TO CAPTAIN WAKEFIELD, R.N.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 25, 27 August 1842, Page 99

TO CAPTAIN WAKEFIELD, R.N.

Sir— Many months have now elapsed since the formation of this settlement ; and, giving you all clue credit for your road-making, yet very little has been done in the way of " embellishments and improvements " in the town, and as little towards making it as healthy as human efforts could avail. Three questions seem naturally to present themselves on this subject. First — Is the place healthy? Secondly— -Have there not been many deaths 6ince the formation of the settlement? Thirdly— Supposing that the first question is answered, and the point decided that the climate is almost the finest in the world, can nothing be done towards making the town more healthy ? With reference to the first question, I believe it 4o be the opinion not only of medical men, but one almost universally entertained, that the climate is most delightful. With regard to the second question, the fact of an immense number of deaths having taken place is, I believe, indisputable. And now for the third question— can nothing be done towards making the town more healthy ? I say that it not only can be done, but done easily. You will, I think, admit that the little draining which has been done by individuals in the town has been done at a trifling expense, and attended with the most complete success. Is the finishing of a road to be put into competition with the preservation of human life ? Is it nothing to say, when writing to England — Nelson was swampy, and for that reason unhealthy^ but we have drained it, and now it is not so ? You have, I am aware, attached much importance to the distribution of one-hajf of the suburban sections, as regards the effect produced in England ; but can you seriously think that it would be half so great as the fact being positive that the place is healthy ? I aßsure you, sir, that nothing but the urgency of the case has induced me to address you ; but I have felt it an important duty to do so." I shall now leave the matter in your hands : but I warn you not to trifle with it. What has been left t undone, through inadvertence, will become almost a crime, if not rectified when the evil of its not being attended to is so apparent. I remain, sir, A Well-wisher to the Colony. , Nelson, August 23.