THE MAORIS.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XXIX, Issue 3999, 27 November 1918, Page 2

THE MAORIS.

The death-toll amongst the Maoris has not abated. The deaths that have taken place at the temporary hospital at the race-course, however, are chiefly those who were in, a very bad state when brought in. The total number admitted is 40. Of these eleven have died and one discharged, leaving 28 still in the hospital. A decided improvement in the health of those in this institution is reported, and a number are in the convalescent stage now* Good work is still being done by the band of volunteers, and •everything possible is being done for the unfortunate natives.

Before these natives are allowed to return to their homes. we -think that the committee should arrange to have the whares w,ell fumigated, and also a supply of food and medicine~given to them.

An appeal came to the Thames Health Board on Saturday from Wakatiwai for assistance. Captains Watkins ami Foster, of .the Salvation Army, and Mr Hatton left by the Government launch yesterday morning with medicines. They will remain there for. a few days.,

On Tuesday morning Mr Hall, a member of the Board, left by car for Kopurahi, Kaihere, and Patetonga. At Patetonga he will report on the advisability of openings hospital there.

Nurse McKinven advises that she does not think it necessary to open a hospital at Waitakaruru. The more severe cases will be transferred to Thames if it is not possible to deal with them on the spot.

Councillor E. R. Whitechurch, the riding member of-the Patetonga riding of the Ohjmemuri County Council, has been confined to his bed with influenza, but is now progressing favourably. Writing to the clerk of the Ohinemuri County Council under date November 25, 1^ says that the Maoris there are in an awful state through the- epidemic. He managed to get help for them, and a visit was made by the Morrinsville police and Mrs Dr. Seville and some other volunteers. Out of over 100 Maoris they found 93 urgent cases, seven dead bodies, and only five or six who were well. The dead bodies wer,e lying with the living, and there was no one to bury the dead or attend to the sick in most cases. An'hospital. ha.s now been organised in the church and school at Tahuna. ■ There has been five or six further deaths and he was afraid there would be many more. Two red cross helpers had arrived to assist.