19

Relieved, and the remaining fourteen are still in hospital, all likely to recover except one case.

There were also one hundred and eighty-seven out-door cases treated during the same period.

You will perceive that there has been an increase over last year of one hundred and twenty-four Native Patients, a fact which proves the increasing influence of this establishment over the native race. Their entire subjection to the benefits conferred on them by the Government in establishing an institution of this nature so urgently required for their alleviation of their sufferings.

I have also to remark that some of the most influential chiefs from the coast have been admitted as patients during the last year, and have behaved a few years ago who one would believe that Native Chiefs of great consequence would (breaking through custom strong prejudices) leave their friends and country and come long distances for the purpose of submitting themselves entirely and without reserve to the treatment and attendance of Europeans; such a fact proves incontestibly the amount of benefit conferred by the Government on the natives, and the influence which may be gained in time over the native mind by such institutions, which are so well calculated to break through all prejudices deeply rooted prejudices.

The object in establishing Hospitals for the benefit of the natives in the centre of large European districts, in order that the natives, from the contact might be brought in contact with European civilization, has been fully attained so far as this Hospital is concerned. The Native Chiefs and their people have been through long distances to this establishment and I have known many instances of patients who have been some time in the Hospital unwilling to return to their pas, and most anxious to procure employment from the Europeans.

The Native Patients also have, always been most anxious before their departure to procure my consent to their immediate return in case of any sickness, and seldom fail to recommend and carry with them the rules of dietary, &c.

I have also known instances of some old chiefs who, from being most prejudiced and opposed to medical treatment, have become first believers in the remedial powers of the medical art, in consequence of the care of some friend or relation whom they supposed could not recover.

In conclusion, I have only to remark, that as the friend of the Hospital was first opened many persons well acquainted with the native character doubted the practicability of getting the natives to forego their deeply rooted prejudices and take advantage of the benefits of an Hospital, so strong and persevered were their ideas in this respect; there can now no longer any doubt remain on this point, and I am clearly convinced that the natives in all matters tending to their improvement and welfare, are not only fully alive to appreciate and second any efforts made in their behalf, but are fast progressing in civilization.

I have the honor to remain,

Sir,

Your most obedient servant,

P. FYNN, ESQUIRE, M.D.,
Colonial Surgeon.

The Hon. the Colonial Secretary,
&c. &c. &c.

NOTICE.

Custom House, Wellington,
4th February, 1850.

THE Warehouse lately erected by William Hickson and Co. at Te Aro, has been approved for the reception of Goods under license under the provisions of the Ordinance of the Governor and Council, 4th Vic., No. 8, of 1841.

STEPHEN CARKEEK,
Acting Collector.

Resident Magistrate’s Court,
Wellington, 5th February, 1850.

NOTICE is HEREBY GIVEN, that a Special Meeting of the Justices of the Peace for this District, will be holden at this Court on Tuesday the 5th day of March next, at 10 o’Clock, for the purpose of taking into consideration applications for the transfer of Publicans’ Licenses.

JOHN E. SMITH,
Clerk to Magistrates.

Colonial Secretary’s Office,
Wellington, 13th February, 1850.

NOTICE is HEREBY GIVEN, that the N. Boat fully completed under the superintendence of Captain A. H. Russell, and leaving from Wellington to Wairarapa, will henceforth be discontinued as the North-Western Road.

By His Excellency’s Command,

ALFRED DOMETT,
Colonial Secretary.

Colonial Secretary’s Office,
Wellington, 18th February, 1850.

TENDERS will be received at this office, at or before the 1st day of March next, for renewing the Flooring of the Hutt Bridge with Totara Planking.

Specifications may be seen at this office.

Tenders to be in duplicate, sealed and endorsed, “Tenders for Flooring Hutt Bridge.”

By His Excellency’s Command,

ALFRED DOMETT,
Colonial Secretary.