VENEREAL DISEASE

Southland Times, Issue 21772, 29 July 1932, Page 4

VENEREAL DISEASE

SPREAD AMONG MAORIS.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT CON-

CERNED.

(Per United Press Association.)

Wanganui, July 28.

An unusual charge under the Social Hygiene Act, 1917, was heard before the Magistrate, Mr Salmon, this morning against a young Maori from up the Wanganui river. It is a well-known fact that the Health Department has been concerned for some time at the spread of venereal disease among the Maoris and has been doing its utmost to get them to submit themselves for treatment. In the present case the accused came to hospital for treatment, but left after two injections. The evidence disclosed a serious state of affairs and led the Magistrate to remark that it was no use saying anything to the accused about the enormity of the affair as he appeared to be unintelligent. Senior-Sergeant McLean said the Maoris were defying the authorities. In ordering the accused to be detained for 12 months, the Magistrate said he could assure the authorities that where action in these cases was justified he would support them to the utmost.