The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 1885.

Thames Star, Volume XVII, Issue 5176, 19 August 1885, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 1885.

Philanthbopists in this age are rare indeed, more particularly in this colony, yet a large field exists for the exercise of very much good by them. In our own portion of the hemisphere great scope is given for the'ministrations of people living in the possession of a burning desire to benefit mankind of every description, yet of late years we see none of those good Samaritans known in by-gone years, not only in other countries, but in a few instances have occurred in this. The reports recently forwarded to Government by the medical officers deputed to attend to the natives, on the sanitary condition of the Maoris, would, we feel assured, arouse some spirit such as animated those who in older countries have handed their names down by their benevolent' attempts to ameliorate the sad condition of the native from a general health point of view. The officers appointed report that a most lamentable state of things exists, account for it most lucidly, and suggest most sensibly various remedial measures to be taken with a view to its removal. Not only the eradication of those diseases most prevalent among the native race, but their prevention are treated upon, and the means at hand for the removal of their causes seem so simple in a vast number of cases, that pity it is that; some steps are not taken in such a direction. We are assured that chest diseases are a prolific cause of early death amongst them; that skin affections and scrofula are by no means uncommon, and nearly all those who report are agreed that these things could be very considerably mitigated, if not almost removed. One very dangerous system existent in various parts of the island appears to be the occupation of wharepunis—small, unventilated sleeping whares, —and another, eating decayed food. One medical authority, writing on these two heads of the subject, sayi:— " Compared with these two gigantic evils, alcohol is nowhere. Were there no wharepunis, I believe the Maori would be a successful rival of his Earopean neighbor in sobriety and industry ; but with his blood vitiated by the foul air of these hot-beds of disease, he has neither strength nor inclination to work, and it would be odd indeed if he bad no craving for stimulants. I am inclined to credit the wharepuni with more than half the iufant mortality." Another attendant reports on the shark diet to which many tribes—principal coastal—adhere "More especially I have noticed that so called preserved shark renders the Natives more susceptible than ethers to this disease (psoariasis). It is at once followed (when freely partaken of by the Maoris) by a severe attack of urticara, or nettlerash which at various times give place to psoariasis, or lepra. Reform in these matters should not be an unsurmountable difficulty; surely, legislation and proper inspection by authority could to some extent remedy the crying evils chronicledIn purely Native districts, reliable Native officials, and they are to be found, i could be employed as sanitary inspectors, while in mixed communities, the ordinary officers could act. The change of food, habits and clothing follow* ing upon the adraace of Europeans amongst them, has not been accompanied by many other and necessary adjuncts of civilisation, hence the mortality reported upon by the officers mentioned. Cleanli> ness in habits and ventilation in residences, more particularly the sleeping apartments, the consumption of more wholesome food, and active employment are all necessary to remedy the evils complained of, and we cannot but think that by some means these things may be brought about partially by legislation and to a great degree by the benevolent efforts of philanthropiccolomats—there are many persons within the boundaries of New Zealand in a position to substantially aid in such a good'work, and it could be done without seeking the exolusive aid of any particular sect, as has been done in the past with most unsatisfactory results. The consumption of alcohol will Boon diminish where it does not absolutely disappear, if healthy food, active exercise, and proper dwelling take the place of the state of things now substituted for them. We commend the consideration of the people

—those educated and more Europeanised natives as well as whites —to this important subject, as it must perforce eventuate that unless some such steps be taken, the rapid decadence of the native race will not be interrupted.