Untitled

Thames Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 1867, 2 October 1874, Page 3

A. teacher of a Maori school writes to the editor of the Waha Maori stating" Hivinc charge oE a Native school, I am often pained to observe the sleejjy listlessness of some of the pupils, and the absence of others who I think might attend. lam informed that they are in the habit of sitting up moat of the might playing cards, and this in a stifling atmosphere is sufficient to account for what I above refer to. And perhaps the worst feature of it is they play for money, or even for their clothing, Now it is easy to perceive the evil, etfecti of this practice, both on those who play and those who look on, and I would earnestly urge on the chiefs, parents, and elders to do all in their power to discourage such practices. lam not unmindful of the disadvantages of our, Maori friends as compared with ourselves. But if they will avail themselves of, the advantages the Government are anxious'to put iu their and learn to read tho English language, a new world, as it were, of entertainment would be opened up to tho u. They could sit by their lireside aud read of wonders they never heard of before, and learn what is going on in all parts of the world. If they are anxious for larger political privileges this is the way to obtain them. If they would wish to euj >y all the advantages we ourselves enjoy—to preserve their race in health and vigour, and to stand side by side with one of the most enlightened and powerful nations of the earth, lot them abandon all enervating habits and they may soon attain to it," The editor backs up his correspondent by the following strong language: —" Possibly they think a gamo of cmls is a very innoceut matter. But gambling, if they do not shake off the habit, is a vice which will grow with their growth, and .become, as it were, a part of their very nature tiu,mblin« leaves no satisfaction behind it; it in no way profits either body or mind. Among Jiurope ms it is considered an offence which, by necessary consequence, tends to proihote idleness, theft, and debauchery among people of a lower class • and among persons of a superior rank it has frequently been atteaded with the sudden ruin of ancient and honourable families, abandoned prostitution of every principle of honour and virtue, aud too often ha 3 ended in suicide. A confirmed gambler is usually a fool, a thief and a drunkard j he is despised by respectable men, tempted by the devil, and forsaken by God."

la Hamburgh (Pa,) a man died recently from the effects of eating raw ham. k mioroacopical examination made visible thousands of triclriuca spuales. In the space of au inch utety-fivQ weta counted.