THE PRISONERS ON BOARD THE HULK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume I, Issue 215, 21 July 1864, Page 4

THE PRISONERS ON BOARD THE HULK.

Hau'-yk.uua' Ki:i'Okt or Sick axii Wounukd Maoiu L'iusoni:US, Hulk ' MAKIO.V,' com.UKNCIN'O 171 H IJKCK.UIJIiIC, lSi>3, KNDING 17111 JAN I.'AHV, ISGt.

S. Sam, Surgeon, In medical charge llulk ' Marion. ItE.UAKKS. The diseases which came under my observation were, with few exceptions, trivial, and readily yielded to treatment. '• I'sora" at first prevailed to a a great extent, and nearly all on board were more or leS3 atl'ected with it; but now, owing to tho stringent measures which were adopted, there is not even a trace of it left. .Some few cases of " Jiiarrlitea" were treated, and in every instance a rapid cure established. " Chronic Dysentery" has been the most- fatal complaint, and at one time seemed inclined to spread. The victims to the ravages of this malady were all infirm men, with shattered constitutions, and suffering from old standing extensive organic disease of the chest. The patients, at the onset of this affection (Dysent. Oliron), endured much painwhicli was followed by peculiar and sudden depres, aion, of so deadly a nature as to render recovery in many instances hopeless. I treated all these cases with large doses of ipecac., allowing at the same time liberal quantities of wine, and the result, as is evident, has been very satisfactory. " Cystitis" (inflammation, of the bladder), the only other case of importance, is still under treatment; but taking into consideration tho patients' previous history and present state of health, I feel disposed to think that there are but very feeble hopes of his recovery. This man is also consumptive and broken down.

Three operations were performed by mo, which seemed to afford great satisfaction to the natives. Tlie remaining cases presenting nothing woitliy of notice, 1 make no comments on them. The prisoners, as a rule, are a healthy, welldeveioped, muscular set of men, with strongly marked intellectual expression of countenance, and shrewd features. Many of lliem are disposed to study, and it is gratifying to notice their eagerness in the pursuit of knowledge. The Mulk is in every respect adapted for the accommodation of tlio people it holds; ami in no instance of my experience with prison ships have I -ecu men under confinement look so cheerful, satisfied, and comfortable, and so well behaved as the Maoris on the 'Marion.' There appears to be an universal sense of gratitude, and it is pleasing to observe how adequately and carefully everything has been arranged to satisfy the wants, and conduce towards the health of a race of men whose hitherto existence must have been in a great measure inconsistent with the ideas of European living. There are certainly some who look dejected, caused without a doubt by old age and long standing disease ; but even these lmtiie the best, of it, ami are strongly convinced that their treatment, on board evidently tends to prolong lite. JS'ow that the house and grounds on the North Shore are placed at our dispo.-al, the men are, in turns and regularly, taken Ihere, and the change, or rather the novelty, of being on ''terra firma," has an inlluence over them which is materially calculated to enliven and invigorate the constitution. The men already on shore and under treatment have, considerably improved, more especially the wounded, who from their original crippled stale are now gradually and steadily regaining the powers of their limbs. The sanitary arrangements ot the Hulk have Jeen strictly carried out., and the introduction of fumigation since my joining has had the eli'eet ot preventing any outbreak of disease. The lower deck, which was built in the early part of March, is tho most comfortable place in the ship ; and never, during my connection with troops, and naval and military prisons, have I seen so spacious an accommodation afforded to so limited a number o! men. The decks are regularly sprinkled with chloride of lime, dry scrubbed, and kept in a perfect state ot cleanliness. The bulkheads are ulso whitewashed with lime as often as is thought necessary, and every available means adopted to ensure proper ventilation. The supply and quantity of provisions have been generally very satisfactory, and the change in tho rations lately recommended and adopted, has been advantageous, inasmuch as it suits the natives better, by rendering the food more amenable to easv digestion. Besides the above, the prisoners are allowed to eat oysters, pippies, and fish, as circumstances permit. illiving thus briefly commented upon the present report, I beg to bo allowed to suggest that the upper deck of the Hulk be housed, and a few more scuttles provided for the lower one ; and with the conviction that this additional improvement, if sanctioned, would lend to place the 'Marion ' beyond the censure of tho most critical observer, 1 have the honor to conclude my remarks, S. Sam, Surgeon, In medical charge Hulk ' Marion.' Hulk ' Marion,' Auckland Harbour, 20th June, 1864. kißj—l have the honor to forward for the information of the Hon. the Native Minister, tho sixmonthly Report of the sick and wounded Maori prisoners on board tho Hulk, and at the Hospital, North Shore. T. A. White. JLhe Native Secretary, Native Oflice, Auckland. (Return omitted, being identical with that fo:warded by Dr. Sam.)

- • Remarks. The prisoners-under treatment since their captivity have got on very, favourably ; and, with few exceptions, all eases in hospital lvadily yielded to the remedies employed. At the onset, " Itch " ssemed to be th • ;)r.'V:ilent complaint; but with vigorous measures this d-'s.-iise soon disappeared, and there is not ev.'ii a trace of.it now left amongst the men. " !'v«entrv " was about the most formidable maladv under treatment, and seven men have fallen victims to it. I ought <o m nlijn lure that in all the deaths were complications of severe chest affections. Three operations have been performed by the surgeon. and the result in each case has been verv favourable. "With the exception of the diseases above mentioned, nothing of interest has transpired ; and though many of the prisoners appear weak and infirm, yet their improvement on board has been so marked that, they express themselves satisfied and cheerful. louring tlie summer months, and to counteract the depressing influences of tho weather, extra ports wero cut on the main dock, and other alterations m ule as well, for the purpose of preventing any outbreak of sickness. An extra deck was also laid in the beginning of March, and now the prisoners seoin to bo more comfortably located. Tho lower deck is spacious, and—bevond tho absence of a few scuttle ports—is suited in every respect for its present pnrposo. The ship has beon regularly fumigated, and tho decks daily scrubbed, and sprinkled with chloride of liino. Provisions and water have been regularly supplied, and wero of good qualitv. Tn consequence ofa suggestion from the Mcdical Officer, the men are being allowed !, lb. of vegetables, A lb. soft broad, and 3 lbs. potatoes, in lieu of lb. meat. This arrangement is in my opinion verv satisfactory, and the prisoners seem highly delighted with it. I beg also to state that I have arranged with the contractor to supply us with onlv lialf the quantity of vegetables per prisoner, and in (he place of the remaining portion to allow us oatmeal and riff. This proposition has been carried out, and especially now that tho weather is cold, tho men in hospital an; able to enjoy hot gruel for their supper. The building on the,. North Shore is in course of erection, and tho temporary abode of a portion of tho prisoners there is made as comfortable as circumstances will at present time allow. In conclusion, I must bring to the notice of the Hon. tho Colonial Secretary, that several of the prisoners aro quite infirm from ago and chest affections of old standing, and that the probabilities are that those men will more or less suffer during the coming winter months. T. A. White. Hulk "Marion," June 30, 18G4. Sin, —Since six months of my superintendentship liavo expired, I have the honor to offer a few romnrks for tho information of the Colonial authorities on tho ' Marion' hulk, and tho treatment of the prisoners confined in her.

The hulk ' Marion, under n\v command, is in every respect suited for the accommodation of the prisoners at present in her. At first the men were placed on ono deck, but since March last a spacious lower deck has been constructed, which affords more room and ample comfort to those under confinement. The vontilation of the ship lias been properly attended to, and taking into consideration our present arrangements, there is not even the slightest trace of a fault in connection with this sanitary affair. The prisoners aro allowed to enjoy themselves during the day by playing at draughts, fishing, and studying; they seem to dive into tlio latter to an extent which to our eyes is most pleasing. The decks of the ship have been regularly scrubbwl, and daily sprinkled with chloride of lime, and the supply of provisions and water stringently inspected prior to issue. Owing to the indefatigable exertions of Mr. White, in connection with tho professional skill of Dr. Pain, the prisoners enjoy an amount of comfort far above the ordinary prison rate ; and it is most gratifying to observe how pleased all on board seem with the arrangements which have been carried out for their well-being. The alteration in the rations has been satisfactory, inasmuch as the Maoris now seem to relish tlieir food belter ; ond there cannot be a doubt but what a mixture of animal and vegetable diet greatly conduces to their health. Tho guard on board, under the command of Capt. lvrippner, have performed their duties in a manner which devolves great credit on their commander. The IJulk has been recommended to be housed. Trusting this improvement will he sanctioned, and having nothing further of importance to state. I have, &c., M. Dix.vr.v, Captain Superintendent Hulk ' Marion.' Tho Hon. Wm. Pox, JCative Minister.

I . i -2 ! 3 ! "3 ; to j .= Diseases. "g j •"- | J: | § Vulnus selop ... ... 3 12 j 3 ; ... I la Diarrhea 1 11 | 12 j ... | Dysi'ut. C'iron. ... -10 31 j 7 j 2 C'yiiiiiiL-he Tonsil 10 10 j ... ... Ophthalmia ... ... j ... 15 15 ! ... j ... Psoni ... ... ... CO 90 150 I ... | ... Brunch. Ac. ... 1 1 ... i ... Obstipatio ... 9 9 ... I ... Cystitis ... ... 1 ; 1 Operatic) ... ... 3 i 3 ... J ... Scrofula ... 1 ! - 1 Catarrh Ac. ... 25 ' 25 ! ... Abscess ... ... 15 | 11 I ... 1 Debility ... ... j 17 : 17 ! Total (it |250 2:)() j 7 - 17