MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 March 1940, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES

WATERS OF JORDAN HERE.

<Rpcor<l(?<l by J.U.S. for the “Tlmes-ARe.

Al an elevation of 7000 ft. in a beautiful cave near the summit of Ruapehu, adventurers found the source of the Whangaehu River, which wanders al great length from side to side of the valley to the sea. less than seventy miles distant.

To the sacred waters of this river the Maoris attribute many virtues as a healing medium for rheumatism and skin diseases. This has been fully confirmed by analysis and the experience of those living on its fertile banks. At normal summer level, its grey waters tinged with blue remind one of soapsuds. Fish avoid its. bitter waters and stock will not drink it. Maori tohunga (priests) proclaimed it tapu (sacred), and thus reserved its use to enhance their own reputation as miraculous healers. Perhaps that is why our pakeha farmer friends living along its banks do not realise its virtues as a healer. , With luxurious baths heated by electricity, beautiful gardens and attractive accommodation, one could establish a modern spa. whpre thousands of our over-nourished sufferers would flock in for modern healing which would, of course, include Nature’s own secrets of rhythmical sounding treatment by practising "moderation. mastication, lubrication and elimination.” wherein lies a health secret of which few are aware.