HOSPITAL AFFAIRS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 08, Issue 88, 10 July 1945, Page 4

HOSPITAL AFFAIRS

Sir, —Your Beacon of June 18 brings the Hospital Board report concerning Maori trainees . I can agree with the views expressed by certain members that some guidance is necessary from those charged with the responsibility of running the hospital; But even if the remarks expressed on Maori discipline are true it still leaves a weak defence. In support of this claim I give the following evidence in connection with the Maoris: Birth rate per 1000 of population— Maori 45. European 21.73. Crude death rate per 1000 population— Maori European 10.60. Infant mortality rate per 1000 live births— Maori 97.61 ? European 28.71. Maternal mortality rate per 1000 live births—Maori 4..64 j European 2.53* I The death rate amongst the Maoris for tuberculosis at • 42.24 per 10,000 in 1942 is more than ten times aa ,]iigh as amongst Europeans. Can it be said from the above evi-> dence that Maori trainees should not be accepted because of the difficulties expressed ,by those in charge »WJiat better place is there to start than amongst the Maori youth? The courts are also the scene of some discussion which gives reason to believe that they are monopolised by a certain section of the hospital staff. How is it that the social amenities of a public institiirtion are preserved only for a certain few? It is amazing that the public are made to subscribe to this sort of thing. If we reverse the present what would those think who are now allowed to play on: the courts? I realise of course that it is not the blame of those who are allqwed to play t> but of those who have the say as to who shall play-

Yours , J. DITCHFIELD 34 Salonika Street.