MAORIS WARNED

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18236, 3 November 1933, Page 12

MAORIS WARNED

DEATHS OF CHILDREN There have been several cases recently of neglect by Maoris to secure proper medical treatment for their sick children and during the past few months three Maori infants have died in these circumstances at the Parakao settlement, about 15 miles from Whaugarei. With a view to bringing lire matte; definitely before natives, the district coroner, Mr. If. C. Hemphill, accom puttied by Dr. Ward and Constable Graigie, held an inquest at Parakao into the death of an infant. In addressing the head of the group of natives, the coroner said that too many children had died without receiving medical attention, and this must cease. When children became ill the natives should get in touch with the medical officer or native nurse. Further, if it were proved that parents had treated their children neglectfully they would he prosecuted by the police. Continuing, Mr. Hemphill said that if a Maori council existed in the district it did not appear to be doing effective work. “I believe,” he said, “that adults and eight children live in a single room here.” The coroner said it was incumbent on the Maori council to do something, or there would be the prospect of further deaths.