THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1872.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 217, 19 June 1872, Page 2

THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1872.

If the health of the people is the first law in any community, which is a proposition almost universally received, it behoves us to take care that nor infectious disease is transmitted to our shores under the system of importing immigrants, or in any other shape whatever. It appears that some cases of small pox have been imported, and at the same time that precautions have been taken to prevent the spread of the disease. This is, so far, satisfactory. One of the blessings to be expected from a large influx of the pauper population of Europe is the importation of diseases of a like stamp to small-pox. If large numbers are brought here from the old country we may be sure that they will bring with them a certain amount of disease. The best class of mechanics and labourers are too well off at home to come to New Zealand, despite its advantages; and in any system of forced immigration we may be sure that it will bo “ the halt, the lame, and the blind/’ who will be brought here. Canada and America, from their proximity to England, and from the advantages which they hold out, and the comparative cheapness of the passage to their shores compared with that to Australasia, will naturally draw the greater proportion of the surplus population of the old country. That such is the case is evinced by the returns furnished by the Immigration Commissioners. New Zealand is a fine country, with great resources, but it is a long distance from England. It costs a much larger amount of money to get to it than to America. Its taxes arc larger per head than those of any other British possession, and with the exception of its fine climate and undoubted resources, it has little to recommend it. If contagious diseases, such as small-pox and kindred ailments, arc introduced here, the fact of their introduction will spread far and wide, and will tend to discourage the tardy inclination which exists to seek New Zealand as a home. We are very glad to find that the authorities are doing something to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, but we feel certain that the attempt to bring a number of pauperised Scandinavian immigrants here must have the effect of importing the seed of a vast deal of suffering and disease. The best class of persons to make good emigrants from Europe have too many inducements to stay where they are to be induced to leave their homes by the arguments of the stipendiary agents. Those in England who desire to seek fresh fields and pastures new can do so cheaper, and with good prospects, by crossing the Atlantic to America. The result will be that none but a forced population will be brought here, and under such a system it will require great vigilance to prevent the spread of contagious disease. !So far as the introduction of small-pox is concerned, we are glad to see that the authorities are alive to the importance of the question, and are taking active measures to prevent a spread of the terrible malady in our midst.