Maori Infantile Mortal= ity.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 4 October 1911, Page 3

Maori Infantile Mortal= ity.

SPEECH BY MR FIELD, M.P:

The- absolute need of taking some steps to prevent mortality among Maori children was mentioned by Mr •Wk-H. Field, in the House of 'Representatives yesterday, says the New Zealand Times. He siaid that the death rate 'qmong young natives was very high indeed. The services of skilled muses should be available to instruct Maori mothers bow to care for their children properly, and until the -nurses were secured the Government should arrange with competent white mothers to give the Maoris the benefit of their experience. The Government should: also do much more than at present to provide skilled medical attendance for thlo natives. The Minister replying, stated that two m'ore nurses among Maoris'! one for the northern district and another for Horowhenmia district were to be It was a difficult thing , to deal with the natives in regard to their health, and he was inclined to think that much could he done. bv lectures on health land. allied subjects. Undoubtedlv the eha.ll ires in tlie system _'of late years liad resulted in cx-eat improvement. Tire- department's funds would not permit i of a system of itinerant doctors and • inspector?. \ - < . > '~ > -