INQUEST ON NATIVE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5444, 5 July 1929, Page 2

INQUEST ON NATIVE.

DEATH FROM TUBERCULOSIS. A GROWING MENACE. Before the district coroner, Mr F. E. Flatt, J.P., yesterday morning, an inquest was held on Mate Eriapa, a native woman, aged 19, who died on the 2nd inst. at the Te Moananui Pah. The girl’s father, Eriapa Te Koari, in evidence, said his daughter had died on Tuesday ight at 9 o’clock. She had been more or less sick all the week. She had been unwell for four months, coughing ad vomiting most of the time. For the last month she did not complain except for a cough ; nor did she eat well during that time. On Tuesday, the '2nd, all she had was a little sago and milk. She w;as speaking to him until the last minute, when she said, “Kiss me, I am off.” She never asked for a doctor, and objected when he wished to call one. The reason he did not 'call a doctor was because he was unfinancial, living on an old-age pension, and it was. “not. on account of his religion. Witness said he did not know that he could get a doctor without the wherewithal to pay. The mother and eldest sister of the girl looked after her. During her illness she had lived sometimes at home and sometimes at another house.

Tira Kahurangi te Tura, a married sister, of the deceased, said the dead girl had stayed with her part of the time she was ill. Before her death she had taken her home in a trap. She never complained except of a cough. Dr. L. S. Davis gave evidence that at the request of the coroner he had held a' post-mortem examination on the deceased and had found that death was due to pulmonary tuberculosis. The Verdict. The coroner found with the doctor’s evidence that death was due to pulmonary tuberculosis, and expressed dissatisfaction with the number of cases of Maoris dying of tuberculosis in the various camps around Paeroa, pointing out to the Maoris the serious position in which other Maoris, especially the children, were placed in regard to.,contact with contagious cases. He also pointed out that the Maoris must in future report cases of this kind at once to the native nurse and the local police, so that medical attention could be provided immediately. He also informed the Te Moananui tribe that he proposed to bring the serious position obtaining before his department, and stressed that it was the duty of the Maoris to endeavour to assist the Government and the authorities generally in preserving the Maori race.