TOHUNGA INFLUENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19697, 26 January 1926, Page 5

TOHUNGA INFLUENCE.

EXERTED AGAINST HOSPITALS. rOLICE REMOVE PATIENT. (From Our Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, January 25. The removal of a Native woman suspected of suffering from an infectious disease, to tho Waihi Hospital from Whangamata district was carried out by district health inspector Martindalc and Constable Daldeth, of Waihi. under the most trying cirumstances, the woman having to be taken by force owing to violent opposition by her mother, who, it is stated, attacked tho constable in a vigorous manner. 'the visitors found the doors of tho houso locked and her relatives stated that they would not get in. A door was then forced open while the constable held the infuriated mother, who fought like a wild animal, kicking and biting the officer. The patient, was finally removed from tho house. The mother then invited tho constable to kill her, adding that if the pakehas took her daughter to a hospital they would certainly die. The patient was taken to a launch, but, owing to the heavy sea the party was compelled to remain all night in Whungamata. The launch _ proceeded to sea next morning, and arrived safely at Bowentown, whore tho patient was met by the Waihi ambulance and tnen removed to hospital. The prejudice of the Natives, and their action in opposing the removal of tho woman is said to have been caused by tolrunga influence. The removal of the patient was ordered under ’ Section 34 of the Health Act, 1920.