Village Settlement For Maori TB Patients

Northern Advocate, 16 January 1948, Page 2

Village Settlement For Maori TB Patients

MANGONUI SUGGESTION

KAITAIA, Fri. (Sp.)—Proposals for the establishment of a village settlement for. treatment of Northland Maori tuberculosis patients were placed before the Mangonui Hospital Board by the medical superintendent (Ur J. 11. Webber) yesterday.

Dr Webber saw in such a scheme the ultimate Heal for the treatment of such patients. He suggested that a village farm capable of accommodating some 230 people could be made more or less self-supporting and, administered by the Native Department, could house nor only Maori patients requiring sanatorium treatment, but also members of their families.

specialist officer (Dr A. H. Webb) which referred to gratifying results obtainable from sanatorium treatment for T.B. patients.

SUPPORT SANATORIUM The report stressed the need for a children’s sanatorium in Northland, and suggested the conversion of the Maunu Health Camp for this purpose. While not prepared to support the taking over of the health camp, which was regarded as providing a valuable service, the board recognised the need for a Northland sanatorium and decided to advise the joint specialist services committees accordingly. Dr Webber's proposals were receved with interest as an indication of ultimate requirements.

LIKE FAMILIES TOGETHER It was an acknowledged fact, he said, that Maori people were strongly opposed to family separation for medical purposes. These views, supported by the board, arose from the receipt of a report by the Northland tuberculosis