ARCH FOE OF THE MAORI RACE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1109, 24 April 1911, Page 4

ARCH FOE OF THE MAORI RACE.

HOW THEY FALL BEFORE HIM, (By Mcsrffnu.-Sticcial Correspondents W3nganui, April 22. The Maoris' continued disregard of the simplest hygienic precautions is pointedly referred to' in to-night's issue e£ tho "Herald, , ' which, in stating the death of Toko Reihaiia, tho Kai lwi chief, from consumption, goes on to say:— "Within tho past few months quite a; number of other Natives between here and Waitotara have succumbed to tho same complaint, whose ravages seem to go unchecked, despite tho n'U'ul efforts of-those who proles.-; to havo the welfare of the Natives at heart.' It is pitiful, it is shameful, it is a reproach on our boasted civilization that one of tho finest native races on tho face of tho earth cannot bo saved from decadence. For it seems tolerably certain that, even though extinction may bo long deferred, tho linal extermination is inevitable. Amongst the chief causes which contribute to this deplorable result are the insanitary condilion of the Native settlements, and tho lack of precautions to prevent the spread of such scourges of the human race as consumption. "Some years ago Father Milliard, who was stationed up the river at Jerusalem, stated that his observations led him to tho conclusion that 75 per cent, of the Native infants died of consumption, and a large proportion of the adult population also fell victims to tuberculosis. Its growth he attributed in part to the adoplion and abuse of European clothing, which had a great deal to do with Ilia spread of cold, and with the- hacking coughs that are heard in Maori villages. Although ho regarded this as being ono of tho causes of ihe prevalanco of luni} diseases, he suggested that n more s-cri-oiis cause was to be found in the habit oC cxpectoralio!!. ,. After quoting other authorities on the insanitary habits of tho Natives (particularly the practice of large number?, both of the sick and ths well, continually living and sleeping in ono roftn), the "Herald" continues:—"lgnorant of Iho most primitive- hygienic laws, and almost incredibly careless about such matters us wet clothes, the Maori easily falls a prey to disease, and Ihe. tangis iind feasts which bring together promiscuouslyhealthy Natives ami these suffering from diseases—are fruitful sources of contagion. And what is the Government doing to save him? Little or nothing. True, there are some colleges, very fine in their way, which seek to set a good and high example lo students, but there is truth iii what an inspector of Native schools said seme years ujro: "J entertain grave doubts whether, under existing conditions, we aro not making a mistake in giving facili. ties for higher, education to 100 many Maoris.'

"Equally forceful is Dr. Pomaro's viewon this iispsct of tho question. 'It is not so much fine culture that we wsut us it is uMful and practical knowledge that is needed for Hie common and everyday things of life. The hygiene of tlio home, dress, the science of" cookery, the nursing of Hie sick, the upbringing of babios-theso ore essentials that ought to bo taught in every Maori school in the colony.'"