INDIGENT MAORIS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19129, 25 September 1936, Page 4

INDIGENT MAORIS

MEDICAL SERVICES WAIAPIT DISTRICT DEPARTMENT’S HELP (jlerald Correspondent.) Replying to an inquiry regarding the organisation of medical services lor indigent Maoris, the Director-General oT Health, Dr. M. H. Watt, this week advised tho Waiapu Hospital Board that he had corresponded with the medical officer of health, Dr. 11. B. Turbot t, on (lie matter. He had l previously advised of the medical assistance given to indigent Maoris in approved cases only. The cost would ho borne by the Health Department, for the doctor's services. This was a substitution for the existing system whereby an annual grant was made to doctors in the district. The medical officer had stated that as far ns Waipiro Bay was concerned, ns it was only four miles distant, the Maoris were able to attend the nosprtal ns they had done in the past. He recommended that the mission sister at Tokomam Bay shoilld notify the board of cases in that area. In the northern part of the Coast (lie district nurses would give authority. Dr. Turbott was visiting the Coast this month, however, and would go into the matter.—The letter was received. CRIPPLED MAORI CHILDREN In replying to a letter regarding treatment for crippled Maori children, the. member for the Bay of Plenty electorate, Mr. A. G. Hultquist, wrote acknowledging receipt of the letter. The member thanked the hoard for its courtesy in acquainting him with the question, and stated that he would take the matter nu with the Minister of Health. He advised that a conference was being held and the question of Maori health was being discussed, and staled that this question might be dealt with at the same time. Mr. Hultquist concluded by stating that he would do his best and would advise further on the matter in due course. —This letter also was received.