THE HEALTH OF THE MAORI.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 600, 23 November 1909, Page 2

THE HEALTH OF THE MAORI.

Though writing under the shadow of retrenchment, the Native Health Officer, Dr. Pomare, reports hopefully regarding bis staff’s work in raising the hygienic standard of the Maori. “We commenced with sanitary reforms amongst the Maoris with a great deal of trepidation,” he states, “but the result of the work has proved astonishingly satisfactory ; in fact, far beyond our dreams or expectations. We can truely state to-day that, owing to sanitary adjustments, the Maori is a'hundred per cent, better off than he was nine years ago. The Maori has awakened. With the passing of such men as Tohu and Te Whiti, with the constant agitation in the direction of land settlement, of individual effort, of sanitation and progress, the Maori has realised that the only royal way to salvation Is by work. Everywhere our young men are clamouring to get on to laud, and when one or two are successful many try to emulate their example.” The report shows that during the department’s nine years’ existence whole villages have been renovated. Some have been shifted from their low, damp situations to the higher lands. Hundreds of insanitary houses have been destroyed without a penny of compensation being asked for, and new houses have been erected. In some districts it would be quite difficult to find a Maori whare of the old stamp. They have all gone in the general awakening that has taken place. There is just one departure from the cheerful note. “We regret,” adds Dr. Pomare, “that, owing to stormy weather, the ship of State has to unburden itself by the unloading of our department : but, sir, though my people from all parts are ‘pouri’ for this step, they cannot help being grateful for the great, great good which has been done.”