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Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 112, 9 February 1928, Page 5

The constant movement of Natives to tangis ami the combination of excessive dry weather and extreme heat ate becoming a menace to health (states an exchange). The deepest respect is felt for the old and honoured Maori custom, blit modern ways have rendered the tangi a positive danger to, not only the Native race, but to general district health. With improved transit facilities crowds can gather that completely overtax the accommodation of the Native pas and render sanitary supervision impossible. It is to be hoped that the Maoris themselves will give thought to this matte'r and restrict movement at times when there is, as at present, need for special care. It is ( understood that the local flaxmill is closing down and about 40 hands will be thrown .out of employment (reports the Wairoa “Star”). This will cause a considerable loss in the wages paid out weekly, which amount to close on £3OO and will lead to much unemployment in the district. We believe the reason is that satisfactory arrangements could not be made with the native owners of the adjacent flax meas, and it was therefore impossible to carry on, and most of the matured flax in sight lias been cut out.