ACTION URGED

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 459, 17 June 1937, Page 5

ACTION URGED

“DEADLY BUSINESS”

Native Skin Diseases

Press Association— Copyright. Auckland, June 17.

Stories emphasising the danger to children in country schools owing to Maori children from hear by settlements suffering from skin diseases 1 were told to the Auckland Education Board yesterday. Members urged that the seriousness of the position necessitated immedtatje a'otiion by the Health Department. In a state-

une-nt after the meeting It-he chairman, Mr T. U. Wells, said that was a matter which concerned* nehrly every school in the board’s district —and elsewhere in the Dominion where both Maori and pakeha children were taught.

“It is not the fault of tlfe children,” he said, “but of the conditions under which many of the Maoris are living. Action will have to be taken by the Health Department in the Maori villages « in ordisr that these conditions can be improved and this 1 danger removed.” Bathing Equipment Asked. The question wias raised at the board meeting when a letter was received from the Rdtokakahi sjchool committee (Hokianga) referring to the health and cleanliness of native scholars, who comprised 54 out of a total roll number of 59. The committee stated that if the board was willing to provide a grant for a building to house a copper and) bath, etc., the head teacher and assistant teacher were willing to treat native children in an endeavour to prevent the spread of sores, etc. If the board was unable to provide assistance the committee tasked that the matter be referred to jthe Department. “This is a deadly business,” said Mr Wells, referring generally to the position. Constant c-omplMnts were being received of sk*n troubles in schools near native Feit-ements. The matter wjas. .deeply seated in * 'the kakifghs, ail’d' ’ft was necessary that action be taken. At St. Stephen’s naltiye school and the Queen Victoria school action was taken at the beginning of each term when the children, returning from their homes, were treated in sulphur baths, land

no 'trouble was experienced. With the children attending the primary

schools near native- geitierrmts the position was different. They could ndt be dealt v/Itii in the same way. Tn the present case it appeared that, it was intended Ito give the children frequent sulphus baths and skin treatment.