PUBLIC HEALTH.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 637, 24 January 1914, Page 4

PUBLIC HEALTH.

In a growing centre like Te Kuiti it is only to be expected that the welfare of the rapidly increasing population will require constant vigilance on the part of the authorities in respact to public health. Situated in the centre of the town is the Maori meeting house at which large gatherings of natives are frequently held. It is essential therefore that the sanitary arrangements in connection with the meeting house should be of such a nature that no danger is caused to the community by the holding of meetings which extend sometimes for weeks. The tangi, so dear to the Maori heart is a custom associated with the history of the Maoriland is the most frequent cause of the gatherings referred to. Modern civilisation regards with tolerant eye the cherished customs of any people, and there is no reason why the tangi should be subjected to interference on the part of the European authorities as long as the function carries with it no menace to the health or well being of the community. In the case of the gatherngs at the Te Kuiti meeting house, however, it is to be feared that the frequent assembling of large numbers of natives, and the keeping of a corpse for a lengthy period may constitute a real menace to the community from the standpoint of public health Argument is not required to emphasise the position, and it is also unnecessary to point out to the leading members of the native racet he dangers which emanate from the indulgence in the tangi custom in the centre of a closely populated town. It is altogether in the interests of both European and Maori that the sanitary arrangements at the meeting house should be of the best possible description, and that the custom of keeping bodies in the vicinity for lengthy periods should be abolished. If the Maoris desire to perpetuate their longcherished custom they would be well advised to take into consideration the necessity o* fixing upon a site for the carrying out ot the ceremony which will offer no danger to the public, and in which they will remain undisturbed. It is the duty of the authorities to safeguard the public, and it is to be hoped the authorities at Te Kuiti will do everything in their power to prevent an outbreak of sickness through insanitary conditions arising from any cause whatever.