THE FOE OF THE MAORI

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 289, 26 April 1911, Page 5

THE FOE OF THE MAORI

HOW THEY FALL BEFORE HIM. The Maoris' continued disregard of tht simplest hygienic precautions was pointedly referred to in the Wangamil Herald, which, in stating the death of Toko Reihana, the Kai lwi chief, from consumption, goes on to say:— "Within the past few months quite af number of other natives between herei and Waitotara have succumbed to th« same complaint, whose ravages seem M go unchecked, despite the fitful effort* of those who profess to have the welfare of the Natives at heart. It is pitiful, it is shameful, it is a reproach on our boasted civilisation that one of the finest native races on the face of the; earth cannot be saved from decadence. For it seems tolerably certain that, even though extinction may be lonjj deferred, the final extermination is inevitable. Amongst the chief causes which contribute to the deplorable result aro the insanitary conditions of the Native settlements and the lack of precautions ta prevent the spread of such scourges of the human race as consumption. "Some years ago Father Milliard, who was station up the river at Jerusalem, stated that his observations led him to the conclusion that 75 per cent, of the Native infants died of consumption, and a large proportion of the adult population also fell victims to tuberculosis. Its growth he attributed in part to the adoption and abuse of European clothing, which had a great deal to do with the spread of colds, and with the hacking coughs that are heard, in Maori villages. Although he regarded this as being one of the causes of the prevalence of lung diseases, he suggested that a more serious cause was to be found in the habit of expectoration." After quoting other authorities on the insanitary habits of the Natives (particolarly the practice of large numbers, both of the sick and the well, continually living and sleeping in one room), the Herald continues:—"lgnorant of the most primitive hygienic laws, and almost incredibly careless about such matter's as wet clothes, the Maori easily falls a prey to disease, and the tangis and feasts which bring together promiscuously—healthy Natives and those suffering from diseases—are fruitful sources of contagion. And what is the Government doing to save'him ? Little or noth« ing. True, there are some colleges, very fine in their way, which seek to set a, good and high example to students, but there is truth in what an inspector of Native schools said some years ago:| 'I entertain grave doubts whether, under existing conditions, we are not making a mistake in giving facilities for higher education to too many Maoris.' "Equally forceful is Dr. Poraarc's view on this aspect of the question. 'lt is not so much fine culture that we want as it is useful and practical knowledge that is needed for the common and everyday things of life. The hygiene of the home, dress, the science of cookery, the nursing of the sick, the upbringing of babies —these are essentials that ought to be taught in every Maori school in the colony.'"