WOMEN IN THE BACKBLOCKS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12705, 7 March 1912, Page 5

WOMEN IN THE BACKBLOCKS.

TALES OF SUFFERING

(Per Press ' A^cia'tibri.)

HAMILTON, this day. Harrowing stories were told to a special meeting of the Waikato Hospital Board by a deputation of backblocks settlers- in the King Country yesterday, m asking that a doctor and nurses be supplied. An instance "was given where a woman m confinement suffered terribly f rom want of attention, and where on occasions the assistance of male relatives could only, be obtained. One story was told tof a \voman 'carried by men folk eight miles, to the': nearest railway point where she was placed on a velocipede and - conveyed miles for medical aid. Another 1 tale, was told of a woman on the eve. of confinement setting out alone to walk! eight miles m the depth of winter, oyer terrible country, to tlie junction, m order to get; a conveyance to take her. to a place" where she' could get medical assistance, . She left young children at home with her husband. The woman proceeded some miles until, dusk coming oh,; she, was; utterly fagged, arid sat down m- despair- 'hi" a wild part of the country,- unable A to proceed further. Fortunately a horseman Happened along, and found the woman beneath a tree, preparing to remain there throughout the dreary night. Other stories were equally appalling-.* It , was stated that nobody except -those living... there realised the dreadful experiences of women whom fate ordained to spend their lives m the backblocks m certain districts 45 miles from the railway, with bad roads. The board is taking- into consideration the sending of district nurses.