THE MAORI CAMP.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 147, 22 June 1915, Page 2

THE MAORI CAMP.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —It is proposed to form an encampment of gome hundreds of Muoris on a siniill reserve al Narrow Nook. Dcvonport. The reserve in question is an excellent site for a ramp of a hundred or so: but I strongly feel that it is unsuited for such a larjio gathering as is proposed, especially in view of the danger of typhoid. If the Maoris nrc to be made and ki pt lit for campaigning, it is essential that careful regard should l>e had to sanitary condi- i tiuns. Now, Narrow Neck, though famed j ; locally for its salubrity, lias several j drawbacks. There is a large tract of ' land beneath sen-level, which at this season is little better than a swamp. (;•.) |' one otlgp of tins swamp all the rubbish j ■ of -Devonport householders is deposited.' , and is a breeding ground for millions of (lies and thousands of rats. The prevailing wind will from tliere odo\irs that ' are almost asphyxiating, right over the «ite of the Maori camp. (In the liench itself there is almost as dangerous a ' iiiiisnnce. in the form of so-called bathing ' ! sheds, which are rmimniily used by visi- i ' tors lor other purposes owinp to the total i nlisciice of public sanitary ooiiveniencce. | The residents are somewhat inured to 11 ihc.se diseHßo-producinp eontlitions, which i the IVirouch (ounoil lias done nothing to i ameliorate, but 1 foresee very serious t results to the Maoris, who are'less able|s than we are to resist, disease. Even the 1 residents complain bitterly of the stench • mid the plagues of rntß and flies. I hone that somctliinp will he done to abate these nuisances or to prevent the Maoris being encamped in the vicinity.— I am. etc. ' BROAD NECK. ' June 21. " t