DOCTOR AND MAORI.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 126, 28 January 1909, Page 2

DOCTOR AND MAORI.

A Hospital Incident. On Friday last at Rotorua, an assault case preferred by Dr Bertram against a Native was decided, and aroused considerable interest. The evidence showed that the Maori took a child suffering from pneumonia to the Sanatorium. The child was in a critical stage, ana Calvin came to the Sanatorium and demanded that it be given up for him to take away. The doctor declined, and Calvin attempted to take the child out of its bed. On the doctor interposing, the Maori committed the assault complained of, and a "mix-up" occurred, during which the two men fell on the bed of a female pacipnt. The Bench pointed cut that the matter was a serious one, as the sanctity of the hospital wards must be maintained. Although evidence had been given to show that it was a Native|custom to take sick neonie home to die among their friends, such could not be allowed to over-ride the rules of the hospital or the orders of skilled medical men. Defendant was nneo £5, with costs i': ; I V-s.