Consumption among the Natives.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 108, 11 April 1885, Page 2

Consumption among the Natives.

(Post.) The number of deaths from consumption amongst the more civilized natives of New Zealand is greater than many people imagine. Various reasons for this mortality have been given from time to time, but no general opinion appears to have been arrived at. Nearly half the Maoris who reach man's estate and lead a civilized life eventually succumb to consumption, and it would bo interesting to learn what is really the cause of so many deaths from the same disease. In the Thames district upwards of a dozen native youths who attended one of the public schools several years ago have fallen victims to consumption, and m several other districts m the North Island the mortality amongst the young aboriginals who have adopted European manners and customs has been equally alarming. A few weeks ago a young Maori named Taramena Hea, a nephew of an influential chief m the Hauraki district, was brought down to Wellington by the Native Minister, and provided with a situation m the Native Department. After filling the position for about a fortnight, it was discovered that he had been attacked with consumption, and no time was lost m sending him back to his people. Experience has proved that Natives attacked with the disease never recover, and there is little hope that Taramena will live much longer. The young man is an intelligent fellow, and is educated m a very superior manner, having attended St. Stephen's School m Auckland and the Native College m Hawke's Bay for several years. He was the holder of the late Sir Donald McLean's scholarship for three. years. He excelled m field sports, as many of his countrymen do. Many of our readers who have never seen the young man will regret, we feel sure, to hear of his unfortunate condition.