A SHOCKING CASE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 18, 26 October 1943, Page 4

A SHOCKING CASE

READERS of the account of the court proceedings in today's issue relative to the death of an eight months olcf Maori infant will no doubt be shocked beyond measure that such living conditions leading up to the child's death could be possible in this country. Is it not definitely linked with the Social Security controversy which has been figuring in these columns since the discussion by the local Hospital Board. Is it not a reflection upon the control and regulation of Maori housing conditions. Is it not a definite indictment upon the two races jointly that a young mother should be subjected to such treatment. These are the things which invite enquiry and we have no hesitation in saying that efforts made to bring about improvements in this direction will be welcomed by right thinking Pakehas and Maoris alike. Why should we shrink from the handling of such drastic instances when young and innocent lives are endangered. " It must be obvious to everyone that there are many things lacking in our treatment and attitude towards the Maori race, so often described as the finest native race on the face of the globe, and with the Maori population now increasing by leaps and bounds, it behoves us to take a firmer grip of the situation. It is just as important to insist upon disciplinary measures as it is to impart sympathy and understanding and if we fail to exercise both in the handling of our splendid native race, we do them as deep an injustice as over-indulgence or extreme persecution.