MAORI HOSPITAL.

New Zealander, Volume 1, Issue 45, 11 April 1846, Page 2

MAORI HOSPITAL.

As might be naturally anticipated, the colonization of New Zealand, by Europeans, although highly beneficial to the natives, by the introduction of the usages, arts, and practices of civilized life,— has been accompanied by circumstances proportionately baneful to them, in bringing into the country diseases, hitherto unknown to the New Zealanders. The alteration in their dress, besides the facility of obtaining spirits, has tended to render them more susceptible, of ordinary disorders; and more prone to become early victims to their fatal effects. The Government, with all its professions the natives, have hitherto done nothing towards providing medical aid and assistance, ofanv description, for them. His Honor the Judge, and the Bishop, have, by their humane, philanthropic conduct, thus marked, with severe, just reproach, the neglect of the Government. Diseases, considered peculiar to Europeans, arc now prevalent among the natives, in various parts. The small-pox, and latterly, the measles, have appeared, amongst them, with fearful ravages ; and it is well known that pulmonary complaints are rapidly fatal with the natives. If disease afflicts a native, within accessible distance of Auckland, if his friends convey him hither, for medical advice, and — what may be of far greater necessity and consequence,— for shelter, careful attendance, and nourishing food, — where is the asylum or hospital to receive him ? The government have spent thousands of pounds, on what they have absurdly termed, protection of the natives ; but not one fraction, in administering to the sick, or for the prevention and cure of diseases, among the native population. It is mere mockery, and abuse of terms, t,o vaunt about the parental care, and greftt anxiety of the British government, to ameliorate the condition and promote the temporal welfare of the New Zealandcrs, — so long as diseases, in all their various virulent forms, are allowed to prevail without the slightest endeavour to mitigate, or remedy them* At very small expense, a building could be erected at Auckland, for a native hospital ; and a commi'tee could very easily establish the proper effective regulations, for its internal management. The Government should contribute the while of the funds; but there might be some small fee (in produce,) to be paid by the natives, on entrance. Such a

humane establishment would have great effect on the minds of the natives, while, it would redound to the honour and character of Europeans ; and we trust, no Jong time will elapse, before such wise and just measure, as regards the natives, is carried into execution. While commenting on this subject, Jwe would revert to another requirement of the natives, which has been long neglected, and as the winter months are fast approaching, should no longer be delayed. When the natives bring their produce to the town by water, from their distant settlements, they are compelled to bivouac on the beach, all night, with merely the shelter of blankets. During the tempestuous rainy nights of last week, there were several parties of natives so circumstanced; and thus perhaps are engendered the seeds of much fatal disease. There is a plot of ground, reserved on the beach, for a native market place, — and, we conceive, the government should erect a substantial shed, over the whole of it ; which, would be useful as a market for the Europeans to deal with the natives ; and as nighily shelter for the latter, on their voyages to and from the town.