3

G.—s

Conclusions. 1. That the disease known to the Taupo and East Coast tribes as ngcrengere, to the Ngapuhi and northern tribes as puhipuhi, and to the Wanganui and western tribes as tmchenua, is one and the same disease, and that true leprosy. 2. That no one who has seen leprosy could possibly mistake the symptoms presented by the man Hiri (case 2) and the boy Te Iho (case 3). 3. That the general consensus of opinion amongst the Natives that the disease first appeared on this island at Hauraki some time during the latter half of the seventeenth century may be regarded as true. 4. That the probability is that it was introduced by the marooning of a leper from a ship (probably a whaler) at or near Hauraki. 5. That the story of its introduction to the Taupo district by Te Oro is too recent to be relegated to the category of Maori myths, and may therefore be accepted as substantially correct. 6. That the term " ivcro-ngerengere " is not an alternative name for the disease, as some suggest, but the name applied to the act of communicating the disease by puncture or inoculation, as the etymology indicates. 7. That the immunity from the disease enjoyed by women who have lived for years with leprous men, and vice versa, makes it difficult to believe that it is infectious or contagious in the ordinary sense. 8. That if the proliferation of a specific microbe in the blood and tissues is essential to the disease, a very special environment would appear to be necessary to secure an effective invasion. 9. That if filthy habits and insanitary surroundings, leading to impaired vitality, are to be regarded as predisposing causes, such are not far to seek amongst the Taupo Natives, who are notorious for their neglect of personal cleanliness. 10. That in all probability the worst cases have arisen from direct infection of the Wood by inoculation, either accidental or premeditated. 11. That it is worthy of note that the Natives believe that the leper's urine and faeces contain the germs of the disease, and they are consequently very careful as to their disposal. 12. That complete segregation of those affected would probably stamp out the disease in a few years. I have, &c, The Inspector-General of Hospitals, &c, Wellington. Alfbed Gindebs.

[Approximate Cost of Paper. —Cost of preparation, nil; printing (1,200 copies), £1 15b.j

Authority: George Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington. —1890.