MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 September 1938, Page 4

MAORI MEMORIES

KIA ORA KOE. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) Statistics credit New Zealand with the lowest infant morality and the highest record of health in the world. It is believed by those best qualified to judge by reason of an intimate knowledge of Maori language and tradition, that century old survivors among their men and more so among women far outnumbered all European experience. This is attributed, not to a voluntary abstinence from over indulgence, but to the actual scarcity of food, and constant effort to procure it. Another factor in the health of the Maori was the universal belief that sickness was a crime compared with which a moral lapse was of minor gravity and more easily remedied. Their Ariki (high priest) held the inviolable secret of what we now envisage as “euthanasia.” When incurable suffering or mental aberration was shown, that medical, mental, and moral authority, without premonition of the patient, or knowledge of any one on earth, painlessly put the erring one to death by a sharp blow on a vital spot. To the Maori, the greatest blot on civilisation is our rapidly increasing number of patients in our hospitals and asylums. Possibly I have previously referred to this striking statement of a modern philosopher —if so pardon me—“lt is more disgraceful to be in hospital than in gaol—lf you are imprisoned it is because you have’ broken some common law made by your fellow man, and judged by him. If in hospital, ten to one you have broken God’s good laws and are being warned by Him as a lesson to you and others.” To men and women who realise this great truth, Heaven is here and now, Hell is a pleasantry, and Fear is the only devil. The Maori greeting, “Kia Ora Koe,” means: — Health unto thee and Ever prosperous days, May Life’s best blessings Be with thee always.