THE WHATAWHATA NATIVES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2545, 1 November 1888, Page 2

THE WHATAWHATA NATIVES.

TO THE EDITOR Sir, —As neither the General Government nor the Charitable Aid Biard will move in the direction of taking effectual means for stamping out the epidemic that is decimating the natives on the Waipa river, between Ngaruawahia and Whatawhata, some effort should be made on the part of the pubiic to save the remnant of these people from their impending fate. Is itcreditable to us or civilised communities, to stand stoically by and see those poor creatures dropping off day after day, without holding out a hand to save them? Is our treatment of them just. ? Did they not stand loyally by us during the war, and do they not contribute largely to the revenue of the country, by the consumption of dutiable goods ? The Charitable Aid Board did certainly appoint Dr. Murcli to visit the sick people, but of what avail can his advice be if there are no suitable means at hand of carrying out his instructions. The Charitable Aid Board might save themselves this expense, for it can have no possible beneficial result. The chairman of the Ngaruawahia Town Board, when communicating with the Native Minister, suggested that a temporary hospital should bo erected in the native settlement, and placed under the management of an experienced nurse. This, no doubt, would be found to be the most effectual way of checking and ultimately stamping out this contagions fever. No doubt when the neighbouring European settlements become effected (which is sure to occur as the summer advances), the public voice, will be loud in condemning the supineness of the Charitable Aid Board, but as prevention is better than cure, I trust you will lend your able assistance in compelling the proper authorities to do their duty.—-I remain, yours obediently, E. Fitzgerald. Ngaruawahia, October 30th 1888.