DEATH OF MAORI GIRL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20300, 6 July 1929, Page 14

DEATH OF MAORI GIRL.

DOCTOR NOT CALLED.

WARNING BY THE CORONER. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] PAEROA. Friday. Dissatisfaction with tho attitudo adopted by some Maoris toward the necessity for securing medical aid in times of sickness was expressed yestorday by Mr. F. Flatt, coroner, at tho conclusion of an inquest into the death at the To Moananui pa of a Maori girl, Mato Eriapa, aged 19. Tho girl's father, Eriapa Te Koari, in evidence, said his daughter died on Tues-

day night at nine o'clock. She had been sick for all the week and had been unwoll for four months, coughing most of the tmio for the last month. She did not complain, except for a cough. Sho never asked for a doctor and objocted when witness wished to "call one. , The reason witness did not call a doctor was because he was unfinancial and it was not on account of his religion. The mother and eldest sistor of the girl looked aftor her during her illness.

Tho coroner found that death was duo to pulmonary tuberculosis. Ho expressed dissatisfaction with tho number of case 3 of Maoris dying of tuberculosis in the various camps around Paeroa, pointing out the serious position in which other Maoris, especially children, wore pliiced in regard to contact with contagious cases. Ho also pointed out that Maoris

must in future report cases of this kind at once to the nativo nurse and tho local police, so that medical attention could be provided immediately The coroner also informed the Te Moananui tribe that he proposed to bring the serious position obtaining before his department and stressed that it was the duty of the Maoris to endeavour to assist the Government and the authorities generally in prosorving tho health of tho Maori race.