AN ECHO OF THE PAST.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3985, 16 July 1913, Page 4

AN ECHO OF THE PAST.

OUTBREAK OF SMALL-POX IN

1863

NATIVES THEN WILLINGLY SUB-

MIT TO VACCINATION

It is interesting, in view of the suggestion that Xatiyesihfe this district‘are to be vaccinated, Xto find that this will not be the first occasion in which the Maoris of Poverty Bav have submitted to the operation. Chatting to a “Times” reporter yesterday, Mr. Frank Harm said that he had been informed by Rawin *- reha a well-known leading Gisborne native, that an outbreak of small-pox had taken place in Poverty Lay as far back as 1863. . T Missionary Williams and Mr. John William Harris (grandfather of Mr. Frank Harris), who were then in the district, called the chiefs together, and explained to them the serious nature of the malady. They pointed out the advantages of vaccination as a safeguard, arid, as an example to the Maoris, both Missionary Williams and Mr Harris were publicly vaccinated. .* qhe chiefs then harangued the Natives and as soon as matters were fullfc understood all hands willingly submitted to become vaccinated Missionary Williams performed the operation, and a busy time he had of it. The custom then was to vaccinate from arm to arm. , It is interesting to learn that Hawin', who vouches fo r the truth of the story, is, with a number of friends, to be vaccinated by Dr. Williams ? a descendant of the famous missionary. Rawiri intends proceeding to Wellington shortly, and understands that he I must have' a certificate before he will be allowed to travel. Mr. Harris pointed out yesterday that instructions in Maori should be inserted in the press, informing the Natives of the position, and advising them of the advantages of vaccination as a safeguard at the present juncture. If this were done, ar yd rhe Natives were informed that the pakehas were also submitting to vaccination, there would not be. the. slightest objection raised to vaccination. The Natives, he pointed out, were a sensitive race, and resented being singled out for different treatment from anyone else. Mr. Harris contended that if full instructions were issued to the Maoris this would be a safeguard to the community, as in the event of any skin affections arising they could immediately report the case to a medical man.

Poverty Bav, it was pointed out. had such" a wide open back door that it would be well nigh impossible to prevent Maoris from Auckland, Waikato and the King Country from coming through and mingling with the local people. If a disease such as smallpox once obtained a hold in the almost inaccessible Urewera country-, i: would be an almost impossible task to stamp it out. As the Natives of Poverty Bay ; n 1563 had readily and willingly, submitted to vaccination, so would the Natives of this district to-day if the necessity for such a course were fully explained to them.