HEALTH OF MAORI CHILDREN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 256, 19 March 1913, Page 8

HEALTH OF MAORI CHILDREN.

A DETRIMENTAL CUSTOM.

Nurse Bectham, in her report oil'the native health work to the Hawera Hospital Board on Monday, said: "A most detrimental custom, common enough amongst these people, is that of parting with their children:, namely, the adoption of infanta and children by relatives and friends. It matters not how greatly a mother may be attached to her child, it has been previously promised to some relative; therefore it must,'go. I was much agitated by a similar case recently. The child was well cared for and thriving. Some time had elapsed when I was asked to visit the child, as it was sick. Upon -enquiries, I found it had been adopted by a relative, taken from its natural food, and placed on indigestible artificial food, in the warmest weather. The result was serious. I visited the child and gave instructions as to diet, etc., which were carried out with good results. A rangitira and myself had an interview with the people regarding this objectionable custom, and tried to prevail upon them to return the child, but we failed to gain our point. Undoubtedly this custom is one cause of much of the unhealthiness and mortality amongst the people. At the best the dieting of infants and children is 'grossly neglected, but this adoption custom increases it considerably. One frequently sees the ill results of this custom."

The chairman (Mr. R. TL Nolan) said he did not know whether the Board could do anything in the matter. Other members agreed, but Mr. Goodland thought that perhaps the Government might be able to do something. No action was taken. —Star.