Story: Death rates and life expectancy

Smallpox vaccination certificate

Smallpox vaccination certificate

During the 1913 smallpox epidemic, Māori were required to present a certificate to confirm they had been vaccinated before they could travel by train. This was one of the public health measures introduced to contain the disease.

Using this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: R 3 Acc W2334 box 13 item 1913 3819 Certificate

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How to cite this page:

Ian Pool, 'Death rates and life expectancy - Māori epidemiological transition', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/document/26607/smallpox-vaccination-certificate (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Ian Pool, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 14 Mar 2019