A MORBID MAORI.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 13 October 1919, Page 4

A MORBID MAORI.

•AND A TACTFUL NTJKSE. A Maori, who-had apparently sunk to (hat morbid state productive of a desire to create a sensation, -without the necessary courage to act. walked into the ■\Vaikato Hospital en Saturday night,, and stated that he intended to create a record in suicides, for he was going to bring about his end in ten seconds. The nurse to whom he spoke jras.-quite equal to the occasion, and insteaa-"Of going into hysterics and screaming for help to save the poor man from himself, she surprised the 2sativc by nonchalantly asking him to kindly perform the operation out in the grounds, as to take his life- in the building might cause the cleaners some additional work. The Maori left, but returned later, when he announced that he had reduced his proposed time by nine seconds, and wasthen prepared to do the deed in one second. Answering him in a quiet voice, the nurse told him to be certain and complete the deed, and not to come rushing back to the building with it half done, as by doing so he might shock some of the weaker patients, i Once more the native left, since when he has returned several times. The deed is still uncompleted. The "Waikato Times" thinks this may be regarded as an excellent example of tact and judgment on the part of the nurse, for it is just possible that had she acted otherwise, the man might in a St of bravado have made a sudden attempt to injure himself.