LIFE IN THE BACK BLOCKS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 214, 8 March 1912, Page 2

LIFE IN THE BACK BLOCKS

HARROWING STORIES. By Telegraph—Press Association. Hamilton, Thursday. Harrowing stories were told to a special meeting of the Waikato Hospital Board by a deputation of back blocks settlers from the King Country yesterday, asking that a doctor and nurses be supplied. An instance was given where a woman in confinement suffered terribly from want of attention, and where on occasions assistance of male relatives could only be obtained. One story was told of a woman who was carried by menfolk eight miles to the nearest railway point, where she was placed on a velocipede and conveyed miles for medical aid. Another tale was told of a woman on the eve of confinement setting out alone to walk eight miles in the depth of winter over terrible country to a junction in order to get a conveyance to take her to a place where she could get medical assistance. She left her young children at home with her husband. The woman proceeded some miles until dusk came on, and then,' utterly fagged, she sat down in despair in a wild part of the country, unable to proceed further. Fortunately a horseman happened to come along and found the woman beneath a tree preparing to remain there throughout the dreary night. Other stories equally appalling were related, and it was stated that nobody except those living there realised the dreadful experiences of women whom fate ordained to spend their lives in the back blocks in certain districts 45 miles from a railway and with bad roads.

The Board is taking into consideration the question of sending district nurses.