STARVATION AT TAHUNA.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4365, 13 January 1922, Page 2

STARVATION AT TAHUNA.

A PITIABLE CASE.

"HUSBAND A ROTTER.”

POLICE TAKING ACTION.

A pitiable case of destitution came before the Thames Hospital Board on Wednesday, in the form of the fpllowing particulars from Mr Geo. E. SeaviUe, Medical Officer for the Natives :

“Husband’s name..—Laurits Andersen. He left his wife and family in September of last year, when the baby was three weeks old, leaving them destitute; in spite of all efforts, no trace of him has been otbained. “Wife’s name. —Jaenie Andersen. She has five children, aged 11, 8,6, and 5, respectively, and a baby of four months. Mrs Andersen is in bad health, owing to worry and anxiety; also, she has a septic mouth, which, for financial reasons, she cannot have attended to. There is also a want of proper food, as the family are starving.

“So far Mrs Andersen has maintained herself and family by selling the produets of her kitchen garden, but this slight source of income has now failed, and she has mot the means to procure either seeds or mar nures for her garden. "In conclusion, I consider the .case to be very distressing, and one in which charitable aid is urgently required and will not be abused."

Mr G. Death said the woman hal been in the district for nine years. The husband was a rotter, but the Police were trying to get hold of him and bring him back. He thought the allowance should be made.An allowance of £3 per month was agreed upon.