SERIOUS EPIDEMIC

Hokitika Guardian, 10 April 1929, Page 2

SERIOUS EPIDEMIC

AMOXO .MAORIS

Lily Telegraph, I’er Press Association.]

AI’t'KMAX)). April ».

l)ys;'iitry is ■''till prevalent among tlij Alairis in .South Auckland. espe<lally in the Hangiiiri District. Tlic number of eases has keen large. The mortality lias neon fairly serious, in the past fortnight ten dentils have occurred, several being those of children. The disease was first reported early in January, and rases have occurred as near the city of Auckland as Avondale and Ora .ei. i lie out -leak did not give cause for great alarm, and it was fairly well under control, until a large .Maori withering was heid at Xgaruawahia. coniiuen ing on .Mareii Kith, and continuing for several days.

..Il.hougli sanitary precautions were tasen at this ( amp. the d ngregation n so many natives spread the disease, and it was carried hack into the native settlement. 1 -, whin the gathering dispersed. In coping with the trouble. the Health Department, has been hampered by the Ma .ris' reluctance, or delay, in seeking advice, or their lailure to notifv the eases at ail.

An inspector, nurses, -and a native inspector have been sent into the district. chiefly affected, and their efforts have been to teach the natives correct methods of treatment ancl sanitation. Assistance has been give n in nursing, find visits have also boon paid by sal}-' sidisod doctors.