ALEXANDRA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 2850, 18 October 1890, Page 2

ALEXANDRA.

Sickness Amongst the Nativks.—Sickness stillcontinuesamongstthe VVhatiwhatihoe natives, the mortality has been enormous there these last six months, in proportion to the population. Richard Turner's wife, Tβ Wai, is tho last victim, who died there yesterday, after two or three day's illness, while attending on her son lying; ill there. Her sister died similarly a fortnight since. Some of the natives attribute the prevalent sickness to La Grippe, which old Tβ Tuhi and other elders maintain that Miikutu is only to be blamed for eo many deaths. It is a great pity that the Missionaries, who claim to have done so much for the natives in the old days, have apparently given up all interest for them in this part of the country. It they have tin care for their souls, they might at least do some good for their physical welfare, by their presence and advice, as to their manner of living, and advising them of the necessity of calling in medical aid, in cases of sickness. I met assured that medical attendance would havesaveJ at least ninety per cent of those who have of late gone to " fatten the earth." The feasting at the tangi is also a main source of impoverishing the .urvivors, and no small contributor to the death roll. As the poorest of them will part with all they have to furnish food for those who attend at the tangi, and are consequently ill fed, they have no stamina to contend against even an ordinary complaint when .itticked themeelves.

Mahuki.— Mahuki, the Ngatiinaniopoto prophet is having a fine time of it, at his settlement, Te Kumi, hia followers ace rapidly increasing, and joining the religion of Te Kaumarua. Every month there is a feast which outrivals any attempt of the same description hitherto. It is given in pakeha style with sit down tables, leal china, table cloths, and other accessories, in first-rate style, the provisions provided being the best 'procurable. At the last feast Mahuki, had spread out on mats, ■one hundreds of pounds in notes, gold, and silver, which has been handed over to his keeping. The Ngatiinaniopoto some time since collected a large some of money to pay tor the survey of the Rohipotai, which, however, the Government refused to receive. This money is now being handed over to Mahuki, and was part of the pile displayed. Old Rawi is onn of his followers, and Mahuki h»s evidently great power over the old fellow, i\k s shown by the following : -On a recent occasion when two waggons wore sont to a storekeeper at Tβ Kuiti, for a large order of provisions, etc., £100 worth it is said, Mahuki not having sent the oash foi it, the storekeeper sent the messengers back for it, or an order, and back the latter came, signed by Kewi, which was good enough. Those who know Rewi, if this in a fact, will be certain ho must have great confidence in his new leader.