no doubt, he said, that numbers of natives were suffering through restriction being placed on their moving about. The Minister said he had given instructions that all natives concerned should be supplied with all necessary meals. The Hon W. F. Massey (Prime Minister) said he would consider the suggestion to approach the public for relief. He believed, however, that the Health Department could do everything that was necessary. Matters in connection with the epidemic are not nearly as bad as they were a week ago.