HEALTH OF MAORIS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22046, 28 February 1935, Page 10

HEALTH OF MAORIS

TUBERCULOSIS INCIDENCE BISHOP BENNETT'S CONCERN [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] HASTINGS, Wednesday Concern at the increasing incidence of tuberculosis among Maoris, was expressed to-day by the Right Rev. F. A. Bennett, Bishop of Aoteraroa. He said that in moving among his people during the last few years he had been perturbed to find that cases of tuberculosis were definitely more in number than they had been. The reason for this, he thought, was that the prevailing hard times had affected the Maoris to a very great extent and their standard of living had been reduced considerably. They were unable to buy proper food and clothing, with the result they were under nourished and unable to withstand the rigours of the winter months. This applied to Maoris living in the pas as well as those outside them. Regarding steps to be taken to bring about an improvement in conditions, the Bishop, who expressed concern as to how the Maoris would fare during the coming winter, said it was a matter for the Health Department.-The department's Maori district nurse had done splendid work in Hawke's Bay pas and elsewhere, but the most pressing need was the provision of money with which to buy food and clothing, and to improve 'the living conditions generally. He urged that something should be done.