45

H.—3l

Dilution of the Race. Though, the total population, as shown by census returns, has been increasing, it does not follow that the Maori will continue to exist as a distinct full-blooded race. Tiro greater European population by its very increase is rendering the Maori sparser and sparser, as it were, in the total population of the country. In 1891 there were 14-9 Europeans to one Maori. This has steadily increased until in 1921 there were 23-6 Europeans to one Maori. This increasing external dilution must prove, a factor in affecting the. distinctive culture of the Maori, and with better education and improving material conditions lead to interna] dilution through increasing intermarriage. Miscegenation. In the census returns the numbers of half-castes living as Maoris and those living as Europeans arc given. For 1916 the, percentage to the total Maori population works out at 12-7 per cent. This, however, is no true criterion of the amount of miscegenation, as fractions of European blood, less than a half arc counted as Maoris. In 1919, of 814 men of the Maori Battalion, 48 per cent, had European blood. Of the 4,500 Native-school children investigated in 1922, the percentage with white blood was 50-1. These figures can only be taken as an approximate indication of the considerable amount of miscegenation that has taken place. No exact figures can be arrived at until the entire population is subjected to scientific examination according to the genealogical method. Sufficient data, however, is available; to show that certain factors exist which, combined with the, work of the Departments of Health and Education in assisting the inherent adaptability of tin; people, must sweep away barriers and inimical conditions that during the confused period of the mixing of two distinct 'cultures have done so much to retard the, progress of hygiene and health amongst the Maori people. Not the least important factor towards improving health and sanitation is the activity of the Native Department in clearing up the confusion that has existed around Maori land-titles, and the permitting of tho individualizing of interests to enable the Maori to utilize his resources to the physical betterment of himself and his family. Te Rangi Hiroa, Director, Division of Maori Hygiene.

PART VIII.-HOSPITALS AND SANATORIA: EXTRACTS FROM ANNUAL REPORTS OF MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENTS. SECTION I.—QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL, HANMER. Dr. P. Chisholm, Medical Superintendent ; Miss Thurston, 0.8.E., R.R.C., Matron. Hospital for Women. —The most important of tho improvements in the Hospital during the past year has been the establishment of the Women's Hospital. Alterations to tho houses leased for this Hospital were completed at the end of October, and patients were admittod in November ; the Hospital became full a fortnight later, and since then there have been no empty beds. In as far as one is able to convert old houses, this section of the Hospital is satisfactory. It has been comfortably furnished, and is comparatively easily worked. Further few improvements are required, the chief one being tho sheltering of the covered veranda between two of the buildings. Another matter which would need to be considered by the Technical Inspector is the heating of what is known as tho second house. It could, I believe, be done by the present hot-water service, but I would prefer Mr. Allen, the Technical Inspector, should consider this. In respect to the development and success of this Hospital the erection of a suitable Women's Hospital is absolutely necessary. Heating. —lmprovements have been made in the central heating-system and has added greatly to the comfort of the patients. This has been troublesome for a long time, and an unsatisfactory method of heating tho Hospital, but the improvements suggested and carried out by the Technical Inspector of the Health Department has made the whole of the heating arrangements as satisfactory as they can be under the circumstances. Staff. —There have been a considerable number of changes in the staff. The most serious change in the staff from the point of view of the Hospital was the resignation of Miss Brown, who had been Matron of tho Hospital for some eighteen months. Miss Brown proved to be exceptionally able and capable, and had improved her section of tho Hospital beyond recognition. Miss Thurston, C.8.E., was appointed to-Miss Brown's position, and has only just recently taken over the duties of Matron. The conduct of the staff during tho past year has been very satisfactory. Farm. —The farm has been successful, and. has undoubtedly saved the Department a considerable, amount of money. Bathhouses. —The bathhouses have been painted and renovated. The buildings are very old, and the time is not far distant when a complete rebuilding will have to be considered. Tea-kiosk. —The tea-kiosk has been thoroughly renovated, and has run very satisfactorily during the year. Ornamental Grounds. —The grounds have been kept in excellent condition by the head gardener, and are a source of pleasure and admiration to the visitors. A new grass tennis-court has been laid down. The asphalt tennis-court has been top-dressed, and another grass court is now in the process of being laid down. These tennis-courts are a very definite source of revenue, and give a great deal of pleasure to the visitors. Electrical Services. —The new turbine engine has been recently installed, and is very satisfactory. The electrical services, on the whole, have been fairly good, but I am informed by the electrician that a great many faults are now to be found in the wiring in the Main Hospital. This work was done in 1915-16, was rushed, and was not satisfactorily put up. Y.M.C.A. —The Y.M.C.A. passed their interests over to the Rod Cross at the beginning of 1923, and I understand the Y.M.C.A. hut will be run by the Red Cross in a similar way to that of the Y.M.C.A. The value of this recreation-room to the, patients is immense.

7—H. 31.