THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE 307

all infirm men, with shattered constitutions,
and suffering from old standing extensive
organic disease of the chest. The patients, at
the onset of this affection (Dysent. Chron.),
endured much pain, which was followed by
peculiar and sudden depression, of so deadly
a nature as to render recovery in many
instances hopeless. I treated all these cases
with large doses of ipecac., allowing at the
same time liberal quantities of wine, and the
result, as is evident, has been very satisfac-
tory. "Cystitis" (inflammation of the
bladder), the only other case of importance,
is still under treatment; but taking into
consideration the patients' previous history
and present state of health, I feel disposed
to think that there are but very feeble hopes
of his recovery. This man is also consump-
tive and broken down.

Three operations were performed by me,
which seemed to afford great satisfaction to
the natives. The remaining cases presenting
nothing worthy of notice, I make no com-
ments on them.

The prisoners, as a rule, are a healthy,
well-developed, muscular set of men, with
strongly marked intellectual expression of
countenance, and shrewd features. Many
of them are disposed to study, and it is
gratifying to notice their eagerness in the
pursuit of knowledge. The Hulk is in every
respect adapted for the accommodation of the
people it holds; and in no instance of my
experience with prison ships have I seen men
under confinement look so cheerful, satisfied,
and comfortable, and so well behaved as the
Maoris on the 'Marion.' There appears to
be an universal sense of gratitude, and it is
pleasing to observe how adequately and
carefully everything has been arranged to
satisfy the wants, and conduce towards the
health of a race of men whose hitherto
existence must have been in a great measure
inconsistent with the ideas of European
living. There are certainly some who look
dejected, caused without a doubt by old age
and long standing disease; but even these
make the best of it, and are strongly con-
vinced that their treatment on board evi-
dently tends to prolong life. Now that the
house and grounds on the North Shore are
placed at our disposal, the men are, in turns
and regularly, taken there, and the change,
or rather the novelty, of being on "terra
firma," has an influence over them which is
materially calculated to enliven and invigo-
rate the constitution. The men already on
shore and under treatment have considerably
improved, more especially the wounded, who
from their original crippled state are now
gradually and steadily regaining the powers
of their limbs. The sanitary arrangements
of the Hulk have been strictly carried out,
and the introduction of fumigation since my
joining has had the effect of preventing any
outbreak of disease. The lower deck, which
was built in the early part of March, is the
most comfortable place in the ship; and
never, during my connection with troops,
and naval and military prisons, have I seen
so spacious an accommodation afforded to so
limited a number of men. The decks are
regularly sprinkled with chloride of lime,
dry scrubbed, and kept in a perfect state of
cleanliness. The bulkheads are also white-
washed with lime as often as is thought
necessary, and every available means adopted
to ensure proper ventilation. The supply
and quantity of provisions have been gene-
rally very satisfactory, and the change in the
rations lately recommended and adopted,
has been advantageous, inasmuch as it suits
the natives better, by rendering the food
more amenable to easy digestion. Besides
the above, the prisoners are allowed to eat
oysters, peppies, and fish, as circumstances
permit. Having thus briefly commented
upon the present report, I beg to be allowed
to suggest that the upper deck of the Hulk
be housed, and a few more scuttles provided
for the lower one; and with the conviction
that this additional improvement, if sanc-
tioned, would tend to place the 'Marion'
beyond the censure of the most critical ob-
server, I have the honor to conclude my
remarks.

S. SAM,
Surgeon,
In medical charge Hulk 'Marion.'

Hulk 'Marion,'
Auckland Harbour.
20th June, 1864.

SIR,-I have the honor to forward for the
information of the Hon. the Native Minister,
the six-monthly Report of the sick and
wounded Maori Prisoners on board the Hulk,
and at the Hospital, North Shore.

I have, &c.,
T. A. WHITE.

The Native Secretary,
Native Office, Auckland.
(Return omitted being identical with that
forwarded by Dr. Sam)

REMARKS.

The prisoners under treatment since their
captivity have got on very favourably; and,
with few exceptions, all cases in hospital
readily yielded to the remedies employed.
At the onset, "Itch" seemed to be the
prevalent complaint; but with vigorous mea-
sures this disease soon disappeared, and
there is not even a trace of it now left
amongst the men. "Dysentry" was about
the most formidable malady under treatment,
and seven men have fallen victims to it. I
ought to mention here that in all the deaths
there were complications of severe chest affec-
tions. Three operations have been performed
by the surgeon, and the result in each case has
been very favourable. With the exception
of the diseases above mentioned, nothing
of interest has transpired; and though many
of the prisoners appear weak and infirm, yet
their improvement on board has been so
marked that they express themselves satis-
fied and cheerful. During the summer