G.—B

mention treatment) in this instance the case yielded to ergot exhibited internally, with opium and aconite externally, and this treatment served well in the Native cases also. I am glad to be able to report that syphilis, congenital or otherwise, is not to be found among the Taupo Natives. I have not seen a case during the past twelve months. Of intoxicating liquors, the moderation in the use of such is remarkable. Whether this is owing to want of means, or from the good example shown by their chiefs, this indulgence practically excludes any evil effect on their health which would arise from excess. I remark that the Natives of Taupo (as elsewhere) have not the slightest knowledge how to supply their bodily wants or to ameliorate their worldly condition. It is worthy of notice the number of horses they possess, and what few cattle. A person might ride all through this district, calling at each settlement, without being able to procure a draught of milk. To show of what value this life-sustaining fluid might be to the Maori, the following case will prove : I was sent for to attend a Native woman who was dangerously ill in child-bed (which is rare). She gave birth to a strong healthy child. The mother had no milk. Four days afterwards I heard the child was dead. They had nothing, they said, to give it instead of Nature's food; they had no cow. The importance to be attached to this one animal in the economy of food cannot be over-estimated, and it is to be regretted the Natives of this country are not aware of the fact. The management of cattle and the use of dairy food has enabled nomadic aud semi-barbarian tribes to exist as distinct races, and to the free use of milk is due the vitality which stamps the African. This savage counts his wealth by the number of his cattle. Sir S. Baker, in the heart of Africa, could always procure a supply of milk and often butter, and this from tribes who never saw a white man before. I am of opinion so long as the African cares for his cattle, so long will he maintain himself in undiminished numbers ; and the same might be said of the Maori. Half-castes are rapidly increasing in number throughout the district, and one cannot help being struck with their superiority in physique over either of the parent races. As yet they do not equal the white man in intellect, but in after generations mental strength will be the outcome of physical strength ; so it is within the bounds of reason to suppose that those " pakeha waifs," who are deemed social pariahs in consequence of having formed matrimonial alliances with Maoridom, may be yet an advantage to posterity. I have, &c, The Hon. John Sheehan, Samuel Walker, Wellington. Surgeon, A.C., Medical Attendant to Natives.

By Authority: Gkobgb Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington. —1878. Price 3d.]

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