LEFT UNCONSCIOUS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 918, 11 March 1930, Page 16

LEFT UNCONSCIOUS

MAORI WOMAN’S DEATH LACK OF MEDICAL AID From Our Own Correspondent TATJMARUNUI, Monday. The remarkable fact that a Maori woman had been unconscious for 48 hours prior to her death, and that medical aid had not been sought by the relatives, was disclosed in evidence given at an inquest conducted here by the district coroner, Mr. A. S. Laird, J.P. The deceased was a married woman, Mrs. Ngati Pirere, who resided with her husband and family at Punga Punga. Evidence given by the relatives showed that she became ill on Tuesday morning last, and at XI a.m. that day lapsed into unconsciousness, from which she never recovered. Death took place at 11 a.m. on Thursday. Medical opinion was to the effect that the fatality had been caused by meningitis associated with middle-ear suppuration. A verdict in accordance with this testimony was returned. The coronet spoke very strongly on i-ho fact that, although a period of unconsciousness extending over 48 hours had occurred, no attempt had been made to secure medical or nursing assistance. The Health Department provided a native nurse free of cost and it was the duty of every native to seek her advice. Mr. Laird added that such negligence was regarded by civilised people as almost a crime. The following rider was added to the verdict:—“That the relatives of the deceased should be informed that the Health Department expected all natives to take advantage of the provisions made for their assistance in time of sickness, and would regard neglect to do so in future very seriously.”