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pulmonary complaints, low fevers, and scrofulous affections, and all these maladies seem likely to become aggravated in their offspring, who, even at the early age of twelve months, exhibit these diseases in their worst form. I can scarcely form a correct opinion as to the cause of this decay in a race once noted for the stamina of the men, at all events ; but I venture to surmise that it may be found in one or more of the following:—(1) Change of diet and mode of living, especially as regards drink and clothing. (2) Over- • crowded and ill-ventilated dwollings, taken especially in connection with the adoption of European modes of dress. (3) Early marriages and the inter-marriage of persons possessing the scrofulous or phthisical diathesis, or predisposition. This latter is, in my opinion, the chief cause of the present high rate of mortality among Maori children, the loss of whom in large numbers means, in fact, a rapid decay of the race. The restrictions on the sale of alcoholic liquors have produced a most beneficial effect, and it is a matter of regret that the brake was only applied at the eleventh hour. If a sj^stem of sanitation could be introduced among the Natives, the total extinction of the race might be prevented. But the last cause of decay which I have suggested seems beyond the reach of legislation. Drunkenness, immorality, dirt, and over-crowding may be altogether prevented, or, at least, reduced to a minimum; but the transmission of disease from parents to offspring can never be checked ; and as this prevails to an enormous extent among the Maoris, lam forced to the conclusion that extinction must occur. I think a system of registration of births, marriages, and deaths would be feasible, and would certainly prove valuable in -estimating the rate of decay (if such be conceded) —and I have not a doubt on the subject. I have, &c, Thomas Lambert, The Hon. the Native Minister. Native Medical Dispenser, Wairoa County.

No. 10. Mr. Matthew Scott, Napier, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. •Sir, — Napier, May 17th, 1885. I have the honour to transmit report re sanitary state of Natives, vaccination, proceedings, medical returns, &c, for quarter ended April 30th, 1885. After the completion of the vaccination of the Taupo and vicinage "hapus," already described in previous quarterly return, I proceeded along the coast of the lake in a north-westerly direction to Tokanu, visiting ■en route the settlements of Waipehi, Te Rua Whaata, Hatepe, and others, finally arriving at Tokanu on the evening of the second day. The Natives of these villages, averaging probably about forty adults each, although living in very much the same manner as the Tapuaehariru inhabitants, have cultivated, as compared with their numbers, rather extensive patches and strips of land immediately bordering on the lake, and appear to be industrious communities. I found them free from many forms of disease prevalent among their friends and relatives living in the immediate vicinity of the European settlement. Some ot their locations are picturesquely situated, and the soil, although not of first-class character, evinces careful tillage, and contrasts very favourably with the somewhat sterile aspect of the neighbourhood. I found a good many interesting medical, and one surgical case, among these settlements, for details of which I respectfully refer to my medical return : otherwise this report will become too voluminous. On arrival at Tokanu, I found the people who profess " ITauhau " principles rather restive, inasmuch as a detachment of Constabulary (under Major Scannell) had recently taken up their residence among them uninvited. Notwithstanding, I vaccinated a good many, including ultimately some of the oppositionists. For this success I was mainly indebted to Captain Macdonnell, late N.C. Resident Natives here appear to fully estimate the fertility of the soil, and raise a good deal of wheat and other produce. When out of the numerous hot baths with which the locality abounds, they appear to be tolerably industrious and healthy ; but I found two cases of scrofulous leprosy, and a few of ophthalmia and skin disease among them. I could obtain but little communication with the former, who were under the treatment of a " Hauhau " " tohunga," or priest, although most ably seconded by Sergeant-Major Smith, A.C., stationed at Tokanu, who is usually very influential among the Maoris. Population, about 150. Passing on from Tokanu to Pootu, I first experienced absolute antagonism from the " Hauhau " element. We (i.e., my guide and self,) were unmistakeably warned off, and retired in consequence. Returning from Tokanu to Taupo proper, I picked up and completed the cases along the lake coast, and was gratified to find they had much benefitted by treatment. But I think comparative cleanliness and retirement from the influence of alcohol (they had been attending a Native Land Court) were very important factors in bringing about their improved condition. At Opepe I found a good many children ill with affection of the air passages —influenza, with bronchial symptoms. They all recovered. The comparatively few Natives at Opepe and its vicinity appear to have benefitted much by hard work, and, similarly to the Waimarama Maoris, who are assisted in their endeavours by Mr. Meinertnhagen, so Mr. Sam Crowther here supplies the incentive to labour. I have not seen any drunkenness at this place, and the migratory population, probably about thirty in number, are above the average healthy. From Opepe to Galatea (a long stretch), on arrival I found but one young man ill. This was (under the circumstances and locality) a hopeless case, "morbus coxce," for which I could adopt nothing but palliative measures. Natives here, numbering some sixty, probably, do not appear to do much work, and their plantations are of small extent. Probably, the arid and inhospitable surroundings of the Kaingaroa Plains act as deterrents to agricultural enterprize, and the difficulty of communication with anywhere makes the importation of goods from without a ruinously expensive transaction. A medical gentleman, Dr. Hooper, is located here as Native Medical Officer and Public Vaccinator. With him I proceeded to Ohupa, about seven miles from the schoolhouse (on the Rangitaiki), but we neither of us effected anything, the Kooti element being exceedingly strong. The doctor intends to persevere, but I doubt his success as to vaccination. Like Ahikerereu, Paeroa, Orakeikorako, and other places, the Hauhau

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