MAORI T.B. CASES

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19555, 10 February 1938, Page 4

MAORI T.B. CASES

PROVISION OP HUTS FURTHER ORDER PLACED WAT A PIT COUNTY SUFFERERS "Results so far have Riven every satisfaction, and a further order is being placed with the Public Works Department for the construction o! the huts," stated Dr. H. B. Turbott, medical officer of the Hamilton district and supervising officer in connection with the treatment of tuberculosis cases in the East Coast district, discussing with a reporter today the experiment of the Health Department in providing individual hutments for Maoris suffering from the scourge.

Dr. Turbott has been on a visit to the Waiapu County, where the first 12 huts made by the Public Works department under the scheme arc located .each with a tuberculosis sufferer as occupant.

He stated that the scheme was producing good results in the promotion of the barrier system of treatment for tuberculosis, which necessitated the partial segregation of the patient from his family, and the use of individual domestic utensils and bedding. Alternative to Colonies Project

The scheme was adopted last year as an alternative to the colony project, previously discussed by the Health Department with the leading natives on the East Coast. The prior scheme was to establish a group settlement at Te Puia, on land to be provided by the Maoris, and to retain there a nurse and the material facilities for. dealing with breakdowns in Maori cases. The individual hutment method warselected as preferable, however, : in.-c it would obviate the necessity 'or separating members of families for any length of time, or alternatively for providing families with accommodation in or near the colony. The second order for hutments will duplicate the first, and the total of 24 will cover the great majority of cases to which this scheme is applicable.

Nearly all the active /cases under observation on the East Coast, and suitable for treatment under the hutment scheme, are located in the Waiapu County, and an extension of the plan may be determined upon later, if the circumstances warrant it. The whole cost of the hutments is being met by the Health Department.