MAORI RACE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20668, 5 March 1937, Page 10

MAORI RACE

TREATMENT AND RELIEF

HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION’S DISCUSSION There was a great deal of discussion at the conference of the Hospitals Association in Timaru yesterday on the following two remits dealing with the treatment and relief of Maoris. The remits were: From Tauranga: “That the Native Department inaugurate a special hospital fund from land and other payments due to natives, and that monies so derived be allocated to hospital boards on the basis of individuals treated.” From Wairoa: “That the whole question of relief to natives be taken over by the Native Department, and that’ hospital boards be completely relieved of this responsibility.” Mr L. R. Wilkinson appealed to Boards which were not affected to appreciate the position of Boards where a large percentage of the population were indigent Maoris. In his district the Maoris were encouraged to enter hospital, for it was felt that the health of the whole population was affected by them. He suggested that the conference pass the remit, as it was a definite recommendation to the Native Department. Mr G. T. Parvin (Auckland) said that there w T as a large amount of money in the Native Trust Fund, and it was not being used to assist the Natives of the country.

Mr M. T. Trafford (Gisborne) said that his board was very much affected. The fees collectable by them were £2676, but of this they had collected only £293. In view of this he thought they were entitled to some assistance. Mr C. F. Miller (Bay of Islands) said that the Maori population was a problem to many boards. In some cases the Maoris outnumbered the Europeans and not only were they not able to collect hospital fees, but they were unable to collect ordinary rates. They were of the opinion that there should be a differential rate which would assist Boards dealing largely with Maoris. No Help So Far Mr T. S. Houston (Mangonui) said that the question had taken up a good deal of the time of northern Boards. He referred to the difference in the Maori population in the North and South Islands, and said that the Government had stated that a remedy would be forthcoming, but nothing had been done. At the Napier Conference it had been left to the executive to handle, but no district had as yet received any benefit. They were told that the policy of the Government was to give the Maoris work so that they could meet their obligations, but the Maoris were not doing so. In the north a good many of them were spending money on drink and on things which were not good for them. He considered the conference should take a firm stand and demand better treatment

Mr J. F. Thompson (Wairarapa) moved as an amendment “that the Health Department be requested to collaborate with the Native Department and investigate the whole position of a special fund of providing hospital relief for indigent Maoris.” He said that they realised the question was urgent and something must be done. It was no use going to the Native Department. It had been said that there was a lot of money in the Native Fund, but that money was the proceds of land sales and so on, and could not be touched. With the help of the Health Department which was aware of the position, somethin!! might be done to prevent such an appalling state of affairs. Mr F. Castle (Wellington) seconded the amendment. He said it affected a few Boards with high rateable value, and was not applicable to many Boards who were able to give the same treatment to both Maori and Pakeha. He thought the amendment was the best way to deal with the matter. He hoped it would be settled, for every year they found matters brought up affecting a few Boards which appeared to be insoluble. Quickest Method Mr W. A. Bishop (Auckland) said he agreed that the problem was a serious one, but he did not agree with the amendment. It seemed to him that the conference should support the motion because it was satisfied something should be done, and the motion was the quickest and most reasonable way of dealing with the problem. They should clear the matter up quickly, and if the motion was passed, it would claim the ' attention of the Minister. Mr L. R. Wilkinson (Tauranga) pointed out that the amendment would divide the responsibility, whereas the motion was a definite suggestion that the treatment of Maoris should be paid by the Native Department. Mr C. O. Morse (Napier), said that for some time the matter had been a bugbear to a good many organisations which had been concerned with the Maoris not facing up to their responsibilities. He would say that the executive had not given the matter the consideration it deserved. Voices: Hear. hear. Mr Morse said he was as much to blame as the others, but he would make an offer that if Mr Broderick and Mr McKay would join with him as a sub-committee he would investigate the matter and try to find a solution. Mr C. F. Miller (Bay of Islands) said he was pleased to hear what Mr Morse had said. Enough had been said to make the executive realise that the matter was vital, and he would move that the matter be referred to the executive. Mr Thompson’s amendment was heavily defeated, and Mr Miller’s amendment was carried on the voices.